MrsBocanegra

Texas changed their rules Oct 1, 2008. You have to show legal presence in the US for at least 6 months and your DL will only be granted to the end of that legal presence. It will also be marked "temporary visitor." So if you had a visa or I-94 expiring in August of 2010, then they would date your DL to expire on the same date. K1s have no chance of getting a license when they arrive due to their 90 day I-94 card.

There were many out of state illegals coming to Texas to apply for DLs before the rule changed because Texas rules were not as strict as many other states. They would get a license that was valid for 6 years. Then they would use the DL that made them seem to be just like any other Texan. There was no difference between temporary visa holders and full USCs or green card holders as far as the license. If stopped by law enforcement, they could produce the DL and appear to be legal because they held a valid license. So the rule changed to help with illegal immigrant issues.

If you get your EAD card (it could be as soon as 30ish days) then you can get a "temporary visitor" license or ID card that will expire when the EAD card expires (1 yr.) When you get the green card, you get a full, normal license with no visitor designation on it. The "temporary visitor" license has been challenged in a law suit as discriminatory, but I never heard the final results. It was ruled as discriminatory by a judge, but appealed by the Texas DPS.

In Texas you can drive on a foreign license for 1 year. I found that in small print on the DPS website. BUT try to tell a cop or state trooper that. They will tell you that you have 30 days after moving to Texas to get a Texas license. They don't get the K1 thing or know the ins and outs of immigration. I would just say I'm a visitor if driving on a foreign license.

And while it seems huge to you now, it all sorts out pretty quickly and isn't that big in the scheme of things unless you don't marry right away and take a really long time to file for AOS.

Thanks, this is very helpful information. Could you please tell me where you found this information?

Update -

I am currently at the Quality Inn.

I will be going w/ my fiance tomorrow to knock out the medical exam (6am). Has anyone tried to knock out both the medical and the interview on the same day? At the hotel - I have been hearing about fellow hispanics who have been dooped into paying $200+ in vac fees. I am assuming that they were applying for a different type of visa that requires vacs.

One question - I filled out the ds156 for my fiance . . . in the section where it states "was application filled out by someone else" ... I obviously have to fill out and SIGN this section before the interview correct? I will not be allowed inside the consulate so I obviously have to sign before?

Another question - For the medical exam - My fiance just has to take the visa appt letter, money to pay, passport correct? It is not necessary to take the completed visa packet?

Lastly - where can I take visa pictures at (close to hotel)?

Thanks - I hope everything goes well..

You can not do both the medical and the interview on the same day because you do not get results for the medical back until 2 or 4, which is too late for the interview. You can only go to the interview between 8-10.

You do not need vaccinations at this stage of the game, although I highly recommend your fiance get the required vaccinations before coming to the US.

I helped my fiancee fill it out and we left that part blank. Since he took part in filling it out I saw no reason to sign it.

Yes, all you need is the appt letter, money and passport you do not need the visa packet.

There is a mall across the street and in there they have a place for pictures it is the same mall where Banamex is located.

Good Luck!

I went to the Texas DMV to get my wife a Texas ID card. She is on a K1 visa. One of the requirement was the I94 needs to be valid for 1 year with at least 6 months remaining. She just arrived and there is 3 months left on the I94.

Here is the link to the DMV.

Has anyone have this problem? This meant that she cant get an ID card until the AOS is completed.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administratio...equirements.htm

I am in Texas as well and I called my local DMV yesterday and asked about this. They told me that once we get married he can get his ID and DL. We just need to take a copy of the marriage certificate, his passport and visa. You should try calling or going into your local DMV to see what they tell you.

Interesting read! I was in Mexico not too long ago on a tourist visa and was thinking about changing my status. It is indeed not an easy process. Before I looked into the process I figured it would be easy, but I think our immigration process is much easier for immigrants. Maybe we should take a page out of the Mexican immigration process it might ease up some of the back log we have. Honestly, I think if they can impose such tough immigration policies then we should too. If most Americans or even Mexicans for that matter, knew anything about Mexican immigration policies I think their would be few objections to tougher laws.

They should defenitaly change it!!! a couple of days after I was there, there was a killing at the denny's right next to the consolate at 2:00 in the afternoon. We had jsut ate there two days prior!!!

I heard about that... we ate there too... Scary...

I am so sorry

I hope it was just an error on their part. Good Luck let us know what happens and what reason they give you for denying the petition.

OP I know you are upset, but try to tone down the anger because you won't get answers that way. I don't agree with illegal immigration, but I know it happens and I don't think Chica was trying to belittle you in anyway. She was just warning you of what could happen. I think you do need to be aware of the ramifications of his illegal status. You have to understand how some people may get upset because they did everything legally and it makes them mad when someone doesn't not follow the law. You should just learn to accept that not everyone is going to give you sweet answers to your questions especially if an illegal immigrant is involved.

Chica is trying to help you and others will too, but try not to get so upset. I know her words might have upset you at first, but then she clearly changed her tone so you should try doing the same.

I really hope you do find answers here because there are very knowledgeable people, but you need to be prepared to get comments you might not like just don't let it upset you.

Good Luck

I am not sure if I am posting in the correct place so I am sorry if it's the wrong spot. I have a quick question my SO came here on a K-1 visa on all the applications we used his first name + fraternal last name + Maternal last name. We really want to drop his fraternal last name but do not know how to go about doing so. We will be getting married soon and I want to use his maternal last name instead of his fraternal last name is this possible? I know right now it would be ridiculous to try changing his name, but eventually we want to do this. Does anyone know how to do this and if it is ok for me to just use one of his last names when we get married? Thanks for the help and again sorry if this is not the correct spot to post this.

Second, since he entered without inspection more than 20 years ago,

He has been here illegally since 1998 and we have been together since 2006.

OK, so its 10 years...still long enough to incur at least a 10 year ban, if not a lifetime one.

Also isn't it that eligibility to apply for a waiver for overstay isn't disclosed until the conclusion of the visa interview. Not all overstay denials are given the chance at a waiver, right?

I think you are right eligibility is not disclosed until after the visa interview, but I am not sure I have no experience with the waiver process.

Quick question -

Which of the two approved medical facilities is better (people friendly, less chance of scamming you, proximity to consulate, etc):

CLINICA MEDICA INTERNACIONAL

AVE RAMON RIVERA LARA #9020

COL. PARTIDO SENECU

CIUDAD JUAREZ, CHIH., MEXICO C.P. 32543

TEL: (011-52-656) 227-2800

SERVICIOS MEDICOS

AV. PROL. RAMON RIVERA LARA #8950

COL. PARTIDO SENECU

CIUDAD JUAREZ, CHIH., MEXICO C.P. 32540

TEL: (011-52-656) 688-2700

My SO went to Servicios Medicos. I think they are both very similar and I have not heard of anyone getting ripped off at either location. We decided to go to Servicios Medicos because there seemed to be less people and they let you wait inside unlike the other location everyone is standing outside. Servicios Medicos is the white building not the one off right off the street. He said it was fine there and they were pretty quite.

First things first. You will not be allowed inside the Consulate.

Second, since he entered without inspection more than 20 years ago, he will be denied - and chances are given a lifetime ban. Do not expect sympathy from folks who are doing things the proper way (as in not remaining illegally in a country for decades). What leith said sounds harsh, but it is correct: you might want to look into relocating to Mexico. Check out the Secretraria de Relaciones Exteriores and the Secretaria de Gobernacion websites.

This is not about judging people. Immigration laws and regulations are there for a reason --- if we do not follow them, we will eventually have to deal with the consequences. Quite simple, really.

I agree laws are there for a reason and like I said I didn't have to go through the waiver process. I just think the poster did not give correct advice and just passed judgment. I can see you are not passing judgment you are just informing her that he could very well likely get denied and she might have to move to Mexico. I think she should be prepared for this as well because you never know. On the other had to discourage her from trying is not good either. I think she should try but go in knowing that she might not get it. I met a few people who I thought for sure would get denied and they were approved with only a 9 month ban. When it comes to immigration there seems to be no sure answer.

I also agree that if you don't follow the rules you will have to deal with the consequences and she most definitely should be prepared for this.

he has to be at interview. if he is here eligial he will not get visa. he has to have police report for the past 12 years he has lived. this is why we all have problems due to this situation you just told.

if you read other threads you will see all that will have to be done by the way? how did u get so far in the process with him not being legal here? and you did not read about police report?

jsut curious. sounds like your trying to get around laws more and find way to make all better.

my suggestion you both move back to mexico live there and prove you are legal before moving forward.

Wow, was that really necessary. Just cause he was here illegally does not mean he will NOT get a visa. There is a wavier process that he will have to do in order to get the visa. In Mexico you do not need a police report.

Next, time before you post maybe you should think before you do so. Nothing you said was productive all you did was criticize her and then you proceeded to give her the WRONG information. If you don't know then just don't say anything because judging people doesn't help anyone.

Hello,

I am brand new to this site and don't even know if I am posting correctly!!

Anyhoo, I am the Petitioner on my Mexican husbands behalf. I filed the I-130 in June 2009 and we received his Interview appt on November 27, 2009. We have one way tickets to El Paso leaving the 18th. His Interview is the 23rd. I have been told MANY different things and am soooo CONFUSED. I was told by some that as his Wife and Petetioner that I was required to go and now others have said that I do not. He has been here illegally since 1998 and we have been together since 2006. We have one child together and another on the way. My Husband doesn't feel comfortable traveling alone thru checkpoints and has no idea which papers are which in all our mounds of paperwork. I figured sending him alone would be like sending him to swim with sharks!! Can anyone give me any insight or help?? We are expecting him to have to stay behing in Mexico for up to a year or possibly more since he entered illegally, but does anyone really know from their personal experience? We have been told so many different things and have done everything on our own without a Lawyers help. Like what happens at the Interview? After the Interview? What is the waiver for? Does he need to make an appt for one, or do they tell him that in Juarez? I am just so worried and feel like we are entering the unknown...ANY help would be greatly appreciated..

Thank you

I just returned from Juarez with my SO. You as the Petitioner are not allowed in, but I went for moral support and believe me they need it. I personally do not have experience with the Waiver process, but I here this website is great immigrate2us.net. Many people have found lots of information on that website I hope it helps. Once you are in Juarez there are plenty of people going through the same experience as you so don't be afraid to ask them for advice. I am sorry I don't have more answer for you regarding the Waiver process, but if you have questions about Juarez please feel free to ask.

hey you guys in going to juarez in january and i want to know what i need to take when i go..... what papers do i need???? or what website has a list of the documents i need to take for my appointment!!!! THANKS ALOT!!!

You can get all the documents you need from the Consulate website. You should always look into the Juarez thread there is a bunch of information there. I was in Juarez about two weeks ago so if you have any questions feel free to ask.

We did not receive an appointment letter. We called the Juarez consulate by phone and they said the letter was sent and i believe the packet also. And, if by the 21st we don't receive anything to just call again.

This is for a K-1 right? You do not need to wait for a packet because Juarez does not send out a packet. All they send out is an open invitation letter directing you to their website. You can print out all the forms from the Juarez Consulate website and have them ready. I highly recommend waiting about 10 days and if you do not receive the letter then just go ahead and go to Juarez. Once you are there you can go to the information window and they will print out your invitation. We went about three weeks ago and my SO is here in the USA and we still have not received the invitation. Again, you do not have to wait for the letter to arrive you can go to Juarez without it. I also recommend looking at the Juarez thread there is quite a bit of information there.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...&start=3885

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

I think they should give people more options. Juarez is so far for most people and very unsafe. I think they should leave the Juarez office and make one in DF as well.

Hi all,

I'm new around here, just figuring out all this visa stuff. I just sent in the I-129F. My fiance is Mexican, we met almost 2 years ago when I was teaching english in Mexico. In July we had a baby girl. (Unfortunately, since I had the baby in the U.S. he wasn't able to be at her birth. He has mostly just seen her on webcam. We did go visit him in Mexico for a month, which was nice.) I'm hoping that I don't screw any of this up and delay what seems like an already long process. Everything is confusing to me, and in my opinion, gov websites aren't always the easiest to understand.

Anyway, I'm looking at all the documents he will need when he goes to the interview in Juarez. Does he need a police certificate? Im reading here (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Vaccination) that he does. Then on the Juarez website the document cdj-400 (instructions for interview) doesn't ask for a police certificate.

So does he need one? And at what level? He told me he can get a city, state or federal certificate.

No, he does not need one. My SO took a state one just in case and they didn't ask for it. I have not heard of anyone being asked for one. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Does anyone know if having the vaccinations will hurt our case? I know thats kind of a weird question but I am afraid they will ask for blood test as proof (I dunno smile.gif).

She is planning on going tomorrow to the centro the salud in Mexico.

No, the vaccines will not hurt your case. I wish my SO would have gotten his before he left Mexico. It just makes things easier.

I just want to point out that I am not advising you to skimp on the evidence. We just got lucky every case is different. I would take all the evidence you have. Oh yeah we were in Juarez for a week and two days.

Ok, so it has been awhile since I posted sorry. He is finally here with me and we are starting the next step. This thread seems like it is dying, so sad.

Hi,

I’m curious as to how long will it take my fiancé to get his visa after he gets approved. I have heard within 1-2 days after interview? Is this right? Also does DHL deliver visas on Saturday’s? I will be leaving for Juarez in about 2 weeks. I need to know about how long we will have to stay after the interview for his visa? Also, did anyone who applied for a fiancé visa have a bank account together? My lawyer said it would be best if we could get one to have more evidence that we have met and continue to see each other. But, it looks like we won’t be able to get an account together before the Juarez interview. What other things have you all taken to your interview as evidence that you have met your fiancé?

Thank you,

Talie

Hi,

You should really look at the Juarez thread there is lots of information there. DHL took 4 days for us. He had his interview on Thursday and we received the visa Monday at 5:30pm. From what I know they do not deliver on Saturday. We did not have a bank account together. They actually only looked at the evidence we sent in with the I-129. He took a accordion style fold filled with evidence and they didn't look at anything. They didn't even ask for the affidavit of support. The only thing they asked for was the 2 copies of the DS-156 and a copy of the DS-156K, CDJ-402 and DS-157. If you have anymore questions you can send me a PM. We just got back from Juarez last Tuesday.

We are stuck here till at least Monday. DHL still does not have his visa. I guess all we can do is wait.. UGHHHH

OH CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! I HOPE OUR INTERVIEW IS AS EASY, I HAVE BEEN PRAYING ABOUT IT! I can call for our new appt on January 2nd so I don't know when our interview will be, I would imagine not long after that, I have heard from others that it is not long after that so I just hope and pray it isn't too much longer after I make the phonecall, this wait has been grueling!

So happy for you!!! Sigh of relief for you!!

Thank you!!! I hope everything goes well for you. It must be tough having to deal with the ban and then do this process all over again. I wish you the best of luck...

Ernesto,

Are you still in Juarez? Have you recieved the DHL packet and if you have how long did it take?

:dance: HE GOT IT!!!!! :dance:

He went in at 7:41 and out at 10:30. They only asked for two copies of the DS-156 and Birth Certificate and one copy of the DS-156K, and CDJ-402. They didn't ask to see any other documents not even the I-134. They only asked him six questions and he said the nice man skimmed through the Petition I sent in and then said congratulations your visa has been approved.

He just entered the consulate at 7:41 and now there is nothing I can do but pray and wait.

Janet,

I think it is for entering without inspection? Do you know when you will be coming to Juarez?

Brianna,

Since you are using a cosponsor they don't really look at your information. I know I have read here in the past that they didn't even look at the SOs support documents because they used a cosposor. I guess they just relied on the cosponsor... but if you don't feel comfortable I would use Janets advice.

Andrea,

We are here.....SHE GOT THE VISA YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are just waiting for DHL to deliver, we are still checking on it.

Hopefully we will get it today.

Best of Luck!!!!

Congratulations!!!!! :dance:

He has his interview tomorrow. How long was she at the Consulate?