advice for visa applicants

[Chamy and Gatita 3]

Here's a bit of advice for when you are still in separate countries--have your foreign fiance/spouse get a drivers license from their country while they are waiting to come here. Some states in the US will allow them to drive on their foreign DL once they arrive here, but they WON'T allow them to get a driver's license here until they get their green card. It never crossed my mind to ask my husband if he had a DL (- is the pope catholic?) But he didn't have one. So for those of you still in the waiting game, look into it. Getting a foreign DL before entering the US may save you a lot of headache, especially if you live in an area without good public transport.

[KimandRuss 0]

Good advice. Driving laws are State specific. In Massachusetts my husband is allowed to drive using his international license for up to a year.

moved to moving here and your new life in America

[kaffy 2]

In Massachusetts my husband is allowed to drive using his international license for up to a year.

Same as in Washington state. But if your license is in any language other than English then you would need to carry both that an an IDP which acts as a translation

[Old Dominion 26]

Great idea! A foreign drivers' license is valid in Virginia for only 90 days, but that's better than the alternative.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

actually, even if you think you know what the laws of your state are, be VERY prepared for your knowledge to actually be incorrect, or at least for MANY MANY PEOPLE to tell you so

from any number of official sources, including but not limited to the US embassy website, the Texas DPS website, the Texas DPS information line, a police officer, staff at a couple of different DPS offices, and other random websites, I have been told the following -

- I can drive for up to a year on my Australian license, no other papers required

- I can drive on my Australian license but need an International Drivers' License to accompany it

- I can drive ONLY on the International Drivers' License and don't need my Australian license

- upon arrival in Texas, I had 30 days to switch over to a Texas one, which would not require any testing, and at which point I would have to surrender my Australian license

- upon arrival in Texas, I had 30 days to switch over to a Texas one, but would need to do both written and skills tests, and wouldn't have to surrender my Australian license

- upon arrival in Texas, I had 30 days to switch over to a Texas one, but the license issued to me at that time would only be valid for as long as the I-94

- I can extend the validity of my visa, at which point I can have a normal Texas license

- I'm a complete undesirable and they all wish I had just stayed home and on one wants you immigrants here

(ok, made up that last one )

NO ONE can tell me what the true nature of the law is; everyone I speak to tells me they're the authority, but when I go to act on their instructions I'm told that that person is a moron and none of what I've been told is true... licensing laws, at least in Texas, are a MINEFIELD, so be prepared for hassles!

[TBoneTX 43,176]

...licensing laws, at least in Texas, are a MINEFIELD, so be prepared for hassles!

StP is correct about Texas, and I got different information from several Puerco (Pig) Departments. However, my two insurance agents, plus two different immigration attorneys, say that the foreigner can drive on his/her foreign license in Texas for one year... but also to keep a copy of the NOA1 for the AOS package on their person at all times!

Third time I've said it on various fora here: People are frustrated that they can't do anything about illegal immigration, so they take it out on the lawfully-here-yet-not-legal, si man.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

no one was interested in my NOA1... they kept repeating '30 days' like it was some sort of mantra

I'd be interested in any web links you've got, TBone...

[TBoneTX 43,176]

I'd be interested in any web links you've got, TBone...

I'll trade them for your admission that posts about treacle are welcome, StP -- ha! Actually, I recently deleted my messages that contained any links, but the links were merely to the Texas DPS and their infuriating requirements. Sorry 'bout that, si man, but you can probably get to those via few mouse-clicks. If I find that I didn't delete everything after all, I'll notify you, si man.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

the only thing I found on the DPS website proper were references to people who moved to Texas from another US state... even a search on the word 'international' only turned up two hits, neither of them relevant... go figure, huh

the information I got came from other sources... eg the state govt website, and such

any further info would be much welcomed

thank you

[Chamy and Gatita 3]

Still the Prettiest, great summary !! Same here in California.

By the way, you look FABULOUS in your photo!

actually, even if you think you know what the laws of your state are, be VERY prepared for your knowledge to actually be incorrect, or at least for MANY MANY PEOPLE to tell you so

from any number of official sources, including but not limited to the US embassy website, the Texas DPS website, the Texas DPS information line, a police officer, staff at a couple of different DPS offices, and other random websites, I have been told the following -

- I'm a complete undesirable and they all wish I had just stayed home and on one wants you immigrants here

(ok, made up that last one )

NO ONE can tell me what the true nature of the law is; everyone I speak to tells me they're the authority, but when I go to act on their instructions I'm told that that person is a moron and none of what I've been told is true... licensing laws, at least in Texas, are a MINEFIELD, so be prepared for hassles!

[Nikita2Charles 31]

THe other reason to bring in your Driver's license is for Car insurance purposes. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A COPY OF IT If you have to surrender it to DMV.

With that Copy you can use your past experiences to lower your premium, If you don't have it and just have the new driver's license, some insurance companies will look at you as a new driver and GOTCHA higher premium.

[darwinsfinch 0]

THe other reason to bring in your Driver's license is for Car insurance purposes. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A COPY OF IT If you have to surrender it to DMV.

With that Copy you can use your past experiences to lower your premium, If you don't have it and just have the new driver's license, some insurance companies will look at you as a new driver and GOTCHA higher premium.

ooooooOOOOOOOOOO thanks for the tips. Just got NOA 2 and not sure what to do next. I can tell him that's something he could do. I will look into it!!!

Appreciate your help!

[TBoneTX 43,176]

Just got NOA 2 and not sure what to do next.

(Dear God, another Guayaquil interviewee-to-be...) Si, man -- have him get his driver's license... and YOU prepare to attend his consular interview (once it's scheduled) in Guayaquil, even if you are on your deathbed. Otherwise, the driver's license may not matter, because there very well may be no visa. It is mandatory that the U.S. citizen be there for the visa interview, and rest assured that the consulate will never tell you this.

[Laura+Tom 2]

You can check www.dmv.org to see the requirements for non USC's. In Alabama I can drive for a year on my British license with an accompanying International Drivers Permit.

[Chamy and Gatita 3]

darwin's finch,

please contact one of us who already interviewed at guayaquil for helpful advice. read the reviews section first. start putting together your evidence for your I-131 now. order tax transcripts from the IRS for the last 3 yrs of taxes. ask your employer for a letter. all this takes time so start now so the wheels can start turning! TBone has a lot of helpful advice and is a great person who is generous with information. im happy to help too.

BTW judging from your VJ name, you must be a birder or into nature? me too!

all the best,

kathie