Chrisw1968

I apologise - No, I didn't see that - but i have now

There is sooo much info there too - its awesome

Thanks again to those who helped me

dan_alford

It depends on what state you go to , as there is no national standard. I think you can use a British one for six months but after that you will need to get a license for the state you are in. Even if you do have to take a test again dont worry, as in most states it is simple, for example I had to reverse the car, make 5 right turns, park the car and I got my license.

Elvira

I don't know why you snapped at Elfman. He only pointed out that you are more likely to get actionable answers in the Marriage based immigration forum.

Not saying that the answers from people here have not been sensible, just that they are more anectotal rather than giving you the step-by-step outline of what you need to do, and the potential 'issues' that could arise. The other forum also includes a very useful FAQs.

I would also suggest you look at the 'How to live and work in the US' article (not sure of precise title, but it's something like that; very useful).

Celsius

Depends on which state you will be residing in. Laws vary from state to state plus after establishing residency (i.e. you're not a visitor, but a legal resident), there is a deadline by which you must (in nearly every state) obtain that state's driving license.

bobkatz

It wasn't meant to be a pop at Elfman.
It was just a cynical observation on Immigration.

Maybe Chris will fare better with the process than I did.... LOL..

Having jumped every hurdle including the finale at Grosvenor Square on a sweltering hot day of heightened security, a packed waiting room, broken air conditioning and an inaudible tannoy ... Weeks later I proudly arrived at USA airport Immigration clutching my big brown envelope which I can not open or I'll be shot and my rolled up Xray from the good doctor.
Welcomed to America my papers were processed and my hand was shaken.
All done you think....LOL. Immigration stamped my entry visa in my passport but not the paperwork... It is still not resolved.. Everytime I go through US Immigration (and I travel a lot ) I am told my UK passport is registered as stolen on the computer and have to go through the same round of questioning.
One day I will show them my birthmark...LOL

Bobkatz




[QUOTE=Elvira]I don't know why you snapped at Elfman. He only pointed out that you are more likely to get actionable answers in the Marriage based immigration forum.

ironporer

[QUOTE=bobkatz]It wasn't meant to be a pop at Elfman.
It was just a cynical observation on Immigration.

Maybe Chris will fare better with the process than I did.... LOL..

Having jumped every hurdle including the finale at Grosvenor Square on a sweltering hot day of heightened security, a packed waiting room, broken air conditioning and an inaudible tannoy ... Weeks later I proudly arrived at USA airport Immigration clutching my big brown envelope which I can not open or I'll be shot and my rolled up Xray from the good doctor.
Welcomed to America my papers were processed and my hand was shaken.
All done you think....LOL. Immigration stamped my entry visa in my passport but not the paperwork... It is still not resolved.. Everytime I go through US Immigration (and I travel a lot ) I am told my UK passport is registered as stolen on the computer and have to go through the same round of questioning.
One day I will show them my birthmark...LOL

Bobkatz





Before you make any snap decision to go to the US and get married- you should go to the Marriage Based and do a search on "10 foot pole". It seems that if one goes to the USA with no preconceived plan to marry, and does- they are in quite a different legal class than those who go to the USA planning on marrying and then staying to adjust their visa status (which is not legal). If you read thru the many posts in the Marriage based, you will learn much about the various options open to you- K-1, K-3 DCF, etc etc. Read all you can for a few days, and you will be better versed in the legal jungle of visas, driver's liscenses, social security caerd, advance parole, adjustment of status, employment authorisation documents...

dan_alford

What is most important to you? Getting married to your fiance or living in the USA?

If you just want to get married and live together, what you can do is what me (UKC) and my wife(USC) did. We got married here in the USA whilst I was on a Visa Waiver and then went to New York to get her UK immigration visa. We did check with immigration and like people have said, there are no issues with getting married on a Visa Waiver if you DO NOT have intent to stay in the USA.

For the UK visa there was no appointment needed, no waiting list. You will need proof of your ability to support your wife in the UK without recourse to public funds. I think the whole process ( from start to finish) took 45 minutes at the consulate in New York ( and this was one month after 9/11).

You can then do the US immigration visa from the UK. It might take a while but it is legal and will get you living together sooner.

FlyergirlUK

You do need an appointment now. However, it took my Hubby five days, from submitting his documents, to get his visa by post.

If UK immigration is an option I would suggest looking at britainusa.com for more indepth details.

dan_alford

Ahh thanks for the update FlyergirlUK . Still is a damned sight quicker than US immigration, if it is an option.

Jerseygirl

[QUOTE=bobkatz]It wasn't meant to be a pop at Elfman.
It was just a cynical observation on Immigration.
Maybe Chris will fare better with the process than I did.... LOL..
Having jumped every hurdle including the finale at Grosvenor Square on a sweltering hot day of heightened security, a packed waiting room, broken air conditioning and an inaudible tannoy ... Weeks later I proudly arrived at USA airport Immigration clutching my big brown envelope which I can not open or I'll be shot and my rolled up Xray from the good doctor.
Welcomed to America my papers were processed and my hand was shaken.
All done you think....LOL. Immigration stamped my entry visa in my passport but not the paperwork... It is still not resolved.. Everytime I go through US Immigration (and I travel a lot ) I am told my UK passport is registered as stolen on the computer and have to go through the same round of questioning.
One day I will show them my birthmark...LOL

Bobkatz




If you think that was an ordeal pray that you never have to go to the USCIS offices in Newark, NJ. :scared:

kingfisher241049

It depends on what visa you have. A tourist visa which lasts 10 years and is good for multiple visits will present you with no problem when you come here. I did the same thing. I obtained a U.S. Tourist Visa, visited the states and Canada a few times, then I met my wife to be on a trip to Florida.

We got married in Florida, I went home to sell up my property in the UK, which took several vists home, then simply came here and stayed. I waited 6 months before before putting in the immigration papers, but that was no problem. I got my work authorisation card a few weeks later, and have'nt looked back.

Never tell Immigration you are coming here to settle, you are merely here on vacation or visiting your girlfriend. Then put in the paper work. Its a little risky, but I never employed a lawyer, Carol and I did it all on our own.

Check the USCIS website for the forms you will need, there are about 4 or 5, with the Medical Form. You will need to put your Work Authorisation Card application and your Adjustment of Status Forms in together, with your other forms. Your wife has to fill in a form too which promises to support you during your time in the states.

Check out the USCIS site for adjustment of status cases.

Good Luck if you decide to do it this way.

Elvira

If you don't mind my saying so, your 'advice' is extremely irresponsible.

Just because you got lucky doesn't mean anyone else will be.

Why set yourself up for potential SOL if it can be avoided?

My tuppence, as they say...

kingfisher241049

AOS cases happen every day, I never intended doing it that way, it just happened. I am just giving my own experiences as an example. The guy would obviously be advised to get a fiance visa if possible.

FlyergirlUK

But after reading your previous post that doesn't make sense - how can you just 'happen' to sell your house and then just 'happen' to come here and stay then deliberately wait 6 months to apply for AOS?

Life just 'happens', immigration is planned.

kingfisher241049

Actually thinking back, just before Carol and I got married, she called USCIS for advice on what I could do since I was already in the states, and she did'nt want me to leave.

The girl she spoke to on the USCIS customer call line just told Carol to tell me to simply stay. She gave Carol all the details about Adjustment of Status, what forms we needed, and how to complete them and send them in.

So USCIS told Carol to tell me to stay.