Matt&Savannah
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Posts posted by Matt&Savannah
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2 hours ago, ShibaYuri2428 said:
Thanks this appears to be the best route for us. Nothing worse for my fiance than being stuck at home in the suburbs after living in big cities her whole life.
I've read a lot of threads and it seems most people that aren't willing to go for their AB 60s are misled, whether it's DMV staffing scaring them away or the potential stigma of having an AB60 as its primary purpose is for illegals.
As you said, the AB60 guidelines state that "anyone who presents an AB 60 license CANNOT have their legal presence questioned and it WILL NOT effect their immigration status".
Ah, a man who does his RESEARCH.. how refreshing! VJ can be so damaging to people because of the ‘scare mongers’ giving out false information without actually basing it on anything.
Ive used my AB60 in a number of government agencies and even travelled to Hawaii with it. So far I’ve not been taken off to a dark room and interrogated about my status 😂👍.
Best of luck with the AB60 application process. Be persistent if they kick up a fuss at the DMV, make sure you provide them a copy of THEIR GUIDELINES.
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On 9/2/2019 at 6:39 PM, matilda_dream said:
Hi,
I'm glad you recieved your lisence! What did you have to do for the secondary review?
You don’t need a secondary review if you are a Swedish national
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10 minutes ago, ShibaYuri2428 said:
Were you able to update your license when you received your EAD?
Actually I haven’t bothered to update my license and am still on the AB 60. The last time I was at the dmv to pick up license plates I asked and was told I would just need to bring EAD/GC, ID and proof of address and they could update to full license no problem.
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Anyone know of any civil surgeons in the orange county, CA and surrounding area that will transcribe vaccinations and not make me complete full medical??
Thanks
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10 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:
The form does not explain things to you is why looking at it leaves you clueless. Read the instructions to the form. It explains what part you fill out and says not to sign until you are in the presence of the doctor. It explains things the doctor is supposed to do. Be familiar so you know what to expect. And carefully read on page 7,
What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical examination overseas?
Then you will know all sections do not apply to you.
Incredibly helpful, thank you! I actually just checked the instructions for the form and found that section. Now I just need to find a civil surgeon who will transcribe which I hear is easier said than done.
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2 minutes ago, Mike E said:
If you are “clueless” (your choice of word) see the civil surgeon USCIS authorizes and get another exam with the missing vaccinations and the forms filled out properly.
In our case, our lawyer ordered us to see the authorized USCIS civil surgeon in the USA before submitting the AOS packet. So we did and got the missing vaccinations. And then a sealed packet. It isn’t quite what people on visajourney seem to be doing but she’s the lawyer.
Because I have already had an exam so its not necessary. I don't particularity want to collect all the documentation and go through all that again for no reason. I know I can just get the vaccinations transcribed onto another I-693 so I was wanting someone with experience of that to offer advice.
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Hi all,
Could somebody offer me some information on a issue I am having.
I completed my Medical Exam in Feb 2018. At the time of the exam I was missing 2 vaccinations. The nurse who was conducting my exam told me I could quite easily get the vaccinations after I enter the US. I wish I had got them done at the time of the medical because it seems incredibly confusing as to the steps I should take now.
I have recently received my interview date for green card (june 17th). So now I must get the outstanding vaccinations. Getting the vaccinations isn't a problem but I am confused on the steps I should take after getting my vaccinations. I have read that I will need to visit a civil surgeon to get them to transcribe onto I-693. After looking at form I-693 it seems it asks the doctor to provide all the findings of my medical exam. Obviously I don't want another exam but don't have the details of my previous exam in London. All i have is my vaccination record completed by the doctor at my medical which is missing the 2 outstanding vaccinations.
I know not all doctors will transcribe vaccinations and will want to do an entire new medical. I'm sure I can find a doctor that will transcribe but i am clueless on what I will need to provide them or If i have the required information for them.
Can anyone advise me on what best I should do?
Thanks in advance
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On 2/23/2019 at 4:22 PM, siulamvb said:
Thanks Savannah for sharing your experience.
After reading your post in January, 2019, I started my DMV adventure journey to get my driving license and AB60.
Here is the timeline of getting my AB60 driving license. I am in the SF bay area
28 Dec 2018: Arrive SFO with my K1 visa
8 Jan 2019 : Apply for SSN
16 Jan 2019: SF City Hall wedding
22 Jan 2019: Received my SSN card by mail
24 Jan 2019: Apply for my driving learner permit and completed my written test at Walnut Creek DMV
(very fast, completed in 1.5 hours)
22 Feb 2019: Passed my driving test in Fremont
(I learnt driving in a driving school, the instructor arrange an early driving test for me)
22 Feb 2019: Change my status in DMV after the test, downgrade to AB60, get my temporary license on AB60 for 2 months, and will received my AB 60 license in 2-4 weeks by mail.
Staffs in DMVs told me so many incorrect information. For example, when I first went to DMV on Jan 24, the staff told me my I-94 will expire on March 27, its less than 60 days, so they can't let me apply for the DL and do the written test. It was definitely more than 60 days (fact check after I went home: you can apply for a DL if your I-94 has 30 days and DMV will not issue a DL to you if your license valid less than 60 days). It means that you can definitely start the process of taking your written test and behind-the-wheel test, but just DMV will not issue you a DL. But DMV still have the record that you passed both tests. What I did was talking consistently and calming to the staff on what I want to do and I can do according to the information found on DMV web site.
Before I passed my driving test, I searched information about other kind of US visa holder applying for AB60. It is actually more common, especially people had work permit, but the work permit expired and applying for the new work permit. I also learn that some of them apply for AB60 and get it immediately as they have a DL record and SSN record in DMV . Therefore, their cases do not have to send it to Sacramento for further investigation.
After I passed my driving test test yesterday, I was told that they cannot issue a DL to me because my I-94 is less than 60 days. Then I told the staff that I want to apply for AB60 as my NOA of AOS 797C is not a satisfied document to prove my legal status on the DMV list. She consults her supervisor who said AB60 is for illegal immigrant at first. After I repeated my status to him, he said I can apply for AB 60. But I have to refill my application again on the computer and line up for the AB60 application.
After I filled my application, I lined up and get a number. The woman gave me the number also tell me that AB60 takes 6 months - 1 year to process. I said Okay. Wait for an hour, my number was called, a female staff was handling my application, she was aggressive and rude. She told me that AB60 is not for me, because I am not illegal, I have paper. I clarified on what I read on the DMV web site about AB60 - :Applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the US. She said I was wrong and tell me AB60 will influence my immigration status approval (come on, she works in DMV not USCIS right?) and will take me a year to get approve. I just repeated what I see from the DMV web site and another staff said I can apply for AB60.
Here is the good one, she literally told me "What I see on the DMV web site is wrong and you just want to believe in what your head wants to". My eyes almost fall on the counter, so does the staff sits next to her. I was so angry, but calmly tell her, I still want to apply for AB60.
She then processes my paper work and consult a senior staff suggestion. At the same time, I was googling information about making a complain to DMV. (Found out there is only feedback channel, not really complain). Finally, the woman comes back to the counter and said I can apply for AB60. She double checks my paperwork, wasn't even look into my eyes. And I just say thank you every time when she asks me to fill in this, sign this.
After 15 minutes, she gave me a temporary license and said I will receive my DL in 2-4 weeks by mail.
It is a long story, but I really want to share with other people who might go through this process in the future. Keep trying to do what you know is right and you have the right to do. Get a lot of information to support your view. And be prepared to deal with DMV staff's misinformation and disrespectful attitude.
My goodness what an ordeal they put you through! I genuinely feel for you. Your experience sounds somewhat similar to mine in regards to the poorly informed and incredibly RUDE DMV staff. I applaud you for sticking to your guns.
As I said before I was denied a number of times and it wasn't until I printed the rules of the AB 60 from the DMV website that I made any head way. I'm astonished that they still put up such a fight even with the documentation staring them in the face. I am also frankly appalled that they tried to tell you it would effect your immigration status. The guide lines of the AB 60 CLEARLY state that anyone who presents an AB 60 license CANNOT have their legal presence questioned and it WILL NOT effect their immigration status.
I honestly feel like the DMV has a responsibility to re-inform its workers on the purpose and rules of the AB 60. I think they all missed the memo and just look at the AB 60 as a license that illegal immigrants can obtain. Strangely, at one point I was told I couldn't have the license because I wasn't illegal and wasn't from certain South American countries. This level of incompetence is both laughable and honestly terrifying! They are deeply impacting peoples freedoms by being so misinformed.
I am so pleased you have finally got your license, sounds to me that you more then deserve it.
If I was to offer one more piece of advice it would be regarding car insurance. I'm unsure of your driving status in Hong Kong. I discovered that I could access my UK driving history online. I was then able to take that to my US insurance company. Long story short, instead of being insured as a new driver, I was able to transfer my UK driving history to give me 10+ years driving experience in the US. Made my insurance premiums A LOT cheaper.
Thanks for the reply, I really hope others read it and are as determined as you were.
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Woke up this morning with an email from USCIS. My EAD was approved!!
June 5th filer and October 22nd Approval.
Just wanted to ask. Do I need to update my SSN since I can now work. My current SSN card says 'not for employment purposes' (or something to that tune) but since my EAD was granted this is still correct?
Thanks guys, gl to all still waiting ❤️
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2 hours ago, Wuozopo said:
I was a K1 but my timeline approach was different than yours. You got on a plane quite soon (6 days) after your visa was delivered and didn't file for AOS until more than two months after entry. I spent two additional months in the UK after getting my visa; working, then selling off cars, electronics, and preparing to move, while my fiancé prepared all the AOS paperwork in advance. I was married and had AOS in the mail on about Day 8 in the US. I hit the start button quicker to get the show rolling. I got my own car and drove on my UK license until I got EAD. And we got lucky in that the bank let me on my wife's account te first week with no SSN or other immigration documentation.. No hassles there.
My hardest part was feeling like a fish out of water because of not knowing the ropes at first. Where do I go to get various items to repair things? How does insurance work? Where can I find some decent cheese and bread? Why doesn't anybody at the drive-thru understand what I'm ordering?
And I had already put in 30 years of working so sleeping in and not putting on a tie every morning was fine with me. Bring on tourism! I adapted to my new life quickly and came to love it (except for drive-thru squawk boxes.) I would do K1 again because it suited our needs better. We immigrants come in all shapes, sizes, and ages and have to find our way. I just passed the 10 year mark and the early frustrations are a blur. I can understand how you feel like an outsider and hope it turns around for you soon. The times it is taking people these days to progress through the immigration system are insane.
Great to hear I'm not the only one having a hard time at the drive through! As I said to JFH, hindsight is a wonderful thing. I wanted to stay home for another month or so before the wedding but the time apart was getting incredibly tough on my wife. I worked 60 hour weeks to save enough because I knew I couldn't work for the first few months. Honestly didnt expect it to take 5 months after marriage to get EAD.
I know exactly what you mean about the cheese, I'd murder some cathedral city or davidstow right about now 🤣!
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1 hour ago, JFH said:
No, you are not being dramatic at all. The scenario you are describing is the very reason you couldn't have paid me enough to do a K-1. And also the reason why a K-1 makes no sense at all for a working person from a VWP country. All it really is is an over-priced tourist visa that allows you to do touristy things (no work, no education, in some states even no driving) for several months and if you get married within a timeframe decided by the government in a country decided by the government you can pay even more money to sit around doing touristy things while you wait for them to grant you permission to do adult things like work. You could have got married on a visit, on anywhere else in the world - a place of yoir choosing and in a timeframe of your choosing - and then filed a CR-1 and been working from the day you arrived. I was a green card holder the minute I arrived and for me it was important to have status, to be a full and proper member of society from day one, not just a spectator. I really feel for those who feel out of place here like that for months on end. Immigrating is stressful enough without adding that to it. I was so pleased to have my job here as soon as I arrived. It really helped me settle and gave me structure and routine. I'm doing the same job as I did back in the U.K. so it was nice to have something familiar in my new life.
One comment you made was very sad. "The time between POE and now was the worst". You're a newly-wed young man. These should be the happiest days of your lives. Let this be food for thought for those contemplating which visa route to follow.
Appreciate the response. Sounds like you took a much better approach than myself. Honestly in hindsight, we would have done the CR1. At the time after research , it seemed like the K1 would be the shortest time apart. That was what was important to us then. We didn't want to go so long without seeing each other. Seems these days the CR1 time line is similar to the K1 in any case so its the better option. I have done everything I can to be ready for when my EAD/GC is granted. I passed my driving test after months of trying to get them to give me one without EAD. I then got a bank account using my license. I'm ready to go apart from the damn work permit.. Oh and basically trapped in this country without a advanced parole. I just find all this waiting to be totally unnecessary.
Not sure I'm comfortable with your final comment however. I think you have perhaps misunderstood my post. I am not saying I am regretting my decisions. I am not saying I don't love my wife. We have been together a lot longer than this process. I do however think regardless of how happy you are in love, you need to have your own life as well. Especially when you are used to working and socializing and you know, having a life.
I do agree with you essentially though, CR1 is a much better options these days.
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Dear VJ friends,
I wanted to ask you all. And whilst I'm keen for all input, I am only really experienced in my K1-GC journey.
What/When did you find the hardest?
Personally, the period between US entry - marriage - EAD/GC (now 7 months and still waiting) has been hardest for me. However, If you asked my loving wife, she would tell you the time apart (K1), was hardest for her. While this time was extremely difficult for me, for reasons I'm sure you all well understand. I was still in England, and working. I felt like I was building towards something, I had a purpose.
As I said, it's been 7 months now since entering the US for me and still no work permit. I almost feel like this process has gone from an uphill walk to a climb. I have tried to fill my days with various activities but if I'm being honest, I tend to find 'filling' my time to be a bit of an insult. I am a healthy 30 year old. I have always worked and held down a job since the age of 16. As time goes on I can feel my frustrations becoming greater and greater. I still don't feel like I have fully entered society, I'm 'sitting on the side lines' as it were. I'm sure a great many of you have felt this, to however degree. Perhaps I am just being dramatic?
Regardless, I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. At the very least it will kill 5 minutes 🤣.
X
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3 hours ago, cdx77 said:
Just FYI I was able to get a temporary driving license (not AB60) with just my passport, marriage license, I-767C (for I-485) and a couple of utility bills last year. I am in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I did the written test on the same day, and then scheduled a behind-the-wheel a couple of months later.
However, I did get a letter from DMV HQ (Sacramento) saying that they were unable to complete my application since I did not provide any proof of legal residency during my initial application in person.
Strangely they still let me sit for behind-the-wheel, and I still got my temporary d/l after that. I was told that unless I presented proof of residency, I won't be able to get a full DL/ID. Just so happens that my EAD/AP got approved last week, so I have sent in my approval notice to Sacramento. I've yet to hear back from them.
My temporary DL expires next month, so hopefully I receive my full DL from them before then.
You did well to get as far as you did I'd say. I went down to the DMV 3 times to try and get some sort of license and every time they tried to tell me I couldn't without EAD/GC. I guess what happened with you was it was processed incorrectly and so at the last minute they gave you your temporary license. Either way its pretty much the same outcome as me. Sure, its much easier to turn up at the DMV with your EAD/GC but where is the fun in that =P! I'd say the only issue with getting a temporary license or AB 60 is that you will at some point have to brave the DMV lines once again to get your License upgraded. Thanks for posting your experience =)
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UPDATE - Just to let anyone who views this post know, I have successfully applied for and passed my driving test. My AB 60 License will be in the mail in 2 weeks. I used a rental car to pass my test, which required me to buy the liability insurance. After a couple of issues with certain DMV staff not knowing the rules I finally got there. Just make sure you read up on your rights and don't let those hard workers at the DMV turn you away!
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Is my timeline normal? We received a request for further evidence about 2-3 months ago, shortly after NOA1 (which we completed and returned). Since then no change on either i-485 or i-765.
Current status:
I-485 - 'request for further evidence received'
I-765 - 'case was received'
Just seems like so much movement is happening with this month and even 2 months afters this!!?? I haven't tried to expedite or speed up the process, is there something I should be doing??
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Hey all,
Still waiting to hear anything on either EAD or GC as I'm sure a lot of you are. I was just wondering though. I will need to get 2 vaccination shots before my GC interview. I need to scheduled an appointment with an approved civil surgeon to sign off on the vaccinations or so I can figure. When is the best time to get this sorted? Basically can I just wait until my timeline changes and I can make a GC interview appointment or should I just go ahead and get the vaccinations sorted now??
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On 8/10/2018 at 10:06 AM, Lana&Tyler said:
Sigh starting to get impatient.
USCIS got our packet on April 30th. Including
I-765, I-131 and I-485
got my noa1 2 weeks later and already had my biometrics appointment.
Yet it still says “case recieved” on uscis case status.
Its been over 90 days and I’d really like to start working and have a drivers license (Im not allowed to have one until I get my work permit) How long are wait times?
Sigh!
You can get an AB-60 drivers license in California with just your SSN and passport. You will need proof of address, but I just used the letter my SSN was sent with.
Heres the info
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/ab60
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I think you're all living in fear to be honest
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34 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:
It’s not only for undocumented people. However people may assume you are undocumented if you need to show ID somewhere and you produce an AB60 license. Also note you can’t use it for federal ID (like airplane travel)
In no circumstance can an AB 60 be used as ID.. it is purely granted to give someone a right to drive. So you wouldn't be showing it to anyone else but your insurance company and the government. Also, someone assuming you are undocumented DOESN'T make it so!!
An argument was made earlier that if you apply for an AB 60 the government might assume you are illegal and deny greencard. Firstly there are laws preventing this. Secondly, RELAX! You Are Legal! You have the paper trail and documentation to prove it!!!
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26 minutes ago, Scandi said:
AB-60 is for those who have no legal status in the US, often called "illegals" or "undocumented". You are not undocumented.
I would be very, very careful trying to pose as an illegal just to get a DL.. who knows how/if it messes up your future attempts to get a greencard.
Miles away from correct my friend!
Firstly yes, you are correct that an illegal immigrant can apply for an AB 60.. but the AB 60 doesn't just serve those with unlawful residence. It can also help people who are inbetween status!
Also as for your statement about it messing up a chance of getting a greencard... SERIOUSLY?
ill just leave this here... quoted from the DMV website.
'To be eligible for a California driver's license under AB-60, you must be at least 16 years old, and be able to provide proof of identityAND California residency.'
'By law, no one may discriminate against a holder of an AB-60 license, or use this license to attempt to question the holder's citizenship or immigration status.'
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Hey all,
Just wanted to post this in the hope it helps someone else not waste as much time at the DMV as i have.
I entered the US on a K1 visa back in April. I've had nothing but frustration with the local DMV (Santa Ana). After going down twice (without appointment) and giving up twice because of the monstrous lines. I finally made an appointment which I attended last week. I had heard I would have to wait until I got my EAD to be able to apply for a full Californian DL. I had however, discovered I could apply for a lesser DL in the meantime called an AB 60. So at my appointment I asked if I could apply for the AB 60 and was told my UK passport and SSN wouldn't be enough and it would need to be sent away for 3 months to a year for a 'secondary review'. I thought that cant be right!? After arguing my case and the employee calling 'an expert on this type of case' I got no where and gave up.
So, today on the DMV CA website, I found the list of requirements for the AB 60. More in intriguingly, a list of acceptable Passports that DON'T need a secondary review.
Low and behold! The UK Passport and nearly every other country in the world is on the list!!!
So annoyed I wasted so much time. Rest assured I will be returning to said DMV with my print out in hand!!!
Anyways, long story short...
ALL YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR AN AB 60 licence in CA
- Your Passport
- Your SSN (temporary is fine too)
- Proof of address (I'm using my SSN letter attached to my card with address on)
Here is the full list of requirements on the DMV California website:
https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/ab-60-drivers-license.php
Also, I'm sure this information is nothing new to some people and there are already posts similar to this BUT, I looked and I couldn't find anything giving me a definite answer.
Thanks and hope this helps some of you!
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1 hour ago, yuna628 said:
In general, (at least in my state) you can skip most of the new driver stuff (you know.. hours of training and classes) if you have a valid foreign license, an EAD, and as long as you take the two tests. The license you get is valid for as long as the EAD, but once the GC arrives you can go back in to update it and get a full one. This varies from state to state. Our DMV did require a name on a piece of mail, so having joint name on bank statement would be helpful.
In some places you can get a temporary license with a still valid I-94 + the K1, but it is only valid for as long as the I-94 is, making it not very useful.
Great so I'd probably be better off waiting for my EAD before I get my license then!
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Thanks for the replies you guys!!
To answer a few points..
We first tried to get me added to my wife's account but were told I needed 'proof of address' which I didn't have. We then got my SSN and returned to the bank to see if the letter it was sent with would suffice.. It did not.. Apparently they are more comfortable with a document from a utility company than one from the US government!? So I fear they wont take our USCIS receipt for EAD either!! Perhaps it will be different when we get the marriage certificate?
As for my driving licence. I hold a UK license but do not have an american one yet. I can't seem to find out when is the best time to apply for one. I've seen all sorts of stories when it comes to getting a license. Some say you can't get one pre-EAD or even pre-GC, others say you can but will need to renew the license once you get EAD. Can anyone advise me on this?
I think I will follow your advice and try a different bank for my own account in the meantime.
Applying for a drivers license in CA, after entering the US
in Moving to the US and Your New Life In America
Posted
Hi Kris,
They are correct in asking you for your SSN in conjunction with your UK passport. The fact you are unable to provide a SSN means you ARE required to do the secondary review. The last thing you want to do is the secondary review.
Now as far as your SSN, you should have obtained that around a week after entering the country. You have to wait a certain amount of days for you visa to become active on their (US) system (or something to that effect). I'm pretty sure you are still able to obtain one but you might want to get some advice from someone on this specific matter as I am too unsure to advise you.
My advice is get your SSN sorted out before you proceed with the AB 60.
Tip: Keep your SSN attached to the letter it comes in the mail with. I found it very handy to prove my address.
Best of luck mate!