Hello All,

I just got my Driving Licence today, I thought I would share as it may help some.

I brough:

My french Driving Licence

My Passport with my K-1 visa in it and my I-94 attached,

Notice of Action from the USCIS stating the were accepting my I-485 application (and in doubt, the appointment paper from biometrics that has been signed by the officer the day of my biometrics... but I don't think they looked at that really)

A proof of residency: my lease

My social security card

I also had a mariage certificate to reflect name change but they didn't ask me for this as my social security card already has my new name.

They made me take the knowledge test only. (I think this depends on what country issued your driving licence, and what state you live in I suppose, but from what I read, it is what is usually happening)

I don't have my green card yet, or my EAD/AP, and my driving licence is valid for 6 months.

Now, I had to argue for this. The women in charge of issuing the driving licence wanted to give me one with the same expiration date as my K-1  visa (not even as my I-94, which would have actually have been worse for me but which would have made more sense too...), even though I brough the NOA for the I-485 (aka GC application)

I told her it didn't make sense as I could wait about 1 year to get my green card, so that wouldn't make sense that I'd be able to drive only for 3 months... I asked if I could come back with my EAD to have a DL with the same expiration date as the EAD. She told be no, then I asked to speak to a manager.

The manager looked at my visa, took a list of what she had to ask for in my case, and asked me for my notice of action. She wanted to give a DL with an expiration date that was the same as my visa, but that I could come back with the employment card and get a new expiration date. I said ok. She didn't know what to do with my NOA so ask her manager. He told her to give me 6 months validity (at last!). So this is what I got.

So don't let them fool you, be patient, calm, try to connect (it really helps)!

Also, check everything carefully, they printed a DL with a one month expiration date instead of 6. I saw it immediatly, they reprinted one.

Good luck!

Good day,

I have been living in the US for 9 years. I first came in 2004 under a F-1 visa to get my PhD, then continued as a J-1 scholar  (2year rule exempt) since 2009. My visa expires next year in May.

Meanwhile, I have now been married for 2 years to a US citizen, and she mentioned that it would be about time for me to adjust my status here in the US. I agree with her of course, but paperwork and bureaucracy gives me some awkward allergic reaction, hence my presence here.

Now, does the fact that I have been living here for so long changes anything in the process? In other words, I am confused to what am I eligible to (like many others it seems), and wonder about the proper pathway for me to stay here in the best legal conditions.

Any advice?

Best regards,

T.

Hey Visa Journey,

We are December 17th Filers and just got sent this email:

"On May 24, 2013, we transferred this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) to another office for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case. We sent you a notice of this transfer. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283."

I assume this means it's going to another service centre?  I wonder if this is because of the backlog?

Hello,

I filled for a IR-1 visa last february. In France, my name is written like this on my french ID and passport :

Firstname : my firstname - Last name : my maiden name - Spouse name - my spouse name

When we filled my I-130 and DS-230, my husband told me that the middle name was like a second firstname is the US so I put  "none" everywhere since I had no second firstname. This is how I filled :

Firstname : my firstname - Middle name : none - Last name : my spouse name

Other names used : my firstname + my maiden name

Now I realize that my maiden name is going to appear absolutely nowhere on my US papers... And that it might be complicated when I'll have to show my diplomas or other papers (like my french driver's licence) that only have my maiden name on them (from when I wasn't married). The names on my US papers and french papers won't match and I don't want to carry my french passport everywhere as a proof.

Do you think I can ask the officer to change my name and replace "none" for the middle name by my maiden name, during the interview at the embassy ?

Thank you in advance for your answers, have a nice day

Hello,

My fiance (French) and I (American) filed on October 22, 2012 and finally received a REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE letter last week.  

The RFE letter asked to provide information that we've met each other in the past two years including: photos together, passport stamps, flight itineraries, statements of history of relationship and intent to marry.  This is fine, however, we have included all these previously with our initial submission and don't want to waste more time not submitting what they're looking for.  Does anyone have any advice on what to include in this RFE?

Thanks!

Andrea