Flying to US on CR1 visa

[Kyle65 0]

Hello to everyone here, this is my 1st post.

I have completed my I-130 process and now have my CR1 Visa in my passport and am flying out to be with my wife on sunday.

I have a few questions....

Why is the visa only valid for 5 months?

Are there more things I need to do as soon as I get there or is it all taken care of when I go through immigration in Chicago

with extra paperwork etc

TIA

[canadian_wife 1,831]

Most visas are valid for that amount of time. Sometimes it is due to the validity of the medical, but visas are for family reunification so most people do not have a problem traveling in that amount of time.

good luck

[Kyle65 0]

Another question...can I drive legally there once I move with a vallid full UK driving licence?

[NickUSMC 3]

You need an international driving license. but since you are MOVING to the US you need a US DL. You cannot convert your UK DL into a US DL. But don't bother too much, it's not hard.

Edited March 22, 2013 by NickUSMC

[Kyle65 0]

You need an international driving license. but since you are MOVING to the US you need a US DL. You cannot convert your UK DL into a US DL. But don't bother too much, it's not hard.

But if I was going there on holiday a uk driving licence is good enough to hire a car, I understand that I am moving there but I wont have a SSN to enable me to get a driving licence I need to be able to drive as soon as I get off the plane.

I know the US driving test is 'easy' compared to the UK one

[NickUSMC 3]

When you are visiting you can rent a car using your DL, but when you move after 90 days you either need an international DL or local DL.

So yes you can rent a car when you arrive in the US, make sure you always have your passport with you when you're driving. When you receive your SSN go to your local DMV and apply for a new DL.

[Kyle65 0]

When you are visiting you can rent a car using your DL, but when you move after 90 days you either need an international DL or local DL.

So yes you can rent a car when you arrive in the US, make sure you always have your passport with you when you're driving. When you receive your SSN go to your local DMV and apply for a new DL.

Thanks..I am planning on getting a SSN asap and a driving licence followed by a job, I may look into getting an international driving licence too.

This has been a long time comming for me (nearly 2 years in the planning) and am excited to be moving