e&z

Visitors, can KY residents can not.

Again, not true.

I heard it from the officers at the DMV this morning.

It states clearly on their website that ALL non-us citizens can drive for a year

AND

I attach the following

ETA: sorry its small but if you click on it, it solves the matter completely. Explicitly states that new residents to Kentucky are able to apply for a drivers permit or use their old home licence for a year. From DMV.com

Sorry if i've come across as short but I found conflicting info when I was researching which confused me and stopped me from driving a lot earlier than I should have been. I wanted to clear the matter up for any future new KY residents goggling the matter

I will therefore drive on my UK licence until either:

*I get permanent residency (my green card) and then apply as a permeant resident

OR

*it is getting to the end of my year allowance and I have not yet been approved for my green card. I will then apply for a US drivers licence as a Non US Citizen/non permanent resident.

I have done a bit of googling and have found testimonies specific to KY on a British expat forum who have done the above with no issue. Some even bypassed having to take the practical test by waiting for their green card to come in, as permanent residents in KY (from geneva compact countries) only have to take the written and visual test.

Yes, when I decide to apply as a Non- US Citizen and non permanent resident I shall have to prove my residency in KY. That is simply part of the process of applying for a Kentucky drivers licence, not a requirement for driving in Kentucky.

The way I understand it is as follows:

* The UK is part of the geneva compact.

* As it clearly states on the website and as I was told this morning : non us residents from geneva compact countries can drive on home licence for a year after entry.

*I can, if I want to apply for a US drivers licence as a non- US citizen/permanent resident.

*I can apply as a permeant resident once my green card has been approved.

The above are all true and independent from one another.

Don't believe me then but here is the link. As I stated I said it's a grey area if you are considered a permanent resident or not.

http://transportation.ky.gov/Driver-Licensing/Pages/Driver-License-ID-Card-General-Information.aspx

You will find the quote under the Out-of-State Drivers Transferring to Kentucky heading 3/4 of the way down the page.

That is specific to US Citizens and permanent residents who are moving within America and who already have a licence.

As I have said previously that same website links you to a specific section for Non US citizens/Non permanent residents who have never held any US driver's licence from any state previously-i.e applying for a new licence.

Why is it wrong? It was taken from the Kentucky DMV site. Or was it what I wrote? Perhaps you can give an explanation to me so I can understand why it's 'wrong'?

Its wrong because you can actually apply without being a US citizen or permanent resident, the KY DMV links you to information for such cases.

I think the quote you took refers to applying for your licence at the circuit court clerk's office, where you do have to be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Non US citizens and non permanent residents apply at the division of driver licensing regional office.

If you have immigrated and are living in Kentucky then I would guess that makes you a permanent resident. Tough one to explain to the local police when/if you get pulled over. It's certainly a grey area but this was taken from the same site...

• Persons moving into Kentucky have 30 days to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
• To obtain a Kentucky Driver License you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of this country.

But, as someone who is applying for AOS I am not a permanent resident. Not legally anyway (I am applying to become a permanent resident- presumably if my AOS would be denied, god forbid, I would have to leave the US) and I would not be able to prove a legal immigration status without an EAD/AP card at the very least.

When I receive my EAD I may well go and apply for a KY drivers licence as I would need to anyway and best to get it out the way but I was very explicit about my situation- married and living here, applying for a green card- and told by two officers that I was able to drive.

I don't believe your above quote was taken from the page relating solely to non-us residents, which is where I got my quote from. You can actually apply for a drivers licence without being a permeant resident and even as a Non- US citizen- which is why they have a specific page for non-US citizens. This covers those here on a student visa etc. and where it states that you can drive for a year on your home license.

Taken from the KY transport department website:

"" All non U.S. citizens may drive in the U.S. on their valid foreign license and International Permit for up to one year from the date of admission into the U.S. provided their home country is part of the Geneva Compact. Drivers from non Geneva Compact countries must obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency in Kentucky."

They have a COMPLETELY SEPARATE tourist section, relevant to visitors. The tourist section claims that any tourist with an english language licence does not need an Intl permit.

So I called to clarify whether, as a non U.S citizen with an english language licence I would need an Intl permit in addition to my drivers licence as it clearly does not need translating. I clearly explained that I had just married a US citizen, was living in KY and had applied for a green card.

She confirmed that the Intl drivers permit is for TRANSLATION PURPOSES ONLY. She confirmed that I was fine to drive for a year and was extremely helpful.

Hmm that is true although i'm pretty sure EAD and AP cards both have stated on them something along the lines of 'This card does not grant residency/legal status/is not a visa' or something like that right?

It may well end up taking a year to get my green card at this rate!!

It would of been a real hassle for us, as to apply for a drivers licence you need to show your immigration status as 'legal. And while we all know that when filing for your AOS you are here legally, I have yet to receive my EAD or AP and it's very hard to prove this.

Same on Colorado, visitors get a year.

If you are immigrating you are not a visitor.

Thats what I was worried about but I spoke to two very helpful people at KY department of transport and even if you are a non-US resident then you can drive for a year after entry on your home licence.

Hey!

I could have sworn I already replied to this but can't seem to find it (or maybe I just haven't had enough coffee this morning).

Our case (AOS/EAD & AP) was received on the 17th, NOA1 on the 20th and we shortly received all three hardcopies. I guess now we're just waiting for a biometrics appointment.

Feels weird to be back to checking our case online and waiting for updates again

Hey everyone,

Just spoke to the transport department today and any non US resident is able to drive in KY with a valid license from their home country for a year after your entry to the US.

If your home country licence is in English you are good to go. If not, you will need an accompanying International driver's permit to translate the licence.

This is great news because it means that I wont have to take my US drivers test for a little while yet.

I just wanted to share what I found out as the information online is a little confusing.

e&z-- How nice that you are finding ways to transition with such an upbeat spirit. Most find that period where a K1 is a big nothing with no privileges to be overwhelming.

I have become rather amused at my husband who has gone to England for a fortnight. He used to wish for things like the Sainsbury's ready meals he liked. He went to Sainsbury's and asked if they did pot pies like he eats in America. What? He used to say American TV was terrible. This week he keeps on about how pitiful he is finding British TV.

Today he said he is stuck without a car. I reminded him the bus comes through the village every half hour and even I figured out how to go everywhere around Oxford by myself when I was there visiting and I had never used public transportation before. He can't because it's raining. What has happened to his Britishness? Makes me laugh.

My favorite was when he told me about going to the Isle of Man Tuesday. The girl in the Liverpool airport shop asked if he wanted a "moofin" with his tea. He asked her to say that exactly the same because he wanted to hear it again. He's British and fawning over a British accent. Crazy!

Haha!! Thats so funny- I have to say the rain and unreliable public transport have been very easy to let go!

Wbeem- Oh wow- I haven't heard of anyone in the same situation!

Probably not pursue a legal career to be honest. I graduated this summer and rather than going on to do the LPC I just got a temporary job as a paralegal until my visa was approved, because I knew i'd be leaving. As I never practiced in the UK, I would not only have to take the Bar but also do the full four years at law school (at an astronomical cost), so I think i'll just find something else. Which is completely daunting- where do I even begin?! Im not too worried though, as you said it's exciting. I may be wrong but as you practiced, I am pretty sure you would only have to take the bar of your future state if you did decide to go down that route.

It's not so much boredom for me, as I said I go out on plenty of walks and have begun reading classic American literature- gone with the wind, to kill a mockingbird, grapes of wrath and a few non-fiction history books too. I find this really enjoyable as i've always loved reading and history but I also think it's nice to learn more about the US. I also have a gym membership and run 'errands'. It's the little 'human contact' that gets to me, when my husband arrives home that is often the first meaningful conversation i've had all day.

The financial aspect is by far the hardest, I went from student to earning a basic entry level salary for three months. What little savings I had soon disappeared on flights, medical exams etc. So I am now completely dependant on him for even basic things like make up remover or haircuts. It also makes making friends difficult, if I get invited for dinner or drinks I have to 'ask' for spending money- he is always happy to oblige and never bemoans this as he wants me to make friends but I do find it embarrassing. I'm sure as you have had a career for awhile you will be in a much better financial situation.

I am counting down the days until my EAD arrives, even if at first I take a part time job, having my own money and a purpose will make such a difference.

This thread really made me smile. ETA: woahh this ended up being a long post but it's soo nice to get it all off my chest and share with people in the same boat!

I have been in Louisville KY for almost exactly 3 months now and, so far, it's been much easier than I anticipated. It really, really helps that everyone here loves 'the British', I still get comments on my accent and lots of questions and everyone is SO genuinely friendly and willing to help.

Maybe it's because i'm from the South of England so I have a 'stereotypical' English accent but I generally don't have an issue with people understanding me APART from sometimes ordering in a restaurant- usually as people have mentioned earlier when ordering water!- I think this may be because taking a drink order is the first time a waiter/ess with interacts with you, so your accent surprises them and catches them off guard.

I try to use some Americanisms just to make life easier but am stubbornly holding on to other British phrases- the loo, boot (not trunk) etc. When sending official correspondence I make sure to double check all spellings but I use an American laptop so that helps. Its not so much the language that I find challenging but, and this may sound strange, branding? I used to find it slightly overwhelming going into Target or Kroger and standing in the cleaning aisle attempting to choose products with NO clue as to what were the 'good' brands; in the UK I had my go to products that I could trust. Here I have to start all over again (My husband is 23 and a recent college graduate so asking him for advice on dishwasher tablets isn't going to be much help!). I'm getting there and our grocery shops are much quicker now!

I'm only 22 and graduated right in the middle of the whole visa process but I studied UK law, which is pretty much useless over here so I think it may prove challenging and potentially frustrating when my EAD comes through. I am so excited to actually start working though, getting out of the house, meeting people and contributing financially will really help this feel a bit more real I think.

Overall we are probably still in our 'honeymoon' phase where it all feels like an extended holiday. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a supportive husband, prior to me moving here he relocated to an area which is a 2min walk from bars/shops/restaurants and best of all a 5 min walk from a HUGE park so I can still go on my daily walks and that has honestly helped me no end- when he's working I can get out of the house without needing a car. It has been difficult relying on him for everything, he comes home tired after work and I am bored/up for getting out and doing things. It will make a huge difference when I sit my test and we buy a car- need to start practicing those parallel parks!

I do miss England, I miss the aesthetic prettiness of it all (which I didnt even think about until I left), I lived in a beautiful quaint village and here everything is BIG and functional, not necessarily attractive. I have recently started watching a few British tv shows on youtube and I laughed in a way I haven't laughed for ages- I get that humour and I get those references. I obviously miss the food, but thats no so bad as i'm the cook in this house so can sneak Shepherds pie and the odd Roast onto the menu occasionally. The hardest part for me is the distance from family & friends, I just wish I could pop home for a weekend. I always knew that would be the hardest part though and facetime, Skype, iMessage etc all make it soo much easier.

I do think that this initial period of being 'trapped' at home, unable to work, is difficult but its almost over (hopefully) for us. I would also imagine that if we decide to have children then that would be very difficult. Raising them away from my family and in a different culture will be hard for sure.

All done!

Finally!

I've submitted a review for you all to read but it is very similar to everyone else's. It was very, very straightforward. I think my interview itself was about 5mins!

Top tip- Get there for 7am. I did and was about 4th into the embassy, 2nd Immigrant visa ticket number and first immigrant visa interview of the day! I was all done by 9am and walked past a huuuuge queue waiting in the rain. I'm so glad that I had read about getting there early on here

I had my medical on Monday (no call back), i'm hoping that the embassy will receive the results today or tomorrow and then maybe my status will be updated with an interview date next week?

I think I definitely need to lower my expectations but we're so close now and it's getting harder and harder to be patient.

Thank you so much! That link with the medical report document was extremely helpful and the condition would not come up at all in answering those questions.

I will get the professor to write an explanation and to assure the Dr that it does not effect my health whatsoever and that I am not taking any medication for it etc just to be completely sure!

Thank you again. I know there's nothing to be worried about but every aspect of the K1 process gets me so worked up!

I issued a query via the 'contact us' form online and the day that they replied to me my CEAC status updated too.

I have my medical on Monday (eek!) so would be grateful of any insider knowledge/ tips but was specifically wondering whether you are told your 'results' on the day?

I am assuming it should be all very straightforward as the tests aren't anything i'm particularly concerned about but are you given the results of such tests and a general 'you've passed' then and there, or is it at the embassy?

I also have a bit of a complicated medical genetic condition (very very specialised and rare condition which doesn't affect my day to day health whatsoever or really have any impact on me at all) is this likely to be an issue? My only concern is that while I have a specialist professor who is familiar with the condition no other Dr (any of my GPs, medical friends, my Surgeon etc) have even heard of it so I doubt the Dr doing the test will have. I completely forget I have it so it only just occurred to me that it could be an issue.

I booked my medical as soon as I had the case number from NVC but I booked it for two weeks time to ensure my Police cert had time to arrive and everything. Only a couple of days later the case arrived in London

Update on our case:

Received approval- 11th Sept (online case tracker)

Called NVC on 26th Sept- on hold for an hour but got case number.

CEAC status- 'At NVC'

CEAC status 28th Sept- 'In transit'

As SOON as I got the case number I completed my DS 160 and booked my medical. I could basically choose my medical appt at the London Drs, they were not at all booked up.

I have also got my fiancé's affidavit support and evidence sent over here and my vaccine records etc so I am already to file my 'readiness form' as soon as the status is changed to 'ready'.

I don't know when they will be able to schedule an interview though.... it seems to vary at the London embassy...

We are also still awaiting our NOA2, will that be problematic?

How do i search NVC status

https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=WwjqOlbeRYzCYubaSQI+RA==

The above link works only when you have your new case number (you will need to call to obtain this)

Select 'immigrant visa'.

I was incredibly stressed about this but I have visited twice so far since getting engaged- both pre NOA2.

The first time was in DC (2 weeks) and I answered truthfully that I was visiting friends (i used to go to school in the same city). When asked to name one of the friends I named my fiancé. He wasn't really that bothered, just asked me how much money i had and how long I was staying then let me go.

The second time I was in Charlotte with my family and he just asked why we were there (holiday) and how long and then that was it. Easy!

I took about SO much paperwork with me too but all for nothing!

yay!

I have to say I've been pretty impressed by how fast things are moving.

we received our NOA2 on 25th September. how soon can you call the NVC for update and what information do you need when you call? What does calling do - give you the new case number so you can check your status on CEAC website?

thanks

You can call whenever you like but as others have said- it's best to wait until there is a realistic chance of it arriving at NVC first.

You have to be prepared to keep hitting redial and be on hold for a little while but when you get through you can ask for your new case number and whether or not its been posted to the embassy yet.

I track our case online now I have the new number (CEAC visa tracker) and its currently 'in transit'!

I'm probably mega keen but as soon as I had the case number I booked my medical and filled in my DS-160. When the status changes to 'ready' i'll submit my 'readiness for interview' form.

I've got vaccination records, the I-134 affidavit etc so am just impatiently waiting!

Yeah, after the huge delays at TSC etc I had set myself up for a long, long wait at the NVC stage too but we were pleasantly surprised! We called mid day and hit 'redial' about 3 times, got put through and then just sat on hold.