Driver's license help

[WizzyXo 2]

Hi all,

 

I'm new here so please forgive me if this question has been asked over and over again.

I've been poking around here and I know everyone's situation is a bit different which is the only reason I'm posting as I'm hoping someone may have a similar experience and can help guide me.

I may be doing this a bit prematurely but I really want to have all my ducks in a row and know exactly what to expect during the whole process.

 

I am a Canadian moving from Ontario to Ohio and my fiancé will be filing an I-129F petition for a K1 Visa so we can get married.

My question is: If anyone here lives in Ohio or has gone through the process, what is the best option for me after I move there? Would I be better off driving on my Canadian license until I get my AOS/ SSN? I've read that I am able to drive up to a year using my Canadian license but there is very conflicting information around. Unfortunately not driving is not an option as my fiancé has kids and I will have to help get them to/ from school etc while I'm in limbo until I can get working.

 

Any bit of information would be helpful.

 

Thank you!

[JeanneAdil 6,855]

Within the 1st couple of weeks , make appointment with SS office and secure the SS # as needed to change to Ohio ID or DL

 

You can drive in Ohio for a year but do not take the chance of driving out of the state as state laws differ and many require a change to state license within 30 days of the move even from state to state within the US

 

https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-non-permanent-resident.aspx

[WizzyXo 2]

Appreciate the response! I, for some reason, cannot access the Ohio BMV website in Canada (ugh) but luckily I am going to visit my fiance this weekend so I will do it when I'm there OR I will just have him look it up and send me screenshots!

[alliejourney 94]

I am in Ohio! 

 

As the information is very conflicting about whether or not you can drive on a foreign DL (since K1 is not technically a tourist visa and not technically an immigrant visa, it's murky waters), my husband opted not to drive at all until he was able to get his Ohio DL. I understand that may not be an option for you, so you may want to risk driving, because the bad news is that you cannot get an Ohio DL until you have your SSN and EAD, which will be strong enough evidence of legal presence and proof of address. 

 

If you do choose to drive, you'll want to make sure you carry documentation of your legal presence such as your passport with your K1 visa, NOA when you file for AOS, etc. 

[WizzyXo 2]

40 minutes ago, alliejourney said:

I am in Ohio! 

 

As the information is very conflicting about whether or not you can drive on a foreign DL (since K1 is not technically a tourist visa and not technically an immigrant visa, it's murky waters), my husband opted not to drive at all until he was able to get his Ohio DL. I understand that may not be an option for you, so you may want to risk driving, because the bad news is that you cannot get an Ohio DL until you have your SSN and EAD, which will be strong enough evidence of legal presence and proof of address. 

 

If you do choose to drive, you'll want to make sure you carry documentation of your legal presence such as your passport with your K1 visa, NOA when you file for AOS, etc. 

Got it, thanks so much!

[smilingstone 271]

Under what circumstances will you be staying in the US while your I-129F is pending? From what I understand, Canadians can stay up to 6 months, but processing time will exceed this.

[WizzyXo 2]

3 minutes ago, smilingstone said:

Under what circumstances will you be staying in the US while your I-129F is pending? From what I understand, Canadians can stay up to 6 months, but processing time will exceed this.

Oh I'm sorry, let me clarify. I will not be staying in the US until the K1 Visa is approved. We have not started the paperwork yet, I am simply doing my due diligence to gather as much information as needed for myself prior to filing so I can plan ahead and nothing comes as a shock.

[Legal Alien 144]

I'm in Michigan and from what I understood is that you're not allowed to drive on a foreign DL when entering on a K1. So I haven't been driving since I entered a year ago. I do hope my SSN and GC will be arriving quickly as it is starting to get annoying.

[Crazy Cat 43,327]

Seems to me you have 30 days to get a drivers license in Ohio after moving there:

 

https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/new-to-ohio.aspx

 

"New Ohio Residents

Welcome to Ohio! You are considered an Ohio resident once you:

• Take a job,
• Sign a lease,
• Buy a home, or
• Enroll children in school

Within 30 days of establishing residency, you are responsible for transferring your out-of-state driver license or ID card, vehicle title, and vehicle registration to Ohio."

 

Here is an old thread discussing Ohio DL and Canadians.  It seems Ohio has no direct exchange program as do some states.

 

 

[mam521 2,398]

I know you're asking about a license, but is there a particular reason you're applying for a K1?  Have you considered going the spousal route of a CR1? 

[WizzyXo 2]

5 hours ago, mam521 said:

I know you're asking about a license, but is there a particular reason you're applying for a K1?  Have you considered going the spousal route of a CR1? 

From what I understand, if we get married first and apply for a CR1 I will not be able to visit him in the US while the application is pending and I've read there are much longer wait times for approval than on a K1 Visa. We only live about 4.5-5 hours drive away from each other so I don't want to stop visiting him if I am able.

[Crazy Cat 43,327]

5 minutes ago, WizzyXo said:

From what I understand, if we get married first and apply for a CR1 I will not be able to visit him in the US while the application is pending

That is inaccurate.  You were misinformed.  There is a megathread regarding that subject.

 

 

Edited April 17 by Crazy Cat

[WizzyXo 2]

6 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

That is inaccurate.  You were misinformed.  There is a megathread regarding that subject.

 

 

I wish there wasn't a ton of misinformation all over the internet. 😔
It makes this entire process much more difficult.
I will take a read, thanks!

[WizzyXo 2]

9 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

That is inaccurate.  You were misinformed.  There is a megathread regarding that subject.

 

 

I'm sorry, I took a look and realized this is the thread for K1 Visa's. I have already looked into this which is a large reason as to why we are going that route because we can visit each other while the application for the I-129F is pending. I was under the impression you meant the CR1.

[Crazy Cat 43,327]

13 minutes ago, WizzyXo said:

I'm sorry, I took a look and realized this is the thread for K1 Visa's. I have already looked into this which is a large reason as to why we are going that route because we can visit each other while the application for the I-129F is pending. I was under the impression you meant the CR1.

The same visitation rules apply to both the K-1 and CR-1....the very same.  You can visit at the discretion of CBP at the border.  There is no prohibition to entry into the US after marriage to a US citizen or after starting the spousal visa process.  

Edited April 17 by Crazy Cat