Hawaii before AOS approved?

[thursdayschild 0]

Does anyone have any idea if Hawaii (though a state) is okay to visit before the AOS is approved?

I will be living in Southern California with my then husband. We're hoping to do a honeymoon before he deploys if the visa comes though in time. I know you can't leave the country until the AOS is approved, but we'd like to do a honeymoon before he deploys and chances are the AOS won't be done before he deploys. Hawaii is a state, I know that, but it's a fickle thing because you still have to go through customs and whatnot, according to FI. I just don't want to end up trapped there or in some terrible situation. Thanks!

[lovetimhortons 1]

We did same and it was fine. Just in case make sure to take all travel documents (state driver's license, passport, AP document, copy of marriage certificate and NOA1), but i just used my state driver's license as ID.

Have fun!!

Just an FYI: not sure if Hawaiian cruise is okay, and make sure that you don't stop over in any other countries (it would be really unlikely to happen going from california to hawaii...).

Edited June 24, 2011 by lovetimhortons

[thursdayschild 0]

We did same and it was fine. Just in case make sure to take all travel documents (state driver's license, passport, AP document, copy of marriage certificate and NOA1), but i just used my state driver's license as ID.

Have fun!!

Just an FYI: not sure if Hawaiian cruise is okay, and make sure that you don't stop over in any other countries (it would be really unlikely to happen going from california to hawaii...).

Thanks so much! You've put my mind at ease. I'm not too worried about a cruise, since we weren't planning any of that, but it's good to know!

[Paul H 4]

Ah, I had the same question about Hawaii. So at what point can my fiancee get a state drivers license? Can that be done as soon as she uses her visa to enter the country? Did you run into any issues with that?

[thursdayschild 0]

Ah, I had the same question about Hawaii. So at what point can my fiancee get a state drivers license? Can that be done as soon as she uses her visa to enter the country? Did you run into any issues with that?

http://www.stanford.edu/group/cdnclub/wiki/content/how-do-i-get-california-drivers-license

I haven't done it yet, but the above site is the most concise information I have found regarding getting a California driver's license. It may vary state to state but that'll give you an idea. You need a SSN basically then follow the state's requirements.

[Paul H 4]

http://www.stanford.edu/group/cdnclub/wiki/content/how-do-i-get-california-drivers-license

I haven't done it yet, but the above site is the most concise information I have found regarding getting a California driver's license. It may vary state to state but that'll give you an idea. You need a SSN basically then follow the state's requirements.

Yeah I looked up the requirements in Virginia. It states a SSN is required if one was issued to you so I need to ask them to clarify that. Proof of residency shouldn't be a problem since they will accept a foreign passport with a immigrant visa plus the marriage certificate. If it ends up that she can't get a drivers license she could still get a state id card which doesn't require a SSN.

Edited June 25, 2011 by Paul H

[jac_chappin 24]

Hawaii should be fine as it's a state. It's still considered a domestic flight and you don't have to go through immigration.

Enjoy your vacay!