RnL

I thought of posting an update just in case others would find it useful.
Backstory:
I have a valid foreign driver's license but my husband and I decided that it would be best for me not use it. According to the WA DOL website, tourists can use their foreign DL for up to one year. But I am not a tourist since I came on a K1 visa. The website also stated that you are considered to be a resident if you have an intent to stay for more than 6 months in any one year. Well, I intend to stay where my husband is so I guess I do meet that requirement. However, the DOL has an extensive list of what the proof of residency requirements are. So it kind of confused me because I thought that having an "intent" would be enough to prove residency. Oh well...
To cut the long story short, we tried our luck in getting me a learner's permit. We decided on getting the permit since I needed and ID and I needed to practice driving here. Not a DL because I wasn't, and still is not, confident enough to take the actual drive test. And the state ID is just that, an ID. Besides, the requirements for a state ID, learner's permit and DL are the same. So there.
Process:
I applied through the DOL website. I was sent a confirmation ID via email. I called a driving school to schedule the knowledge test since the DOL office near our place doesn't provide testing services. I took the test and passed. Was told by the driving school that encoding the results would only take 8 seconds and it will be uploaded in the DOL system immediately. So my husband and I went to the DOL office right after.
I presented my confirmation ID (which is like my "case number" or record number), passport with visa, I-94, marriage certificate, SS card with my married name... I think that's it. It took a while for the DOL employee to process my application since he said that he had to input my maiden name first in the system then change it to my married name so that it will be reflected in their system. He checked my vision. Asked me to sign some electronic forms. Instructed me to have my photo taken. That's it. I got my temporary permit. The actual permit will be mailed to me.
I can now drive without having to worry if my license/permit is valid (but I do need someone with me who has a valid DL and 5 years or more driving experience --- my husband). Which is fine with me since I wouldn't want to drive by myself for now. And, I also now have a valid ID (which I can now use to open a bank account, or at least be added to my husband's).
I apologize for the somewhat long post. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Because that's the way I have seen it work with the 4 nurses I know from the PI. Can't speak as to the why, or what school they got their degrees from. Perhaps some schools in the PI are accepted under US accreditation, but it seems not all are. Only way to know for sure is to apply for and try to take the NCLEX, I guess.

You're absolutely right.
I'm not sure why people are so argumentative on this site lately. A lot of Filipinos, I know quite a few, who were RNs in the PI have to take additional courses to qualify them to take the NCLEX. It's a case by case basis. Different training requirements, different techniques and different skills can be taught in US nursing programs. Best thing to do us contact the state and find out if they will accept her degree from the Philippines but don't be surprised if they say additional courses are needed.

When the U.S. Embassy receives a K-1 case from the National Visa Center (NVC), the Embassy sometimes sends a letter via PhilPost to the beneficiary informing the beneficiary that they are eligible to pay the visa fee at BPI and then schedule an interview. The letter also gives the beneficiary instructions on how to prepare for the interview. However, the Embassy does not always send the letter. Some people never receive it. You don't need the letter.
About a week or two after their petition is approved by the USCIS, many Manila K-1ers take a shortcut by calling the NVC and getting their MNL case number. Once you have your MNL case number, the beneficiary can pay the visa application fee at BPI and schedule an interview appointment.
By the way, if you want to read the Embassy's eligibility letter, click here: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction_rtf2_005.pdf

There is a link in my signature for the complete K-1 process in Manila
No you do not need to wait.

Hi fellow December filers! Don't lose hope! We got our NOA2 today, April 8. It's not impossible! All we did was pray and trust God that His timing is perfect. That He is always in control.

Same here! We thought we'd get approved in August but we received the approval today (April 8)! Congratulations to you and your fiance! To those still waiting, hang in there! The approval might come when you least expect it.