problems to get my drivers license

[Eve81 19]

Hi,

 

Some weeks ago I went for my written drivers test. Turned out I needed an i-797 to get my permit and as we had some problems with USCIS, I didn't have that yet. So by the time my I-797 arrived, my I-94 was expired. I went back to the DMV and they don't want to give me my drive permit, because of that. The lady told me I can try to get some kind of extension on my I-94 otherwise I have to wait until my greencard finally comes before being allowed to drive. 6 more months!!! Does someone know how that extension is called. She said an I-551 but that actually is your greencard. The temporary I-551 doesn't seem to fit in the category too...

[Georgia16 2,858]

Most places you can't get DL without the Green Card or the EAD. 

 

So try and go back when you have your EAD.

[Roel 7,192]

7 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

Hi,

 

Some weeks ago I went for my written drivers test. Turned out I needed an i-797 to get my permit and as we had some problems with USCIS, I didn't have that yet. So by the time my I-797 arrived, my I-94 was expired. I went back to the DMV and they don't want to give me my drive permit, because of that. The lady told me I can try to get some kind of extension on my I-94 otherwise I have to wait until my greencard finally comes before being allowed to drive. 6 more months!!! Does someone know how that extension is called. She said an I-551 but that actually is your greencard. The temporary I-551 doesn't seem to fit in the category too...

Yeah the lady was kind of right.

 

Wait until EAD or green card.

[K1visaHopeful 2,814]

2 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

Hi,

 

Some weeks ago I went for my written drivers test. Turned out I needed an i-797 to get my permit and as we had some problems with USCIS, I didn't have that yet. So by the time my I-797 arrived, my I-94 was expired. I went back to the DMV and they don't want to give me my drive permit, because of that. The lady told me I can try to get some kind of extension on my I-94 otherwise I have to wait until my greencard finally comes before being allowed to drive. 6 more months!!! Does someone know how that extension is called. She said an I-551 but that actually is your greencard. The temporary I-551 doesn't seem to fit in the category too...

In most states when you apply for a temporary DL, it will expire on Day 90 when your I94 expires. Most states will not extend a temporary DL because after the I94 expires you are out of status and are only on authorized stay pending your AOS application.

 

After that you can only apply for a full DL once you have legal status. You will have legal status again once your EAD or GC is approved (whichever comes first). It is extremely common to not be able to drive after day 90 and before your EAD/GC is approved. It's just the downside of the K1 process.

 

You cannot get an extension on your I94. What the person was implying is that because you dont have legal status, she cannot issue a DL. You will need legal status again and to have legal status you will need to wait for your approved EAD or GC.

[Eve81 19]

1 minute ago, Georgia16 said:

Most places you can't get DL without the Green Card or the EAD. 

 

So try and go back when you have your EAD.

We can in Colorado... but that's a good thing though, if an EAD would work. I'll need to check that.

[millefleur 5,046]

**Moved from AOS from K1 and K3 Family Based Visas to Moving to the US and Your New Life In America; driver's license topic is usually discussed there**

[K1visaHopeful 2,814]

8 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

We can in Colorado... but that's a good thing though, if an EAD would work. I'll need to check that.

If you check the Colarado DMV website you will see you can only drive while you have authorized status. Once your I94 expires you will not have authorized status and wont have it again until your EAD or GC is approved.

They MAY have issued you a temporary DL IF within your first 90 days and MAY have extended that temporary license had you provided documentation that you have a pending I485 or I765 application (in SOME states the do extend it) BUT because you were not approved before your legal status ended they will not issue you a DL.

Edited March 18, 2019 by K1visaHopeful

[Eve81 19]

1 minute ago, K1visaHopeful said:

If you check the Colarado DMV website you will see you can only drive while you have authorized status. Once your I94 expires you will not have authorized status and wont have it again until your EAD or GC is approved.

They didn't tell that when I went for doing my test 4 days before expiring from my I-94... So or they don't know how their things work... or it is possible. The lady told me, I'd get a temporary one and could shedule my practical test the second I brought my I-797 so I'd have a real DL...
Anyway, that doesn't matter now... Nice when you need to go and do biometrics but you're not allowed to drive...

[Georgia16 2,858]

8 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

We can in Colorado... but that's a good thing though, if an EAD would work. I'll need to check that.

No, because then you wouldn't have these problems getting the DL. 

[K1visaHopeful 2,814]

2 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

They didn't tell that when I went for doing my test 4 days before expiring from my I-94... So or they don't know how their things work... or it is possible. The lady told me, I'd get a temporary one and could shedule my practical test the second I brought my I-797 so I'd have a real DL...
Anyway, that doesn't matter now... Nice when you need to go and do biometrics but you're not allowed to drive...

I haven't left my house more than 6 times in the 6 months I've been waiting. Join the club.

[Crazy Cat 41,850]

This is one of the BIG limitations with a K-1......Sorry, but I think the DMV person is correct.

[millefleur 5,046]

28 minutes ago, missileman said:

This is one of the BIG limitations with a K-1......Sorry, but I think the DMV person is correct.

The thing with the K-1 visa is that it's rushing to stand still. Yes, people get here faster on a K-1 but then you can become a prisoner in your own home during that limbo period. 😕

 

34 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

Anyway, that doesn't matter now... Nice when you need to go and do biometrics but you're not allowed to drive...

There's always ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft) in case you need to be driven anywhere. You can find coupons online too. Not the cheapest option but at least you could get to your appointment.

 

[Eve81 19]

2 minutes ago, millefleur said:

The thing with the K-1 visa is that it's rushing to stand still. Yes, people get here faster on a K-1 but then you can become a prisoner in your own home during that limbo period. 😕

 

There's always ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft) in case you need to be driven anywhere. You can find coupons online too. Not the cheapest option but at least you could get to your appointment.

 

Ok, an illegal question? How bad would it be if I am driving anyway. I do have a Belgian drivers license for already 18 years. We are allowed to drive for 90 days, and then not anymore. Very kafkaian! Most of the times, my husband drives anyway, but he has to work on the Biometrics day...

[Georgia16 2,858]

2 minutes ago, Eve81 said:

Ok, an illegal question? How bad would it be if I am driving anyway. I do have a Belgian drivers license for already 18 years. We are allowed to drive for 90 days, and then not anymore. Very kafkaian! Most of the times, my husband drives anyway, but he has to work on the Biometrics day...

Traffic misdemeanor which can be short jail time and a fine. Also, you may not be covered by insurance so if something happens you may not be covered. I don't think you want to start your life in the US like that. Why not just take a uber or lyft or see if a family member can take you or your hubby could take off? 

[Eve81 19]

Just now, Georgia16 said:

Traffic misdemeanor which can be short jail time and a fine. Also, you may not be covered by insurance so if something happens you may not be covered. I don't think you want to start your life in the US like that. Why not just take a uber or lyft or see if a family member can take you or your hubby could take off? 

It's far and we don't have family... I'll try to rearrange the appointment then...