US Driver License after entry while waiting for green card

[olgamikh 7]

Hello,

My husband just entered the US as a new lawful permanent resident (F2A category) and is waiting for his card to be mailed. He has received his SSN and wanted to make an appointment at the DMV for his driving test. The online system requested a scan of his passport with STAMPED visa, which he does not have - in fact, they stopped stamping passports upon entry in some ports (https://ogletree.com/insights/cbp-expands-pilot-program-eliminating-entry-stamps-on-admission-to-the-united-states/).

Does it make sense to go to DMV and ask in person? Or shall he try to get the stamp from USCIS through infopass at the local office? Or just sit and wait for his green card?

 

P.S. We live in California if that matters

Thank you!

[Chancy 6,241]

15 minutes ago, olgamikh said:

The online system requested a scan of his passport with STAMPED visa, which he does not have - in fact, they stopped stamping passports upon entry in some ports

 

That was a mistake.  An immigrant visa must be stamped on entry to be considered an endorsed visa (temporary green card).  Your husband will need to visit a CBP deferred inspection site to get the stamp.  Contact the nearest office to get an appointment -- https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites

 

[Scandi 4,166]

5 hours ago, olgamikh said:

Hello,

My husband just entered the US as a new lawful permanent resident (F2A category) and is waiting for his card to be mailed. He has received his SSN and wanted to make an appointment at the DMV for his driving test. The online system requested a scan of his passport with STAMPED visa, which he does not have - in fact, they stopped stamping passports upon entry in some ports (https://ogletree.com/insights/cbp-expands-pilot-program-eliminating-entry-stamps-on-admission-to-the-united-states/).

Does it make sense to go to DMV and ask in person? Or shall he try to get the stamp from USCIS through infopass at the local office? Or just sit and wait for his green card?

 

P.S. We live in California if that matters

Thank you!

You always get a stamp when you enter as an LPR (not to confuse with the stamp they give to tourists). If he didn't get one then a mistake was made and he needs to go get it corrected with CBP. That stamp is the only proof of his status in the US until he gets his physical greencard, it's an important stamp.

Edited February 8, 2023 by Scandi

[Dashinka 24,489]

Are you certain he does not have a stamp like below in his passport?  It would not be stamped directly on the visa, but usually on the adjoining page and should show the visa class, "F2A" in you case.

 

[Mike E 11,739]

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

8 hours ago, olgamikh said:

Hello,

My husband just entered the US as a new lawful permanent resident (F2A category) and is waiting for his card to be mailed. He has received his SSN and wanted to make an appointment at the DMV for his driving test. The online system requested a scan of his passport with STAMPED visa, which he does not have - in fact, they stopped stamping passports upon entry in some ports (https://ogletree.com/insights/cbp-expands-pilot-program-eliminating-entry-stamps-on-admission-to-the-united-states/).

Does it make sense to go to DMV and ask in person? Or shall he try to get the stamp from USCIS through infopass at the local office? Or just sit and wait for his green card?

 

P.S. We live in California if that matters

Thank you!

 

The article is referring to non-immigrant visas, for which some POE's do not stamp the passport, apparently.

 

Your husband entered on an immigrant visa, which requires it to be endorsed upon entry.  It is a one time endorsement that converts the immigration visa into a temporary GC for 1 year.  

 

As others have stated and shown examples, if your husband's visa is not endorsed you need to go to a deffered inspection center.

[olgamikh 7]

22 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

That was a mistake.  An immigrant visa must be stamped on entry to be considered an endorsed visa (temporary green card).  Your husband will need to visit a CBP deferred inspection site to get the stamp.  Contact the nearest office to get an appointment -- https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites

 

Thank you, you were right - he did go to the deferred inspection site today and got his stamp!