What next after AOS filed: Driving License, SSN etc

[klsanchez 0]

I've filed my AOS (130/485) and had a few questions about things while I'm waiting to adjust status:

- Am I allowed to be driving on a UK driving license in Texas? (I've been here over 90 days)

- How do I apply for a Texas license without a SSN or Greencard or an EAD?

- When can I apply for a SSN? - do I have to wait for my EAD?

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from Fam.-based AOS to WST-based AOS Forum~

[blest.but.strest 50]

I've filed my AOS (130/485) and had a few questions about things while I'm waiting to adjust status:

- Am I allowed to be driving on a UK driving license in Texas? (I've been here over 90 days)

- How do I apply for a Texas license without a SSN or Greencard or an EAD?

- When can I apply for a SSN? - do I have to wait for my EAD?

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Wait for EAD, with EAD you will be able to apply for SSN and Drivers license

[Sunnyland 639]

If you didnt apply for SSN before you i-94 expired, then you will have to wait to receive your EAD to go to any ssn office. Bring with you also your passport and the marriage certificate.

I dont know how is in Texas, I live in FL and I did not have any previous driver license from my country. To do the written driving test they requested the SSN and my GC (I already had my CG by when I did my test). I also showed them 2 utility bills under my name.

Check with your nearest DMV office to see what requisites they need from you.

[Marco&Bettina 502]

^This.

Edited May 8, 2015 by Marco&Bettina

[ValerieA 350]

Here's the link to the TxDPS page you need: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/movingtotexas.htm

But, basically:

1. No, not if you have lived here for >90 days

2. It seems you can apply for one if you have the I-797 showing you have a pending I-485, the way I read the rules

3. Yes, although typically you get the EAD shortly before your green card, and to save hassle (who wants to go to the SSA twice ) you may want to just wait until you get the green card. The SSN you get with your EAD is stamped with "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION."

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I've filed my AOS (130/485) and had a few questions about things while I'm waiting to adjust status:

- Am I allowed to be driving on a UK driving license in Texas? (I've been here over 90 days)

To me it is a gray area that is debated often. Are you a resident before USCIS gives you a greencard or EAD? Or are you a visitor from the UK having nothing that says you may remain in the US? My husband chose to drive. Others don't.

- How do I apply for a Texas license without a SSN or Greencard or an EAD?

You can't. Both are required. The Texas DPS webpage tends to sound like the NOA1 from applying will allow a license, but I have known 4 or 5 (various cities) who were told no to that because it has no date showing your legal presence. EAD is the first document you will get that says you are allowed one year in the US. Your license will expire the same day. NOA1 has no date for them to be able to know when your presence expires, so no license is what the others were told.

- When can I apply for a SSN? - do I have to wait for my EAD?

Yes because it will confirm you have legal presence and can work for one year. Right now you have no more privileges than a visitor really....meaning nothing in writing from immigration (with a date) documenting how you can stay.

[klsanchez 0]

Ok, thanks everyone for your help.