How long am i allowed to drive on a uk licence in the usa?
Discussion
Fairly straightforward, but i'm wondering what the longest i can drive in the US on my UK licence. I'm not a resident, but i'm taking some fairly long trips to the states in the not too distant future.
Is it the same as the UK where you get X number of months before needing to sit a driving test?
Cheers
Is it the same as the UK where you get X number of months before needing to sit a driving test?
Cheers
I'm guessing you might need to quantify "fairly long trips", but my understanding is that as long as you are not deemed as residing (temporarily or otherwise) - i.e. you are using the visa waiver program or a B1 or B2 visitors visa, you can use your UK license for the duration of those visits - max 90 days (VWP), max 180 days B1/2.
If you are deemed to be residing in the US, you must obtain a state license within 30 days of entry to the US.
If you are deemed to be residing in the US, you must obtain a state license within 30 days of entry to the US.
Yes, you can drive for as long as you stay here under the VWP. In order to get a US license you need to be resident in a State, have a social security number etc.
How many trips are you planning on making / duration of trips? If you make multiple trips to the US of long duration under the VWP you may start to get a hard time at the port of entry.
How many trips are you planning on making / duration of trips? If you make multiple trips to the US of long duration under the VWP you may start to get a hard time at the port of entry.
I'm there every other month, probably every month soon enough. My proper visa application is under way though as I'm looking to shift out semi-permanently and become a resident, but in the mean time I was hoping to buy a car up north, get some fettling done out there then drive it down to florida before exporting it to the UK (I'll be spending my time fairly equally between the US and UK due to business, hence the semi-permanently)
If you are splitting your time evenly you will need to get a Visa sooner rather than later as you will probably find you get increasingly questioned every time you make a trip to the US under the VWP - and you definitely don't want to get refused entry as you can then never use the VWP again. Also be careful, as whilst you can attend meetings in the US under the VWP, you are not permitted to conduct any business or make any earnings.
What class of Visa will you be looking to obtain for the US?
Also most States will require that you have a US driving license in order to purchase and register a car at the DMV, so you may find buying one with a UK license difficult. Check the DMV site for the State you are looking to make the purchase in.
What class of Visa will you be looking to obtain for the US?
Also most States will require that you have a US driving license in order to purchase and register a car at the DMV, so you may find buying one with a UK license difficult. Check the DMV site for the State you are looking to make the purchase in.
I only ever attend contract negotiation type meetings in the US, whilst it could be construed as doing business it's not for immediate gain - that's all done later and it's not a problem according to the embassy, I split my time fairly evenly between business and pleasure in the US (GF is from Ohio).
I run an export company which trades predominantly between the US, UAE and UK, and an engineering company, both of which I'll be looking to shift to the US.
Visa wise, I'm waiting for confirmation from an immigration attorney as to what's best, but it's looking like an E2 would be most suitable as I'll be sticking a fair bit into startup and operations over there, taking quite a few staff on immediately etc, and I'm not planning on putting a ring on her finger anytime soon
I run an export company which trades predominantly between the US, UAE and UK, and an engineering company, both of which I'll be looking to shift to the US.
Visa wise, I'm waiting for confirmation from an immigration attorney as to what's best, but it's looking like an E2 would be most suitable as I'll be sticking a fair bit into startup and operations over there, taking quite a few staff on immediately etc, and I'm not planning on putting a ring on her finger anytime soon
As Eric has already suggested, you are at risk of running into some POE issues if you continue to use the VWP in this manner. It is intended for occasional visitors, after all. Additionally, it's restrictions are all encompassing - and not limited to 'earning'. You may not 'work' using the visa waiver program - which is an intentionally broad statement. My understanding is that you may observe and advise (how that's not construed as work, I'm not sure - but that is generally accepted). The golden rule when using the VWP at the point of entry is to never utter the "W" word.
If you are likely to be working back and forth between the US and UK a B-1 would be appropriate and give you up to 6 months per visit and an open remit to conduct business.
As for the longer term, I hesitate to profer advice where it's not asked for, but the E-2 visa is not called the 'visa of last resort' for nothing. If your UK company has any material substance and has been established for more than 12 months - and would continue to run if you moved to the US, then you should explore an L-1A visa, which has dual intent (non immigrant, but adjustable) and creates an opportunity to adjust to permanency without the hassle and cost of labor certification.
If your immigration attorney hasn't suggested this, you company either does not qualify, or you need to find a new lawyer.
I'm not an attorney, but I have a lot of personal experience of L1, B1, E1 and H1-B visas and converting to perm via labor cert and familial ties - so feel free to quiz me on anecdotal US immigration matters. I co-established a US subsidiary of a UK business in FL that is now a market leader in North America, so I also know a bit about some of the commercial challenges you are likely to face.
Good luck - and be careful with your use of the VWP. One entry denial could really f*ck-up your longer term plans.
If you are likely to be working back and forth between the US and UK a B-1 would be appropriate and give you up to 6 months per visit and an open remit to conduct business.
As for the longer term, I hesitate to profer advice where it's not asked for, but the E-2 visa is not called the 'visa of last resort' for nothing. If your UK company has any material substance and has been established for more than 12 months - and would continue to run if you moved to the US, then you should explore an L-1A visa, which has dual intent (non immigrant, but adjustable) and creates an opportunity to adjust to permanency without the hassle and cost of labor certification.
If your immigration attorney hasn't suggested this, you company either does not qualify, or you need to find a new lawyer.
I'm not an attorney, but I have a lot of personal experience of L1, B1, E1 and H1-B visas and converting to perm via labor cert and familial ties - so feel free to quiz me on anecdotal US immigration matters. I co-established a US subsidiary of a UK business in FL that is now a market leader in North America, so I also know a bit about some of the commercial challenges you are likely to face.
Good luck - and be careful with your use of the VWP. One entry denial could really f*ck-up your longer term plans.
Edited by Matt Harper on Friday 28th May 14:08
Edited by Matt Harper on Friday 28th May 14:10
Matt Harper said:
As Eric has already suggested, you are at risk of running into some POE issues if you continue to use the VWP in this manner. It is intended for occasional visitors, after all. Additionally, it's restrictions are all encompassing - and not limited to 'earning'. You may not 'work' using the visa waiver program - which is an intentionally broad statement. My understanding is that you may observe and advise (how that's not construed as work, I'm not sure - but that is generally accepted). The golden rule when using the VWP at the point of entry is to never utter the "W" word.
If you are likely to be working back and forth between the US and UK a B-1 would be appropriate and give you up to 6 months per visit and an open remit to conduct business.
As for the longer term, I hesitate to profer advice where it's not asked for, but the E-2 visa is not called the 'visa of last resort' for nothing. If your UK company has any material substance and has been established for more than 12 months - and would continue to run if you moved to the US, then you should explore an L-1A visa, which has dual intent (non immigrant, but adjustable) and creates an opportunity to adjust to permanency without the hassle and cost of labor certification.
If your immigration attorney hasn't suggested this, you company either does not qualify, or you need to find a new lawyer.
I'm not an attorney, but I have a lot of personal experience of L1, B1, E1 and H1-B visas and converting to perm via labor cert and familial ties - so feel free to quiz me on anecdotal US immigration matters. I co-established a US subsidiary of a UK business in FL that is now a market leader in North America, so I also know a bit about some of the commercial challenges you are likely to face.
Good luck - and be careful with your use of the VWP. One entry denial could really f*ck-up your longer term plans.
Matt helped me, very experienced chappy!If you are likely to be working back and forth between the US and UK a B-1 would be appropriate and give you up to 6 months per visit and an open remit to conduct business.
As for the longer term, I hesitate to profer advice where it's not asked for, but the E-2 visa is not called the 'visa of last resort' for nothing. If your UK company has any material substance and has been established for more than 12 months - and would continue to run if you moved to the US, then you should explore an L-1A visa, which has dual intent (non immigrant, but adjustable) and creates an opportunity to adjust to permanency without the hassle and cost of labor certification.
If your immigration attorney hasn't suggested this, you company either does not qualify, or you need to find a new lawyer.
I'm not an attorney, but I have a lot of personal experience of L1, B1, E1 and H1-B visas and converting to perm via labor cert and familial ties - so feel free to quiz me on anecdotal US immigration matters. I co-established a US subsidiary of a UK business in FL that is now a market leader in North America, so I also know a bit about some of the commercial challenges you are likely to face.
Good luck - and be careful with your use of the VWP. One entry denial could really f*ck-up your longer term plans.
Edited by Matt Harper on Friday 28th May 14:08
Edited by Matt Harper on Friday 28th May 14:10
Matt Harper said:
I'm not an attorney, but I have a lot of personal experience of L1, B1, E1 and H1-B visas and converting to perm via labor cert and familial ties - so feel free to quiz me on anecdotal US immigration matters.
Matt - do you mind if I PM you with a couple of questions regarding this?timmybob said:
Matt Harper said:
I'm not an attorney, but I have a lot of personal experience of L1, B1, E1 and H1-B visas and converting to perm via labor cert and familial ties - so feel free to quiz me on anecdotal US immigration matters.
Matt - do you mind if I PM you with a couple of questions regarding this?Gassing Station | USA & Canada | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff