EGJen

Hi. I'm new to BE.


I am travelling to Houston (in 2 weeks), initially on a VWP and then later on either a B2 or an F1 visa, depending on whether I am accepted on to a course in the city. I am planning on being in Houston for about 2 years all in, either way. My partner has just moved out there for work on an immigrant visa.

I know I can drive for 12 months on my UK licence, but I read on a thread here that it is more expensive to get car insurance if I don't have a Texas driving licence. However, I won't be eligible for a Social Security Number, and I'm wondering how I go about taking the test without one... can anyone help?

Thank you!

fatbrit

F1 status will suffice, as will B2 status provided the I-94 is issued for at least one year. SSA should issue you a letter stating you don't qualify for a SSN. Perseverance and an understanding of dealing with mentally challenged people is always necessary for a visit to the DMV.

EGJen

Hi. Thanks for the reply. Did you mean the visas would suffice for applying for a Texas licence or for getting the SSN? Either way, does that mean I can't get the licence for the time I'm out there on the VWP?

fatbrit

It meant that you can probably get away with this by getting the letter from SSA saying you can't have a SSN. Search on the forum for H4 folks in Texas going to the DMV -- they are in a similar boat.

I presume the possible B2 visa is as the long-term partner of am L or H visa holder. In such a case, you need the I-94 stamping for at least one year when you enter to have any hope of a Texas driving license. (However, you say he moved on an "immigrant visa", which makes me wonder.)

Not a hope of a driver's license in Texas on a VWP entry or a regular 6-month B2 admission.

Noorah101

What is the actual visa your partner has? I don't think it's an immigrant visa...work visas are non-immigrant.

Rene

Bob

I thought F1 could get a SSN as they are allowed to work on campus?

fatbrit

It's a bit campus dependent. But regardless, if she has an F1 she should be able to manage either the letter from SSA or the number.

md95065

I have a friend who is here on an F1 and we looked at this.

It turns out that the Social Security Administration are very reluctant to issue an SSN to an F1 visa holder unless and until they actually need it. Which pretty much means no SSN until you actually get an eligible on-campus job.

meauxna

And if an IV, why not get married so OP could have one too? Unless their marriage would not be recognized for immigration purposes.

BritishGuy36

Yes. VWP visitors aren't eligible to have a state ID or drivers license.

meauxna

Unless they're in Florida.

scrubbedexpat099

What would be the point? By the time you got it, it would be out of date.

EGJen

Sorry - I was being an idiot - he has a non-immigrant L1 visa.

Thanks for all the replies. So no chance of a licence for the first 3 months, but it should be OK if/when I get the F1 visa. And not much chance if I'm on the B2 either... got it!

Honestly, I'm not even there yet and I'm already stressed by all the bureaucracy! ;-)

fatbrit

If you get a B2 (as long-term partner of L1 holder) AND your I-94 is stamped for 1 year (smile at the CBP officer and beg), there's a chance of a Texas driver license.

Lot easier if you were on an L2 -- SSN, work authorization, eventual possibility of in-state tuition fees, fewer problems with driver license, etc. But that requires marriage.

EGJen

Hmmm... I don't think he's going to go for the marriage option just for a visa... worth a try though!

I'll just wait and see what happens with the Uni then, and take it as it comes.

The 1 year I can have on a UK licence... is that ever 're-set' if I'm out the country long enough?