laoniu

Hi,

I am an E-3 holder and currently in U.S. When I went to apply SSN, I was told to wait as they need to verify the visa information. Without SSN, I can't even get a driver's licence. Anyone has this experience? How long does it take?

Also, I went to immigration office to apply work permisson for my wife (E-3D). They seem don't know about E-3 at all and told us they can't even accept the filing of I-765 application.
Very strange, since social security office said she has to get work permission from the immigration first. I then called immigration office, they said I can file online. However, the online form doesn't have E-3 option at all. Could anyone solve the puzzle?

thething

What state are you in? Very few states require an SSN for a drivers license. If so, I would get that statement in writing and then drive with your Oz license. The US does recognize Oz licenses for non-residents, and you would have a very good case if they refuse to give you a US one.

I would file the EAD form (I-765) from http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-765.htm for your wife to work via mail to your local USCIS service centre. Readh the section for 'Spouse of an E1/E2 treaty trader' on page 3. Don't bother about going to a USCIS office as you can guarantee they won't know what to do.

Once you have an approved EAD for her, then she can go to Social Security.

I got my SSN issued within a week or two when I applied with my H1. It shouldn't take you much longer in theory, but since it's a new visa, it's hard to say.

Kevin Keane

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laoniu wrote:

    >
    > Hi,
    >
    > I am an E-3 holder and currently in U.S. When I went to apply SSN, I was
    > told to wait as they need to verify the visa information. Without SSN, I
    > can't even get a driver's licence. Anyone has this experience? How long
    > does it take?

This is normal; they do that to all non-immigrants. I don't know how long it
takes. With E-3 being so new, there could be additional delays.

    > Also, I went to immigration office to apply work permisson for my wife
    > (E-3D). They seem don't know about E-3 at all and told us they can't
    > even accept the filing of I-765 application.

I'm not familiar enough with E-3. Are spouses of E-3 holders entitled to
work authorization?

    > Very strange, since social security office said she has to get work
    > permission from the immigration first.

They are right. Unfortunately, that leaves many people stranded. H-4s, for
instance, aren't entitled to a driver's license in most states.

No work authorization = no driving. Just like in Saudi Arabia.

    > I then called immigration office, they said I can file online.

Never rely on anything you hear from immigration offices. I don't know the
actual answer, though :-(

- --
Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here.
It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without
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rather than relying on usenet newsgroups.
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thething

For help on drivers licenses, check the immigration.com forum on this topic at

http://boards.immigrationportal.com/...play.php?f=229

You should be able to get a drivers license on H4, E3 or whatever. This forum has plenty of tips posted by people in every state.

aviezer

The SSN took me about 4 weeks. The drivers license check with your state's online DMV. Some states will just require a written test (NJ) others require the whole thing as if you never drove before in your life (NY). I waited for my SSN before I went in to the DMV.
The spouses application I have started online but she hasen't gone to the interview yet.