gck303

I am here in the US with a 12 month L1A visa.

I have bought a car, insured it (with Geico) and passed my emmissions test all with my UK license. The car was even bought from out of state. The sales tax, transfer plates from MI and financial transaction were all a bit more complex but it was not impossible.

After waiting for my utility bills to age to the requisite 30 days I popped down to the DMV in Racine. However, I was told that because my visit to the US is for less than 12 months (as shown on my I-94) I was not entitled to a WI license.

Given that there were some delays when getting the visa which meant when I was finally admitted it was for 11 months. The date on my I-94 is the same days as when my Visa expires.

* My insurance company are insisting that I need a WI license

* The WI DMV tell me I can't have one because my stay is for less that 12 months. They say I can use my UK license for 12 months after my arrival into the US

* Furthermore, given that I am going to be leaving the US once a year to go back to the UK I will always be within 12 months of an arrival date. The Clerk at the DMV agreed with us when we suggested that we would never need a US license!

What do I do???

They were very happy to give me an ID card, but not the license.

Thank you for any advise,

George

geeandtee

Try contacting the main State office of the DMV and ask to speak to whoever deals with license issues for foreign drivers. Local offices don't necessarily have the full picture.

I did that here (AZ) and it worked for me, slightly different visa issue, but same kind of situation.

fatbrit

Been on the WI DMV web site -- it does indeed state that you are not eligible for a license! Rock and a hard place, I'm afraid. Change insurers (try Progressive), chuck the job, or take the bus are probably about it.

You might write "your" State representative and tell 'em what dickheads they are. Won't make any difference -- but you'll feel better.

gck303

[QUOTE=fatbrit;6416772]Been on the WI DMV web site -- it does indeed state that you are not eligible for a license! Rock and a hard place, I'm afraid. Change insurers (try Progressive), chuck the job, or take the bus are probably about it.QUOTE]

Bus. Ha!

There is not one. The taxi service only runs between 9-5 on weekdays, so could not get me to work when needed by 8am.

There is am Amtrack station in town, but it is is the middle of nowhere and has no taxi rank. Our office is 4 buildings away, but this would require a 3/4 mile walk along the hard sholder of a 6 lane highway.

Driving is so important drink driving is not enough for you to loose your license. But no-one seems to care if you can actually get one in the first place.

Welcome to America!

NC Penguin

Has the US office where you work not had others on identical visas like you? If so, how did those foreign national employees deal with the driving license issue? It maybe worth a discussion with your manager or even HR.

dbj1000

Fatbrit's suggestion of Progressive as an alternative insurer is probably a good bet. They'll charge you more than most insurers, but are always happy to take your money and insure you on a foreign driver's license.

gck303

Normally L1 visas are valid for 24 months, in which case there would not be a problem in getting a driving license.

However, the firm that I am working for is new (I am here to start the business) and as a consequence my visa is valid only for 11 months (there was a delay in it being issued). When we come to renew the visa when it expires in Feb the renewal will be valid for 24 months, giving me an entitlement for a license.

Perhaps I just need to change insurer and live with it for a year? Judging by other comments I perhaps should be pleased that they were happy to issue me with a state ID, so I am now able to at least join the public library.

My non-married partner, who is accompanying me on a B-2, for some reason had 12 months put in her I-94 which is longer than her visa. As such she will have no problem getting the license. Given that we think (?) this was a mistake at the point of entry it has proved somewhat rather benificial!

George

dbj1000

Just change insurer already! You could have done it by now, and this would all be in the past!

fatbrit

That's about it. Just think of it is a "new immigrant" tax.

MsElui

or change insurance into the partners name if they can get the licence.

JAJ

It would be reasonable to ask your employer to compensate you for the higher cost of insurance, considering you cannot get a U.S. driving licence.

Manc

it would be reasonable.......

but this is America.

Bob

bit late to negotiate that into the contract now though....

fatbrit

Man of experience!

Ozzidoc

Good thing that you have your chauffeuse with you!