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Misadventures of getting a drivers license (K-1, New Jersey)

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
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Although you certainly must have been gritting your teeth (at minimum) while typing, this thread is exactly what's needed to help others in New Jersey and perhaps elsewhere.  Thanks for your efforts.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Cambodia
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7 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Although you certainly must have been gritting your teeth (at minimum) while typing, this thread is exactly what's needed to help others in New Jersey and perhaps elsewhere.  Thanks for your efforts.

Thanks, I have contacted the main office at MVC to lodge this complaint as well. I do not care to hear any more apologies, I want them to fix the process for other people in this situation. 

 

At one point I was told I need to go back to immigration for something. I knew it was false but spent an hour on the phone with USCIS anyway. MVC also asked me if I had a lawyer, insinuating I needed one. The day she got her license we arrived at MVC at 8:30 AM, and received her license by 4:30 PM that day. I was at MVC, on phone with USCIS or driving between MVC locations that entire day!

 

I am working out of the home and have time to help my wife deal with this, but what about others that do not have the time? I would hate to think someone actually believes they must wait for greencard before being allowed to drive! 

 

 


 


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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
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Your intrepid efforts in what will certainly be an uphill battle are appreciated.  Keep us apprised.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Sweden
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This is very helpful information! We aren't in NJ so it certainly could vary here in SC, but my husband and I have been going back and forth between whether or not to even attempt a DL for him until EAD is received, at the very least. We don't want to waste time or money unnecessarily. It sounds worth it to look into the Option D you listed above. Being we live in the country, it's a bigger pain point for us that he can't drive himself anywhere, and essentially go anywhere without me or spending money on an Uber.

 

Do you by chance know - when the times comes upon receipt of EAD (likely well before the green card), will the beneficiary have to retake the driving test or anything over again to get an extended license?

Håll ut, y'all.

 

               K1 Process                                                                                AOS Process

July 2015 - met online thanks to Zak Bagans                                                            May 25, 2018 - South Carolina marriage license issued

June 2016 - first in-person meeting                                                                             May 26, 2018 - legally married

August 2016 - stateside visit                                                                                        June 7, 2018 - applied for Social Security Number [manual verification required]

February-April 2017 - stateside visit                                                                           June 18, 2018 - SSN/card received in the mail

April 4, 2017 - got engaged                                                                                          June 30, 2018 - submitted I-485 (AOS)/I-765 (EAD)/I-131 (AP) together

June 5, 2017 - submitted I129F                                                                                   July 9, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP electronic NOA1 received

June 12, 2017 - received NOA1                                                                                   July 13, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP hard copy NOA1 received (dated July 6, 2018)

December 1, 2017 - received NOA2                                                                            July 25, 2018 - Biometrics appointment (Charlotte, NC)

January 17, 2018 - NVC received case                                                                      August 1, 2018 - case status updated to "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview"

January 18, 2018 - received NVC case number by phone                                      August 11, 2018 - case status updated to "I-485 Interview Scheduled"

January 24, 2018 - packet received via email                                                           August 16, 2018 - AOS Interview Scheduled letter received

February 15, 2018 - medical appointment                                                                 August 28, 2018 - visited civil surgeon (Winston-Salem, NC) to complete I-693

February-March 2018 - trip to Gothenburg                                                                                                [beneficiary had to get one remaining vaccination stateside]

February 22, 2018 - interview at the US Embassy in Stockholm                            September 18, 2018 - I-485/AOS Interview in Greer, SC

                                    [passed, pending receipt of medical papers]                           September 18, 2018 - case status updated to "Card Has Been Issued/Mailed"

February 27, 2018 - medical papers received by Embassy                                     September 25, 2018 - Green Card received in the mail

March 5, 2018 - visa received in the mail with passport                                          October 6, 2018 - traditional wedding with family & friends

May 16, 2018 - POE in Charlotte, NC

 

 

Up next.... Removal of Conditions!

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Cambodia
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On 7/2/2018 at 11:43 AM, Paul & Mallory said:

This is very helpful information! We aren't in NJ so it certainly could vary here in SC, but my husband and I have been going back and forth between whether or not to even attempt a DL for him until EAD is received, at the very least. We don't want to waste time or money unnecessarily. It sounds worth it to look into the Option D you listed above. Being we live in the country, it's a bigger pain point for us that he can't drive himself anywhere, and essentially go anywhere without me or spending money on an Uber.

 

Do you by chance know - when the times comes upon receipt of EAD (likely well before the green card), will the beneficiary have to retake the driving test or anything over again to get an extended license?

No, there should be no retaking of the exam. Right now my wife has a non-restricted license ending in December. The EAD would allow us to simply get the license extended and as such requires no additional testing as she has already been approved to drive previously. 

 

Separately, I almost had to take the test again myself. :wow:    I let my license expire and if you do not renew before a certain number of days you are forced to re-test. I did not even realize it expired, living overseas. 

 

 


 


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2079070924_Webp.net-resizeimage(3).png.40aa360e06b2e929a52d4af17362bc4a.png

 

 

jDSUBz2.gif

 

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Sweden
Timeline
On ‎7‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 8:42 AM, George & Roth said:

No, there should be no retaking of the exam. Right now my wife has a non-restricted license ending in December. The EAD would allow us to simply get the license extended and as such requires no additional testing as she has already been approved to drive previously. 

 

Separately, I almost had to take the test again myself. :wow:    I let my license expire and if you do not renew before a certain number of days you are forced to re-test. I did not even realize it expired, living overseas. 

That's good to know! We may look into that here with my husband. With not a lot within walking distance, and EAD taking approx. 6 or so months, I know he is going stir crazy.

 

And YES - I had to retake EVERYTHING a couple of years ago for that reason! I never realized it expired and only noticed when I was doing something that needed my DL expiration date and I had to look at it. It's AWFUL. I tell people all the time to check their dates, because I will never let that happen again! lol

Håll ut, y'all.

 

               K1 Process                                                                                AOS Process

July 2015 - met online thanks to Zak Bagans                                                            May 25, 2018 - South Carolina marriage license issued

June 2016 - first in-person meeting                                                                             May 26, 2018 - legally married

August 2016 - stateside visit                                                                                        June 7, 2018 - applied for Social Security Number [manual verification required]

February-April 2017 - stateside visit                                                                           June 18, 2018 - SSN/card received in the mail

April 4, 2017 - got engaged                                                                                          June 30, 2018 - submitted I-485 (AOS)/I-765 (EAD)/I-131 (AP) together

June 5, 2017 - submitted I129F                                                                                   July 9, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP electronic NOA1 received

June 12, 2017 - received NOA1                                                                                   July 13, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP hard copy NOA1 received (dated July 6, 2018)

December 1, 2017 - received NOA2                                                                            July 25, 2018 - Biometrics appointment (Charlotte, NC)

January 17, 2018 - NVC received case                                                                      August 1, 2018 - case status updated to "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview"

January 18, 2018 - received NVC case number by phone                                      August 11, 2018 - case status updated to "I-485 Interview Scheduled"

January 24, 2018 - packet received via email                                                           August 16, 2018 - AOS Interview Scheduled letter received

February 15, 2018 - medical appointment                                                                 August 28, 2018 - visited civil surgeon (Winston-Salem, NC) to complete I-693

February-March 2018 - trip to Gothenburg                                                                                                [beneficiary had to get one remaining vaccination stateside]

February 22, 2018 - interview at the US Embassy in Stockholm                            September 18, 2018 - I-485/AOS Interview in Greer, SC

                                    [passed, pending receipt of medical papers]                           September 18, 2018 - case status updated to "Card Has Been Issued/Mailed"

February 27, 2018 - medical papers received by Embassy                                     September 25, 2018 - Green Card received in the mail

March 5, 2018 - visa received in the mail with passport                                          October 6, 2018 - traditional wedding with family & friends

May 16, 2018 - POE in Charlotte, NC

 

 

Up next.... Removal of Conditions!

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I wish I saw this a month ago! My husband's I-94 just expired. He has a SSN # and all the other documents. We filed AOS about 3 months ago. Do you think we could still give it a try in Lawrenceville or do we need to wait until he gets the EAD now? He needs a permit, not a license

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Cambodia
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Just now, Sarah&Facundo said:

I wish I saw this a month ago! My husband's I-94 just expired. He has a SSN # and all the other documents. We filed AOS about 3 months ago. Do you think we could still give it a try in Lawrenceville or do we need to wait until he gets the EAD now? He needs a permit, not a license

 

You should be fine, bring the NOA1 from the AOS

 

My wife I-94 expired in the midst of this whole thing, before she passed knowledge test. When she passed they granted license based on NOA1 for the AOS

 

 


 


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2079070924_Webp.net-resizeimage(3).png.40aa360e06b2e929a52d4af17362bc4a.png

 

 

jDSUBz2.gif

 

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2 minutes ago, George & Roth said:

 

You should be fine, bring the NOA1 from the AOS

 

My wife I-94 expired in the midst of this whole thing, before she passed knowledge test. When she passed they granted license based on NOA1 for the AOS

Thank you for the information! I'll give them a call this week!

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We are in NC and we had so many problems similar to the OP. I had to go to three other offices till I found one who knew that the hockey sticks they were talking about. Don't give up when trying to get a license. Try other offices and also try their main office and find the office that understand immigration. There is such an office but it is not advertised.

Spoiler

Adjustment of Status

AOS March 5, 2014 Submitted AOS with EAD/AP package to Chicago USICS

Delivered March 8, 2014 AOS packaged delivered to USCIS drop box

Accepted March 19, 2014 Text message with receipt numbers

Biometrics April 16, 2014 Biometrics completed

EAD May 23, 2014 Employment Authorization Document approved and went to card production

TD May 23, 2014 Travel Document approved and went for card production

Receipt EAD/AP May 30, 2014 Received combo card EAD/AP

Green Card Approved July 11, 2014 Approved, no interview. Went to card production.

Green Card received July 17, 2014 GC received without interview

Removal of Conditions

Mailed I-751 Dec 16, 2015 Submitted ROC (removal of conditions)

Received Dec 18, 2015 USPS notification of successful delivery

Check Cashed Dec 21, 2015 Check was cashed

NOA-1 Issued Dec 21, 2015 NOA-1 for ROC issued

NOA-1 Issued Dec 26, 2015 NOA-1 Received

Biometrics Appt. Jan 29, 2016 Biometrics Appointment Scheduled [Completed]

 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline

A hijack post has been removed.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Sweden
Timeline

Also, to note - not all DMV offices service, or are well versed rather, on international residents. Fortunately, the SC DMV websites lets you search based on international servicing. Try Googling local offices in your area that specifically service international customers.

Håll ut, y'all.

 

               K1 Process                                                                                AOS Process

July 2015 - met online thanks to Zak Bagans                                                            May 25, 2018 - South Carolina marriage license issued

June 2016 - first in-person meeting                                                                             May 26, 2018 - legally married

August 2016 - stateside visit                                                                                        June 7, 2018 - applied for Social Security Number [manual verification required]

February-April 2017 - stateside visit                                                                           June 18, 2018 - SSN/card received in the mail

April 4, 2017 - got engaged                                                                                          June 30, 2018 - submitted I-485 (AOS)/I-765 (EAD)/I-131 (AP) together

June 5, 2017 - submitted I129F                                                                                   July 9, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP electronic NOA1 received

June 12, 2017 - received NOA1                                                                                   July 13, 2018 - AOS/EAD/AP hard copy NOA1 received (dated July 6, 2018)

December 1, 2017 - received NOA2                                                                            July 25, 2018 - Biometrics appointment (Charlotte, NC)

January 17, 2018 - NVC received case                                                                      August 1, 2018 - case status updated to "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview"

January 18, 2018 - received NVC case number by phone                                      August 11, 2018 - case status updated to "I-485 Interview Scheduled"

January 24, 2018 - packet received via email                                                           August 16, 2018 - AOS Interview Scheduled letter received

February 15, 2018 - medical appointment                                                                 August 28, 2018 - visited civil surgeon (Winston-Salem, NC) to complete I-693

February-March 2018 - trip to Gothenburg                                                                                                [beneficiary had to get one remaining vaccination stateside]

February 22, 2018 - interview at the US Embassy in Stockholm                            September 18, 2018 - I-485/AOS Interview in Greer, SC

                                    [passed, pending receipt of medical papers]                           September 18, 2018 - case status updated to "Card Has Been Issued/Mailed"

February 27, 2018 - medical papers received by Embassy                                     September 25, 2018 - Green Card received in the mail

March 5, 2018 - visa received in the mail with passport                                          October 6, 2018 - traditional wedding with family & friends

May 16, 2018 - POE in Charlotte, NC

 

 

Up next.... Removal of Conditions!

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Cambodia
Timeline

One other thing I thought of, I just added motorcycle permission on my license. (Going to buy a 100cc small scooter for short drives)

 

You don’t need a driving license for under 50cc Scooters. Please confirm your state is the same of course, but I was going to buy one if we couldn’t get license since she could drive scooter without it. Those are only good for local driving. Honda metropolitan is one brand, Tao Tao is a cheaper one. 

 

So if you or your love can’t get the license consider a scooter instead!

 

 


 


    AjIr9Cp.jpgVBcIOnI.giftCxpVPB.gif19B8PJM.gifWJvjtpL.gifv0iSLWp.gif



 

 

 
 
 
 
 

        

2079070924_Webp.net-resizeimage(3).png.40aa360e06b2e929a52d4af17362bc4a.png

 

 

jDSUBz2.gif

 

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  • 8 months later...

I update the info regarding K1 drivers license in NJ. Today I went to Freehold DMV and Eatontown DMV and in both cases they said that they cannot issue a permit because I only have 61 days left in my I-94. I just received my SSN last week.

 

Also they said that I have to wait until “I get more time in my I-94”, I guess that they mean when I receive the EAD... And that I can drive up to a year with my foreign license.

 

I hope this helps.

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