Source: NAFSA memo to SEVIS Users

Getting an admission to one of the schools in the United States and then getting the visa approved basis that to get in to the United States on an F1 visa is really the easy part. It’s to be noted that the F1 visa is not a sponsored program, as in the case of the J1 visa. Thus the visitor has to bear all the related expenses himself during his stay in the United States. Thankfully the United States government is considerate about this and to help the students during the stay they are allowed to work for limited number of hours.

Thus a lot of the students choose to take up driving as a profession during this period. As this profession fetches them more money than any other job that they would be eligible for. Though every state has a different set of rules and procedures related to the issuance of the driving license but the basics are as follows.

There are 2 steps for the same.

1. Pass the written test.
2. Pass the road test.

The procedure to get the Drivers license is.

1. Go to the DMV office with a prior appointment for a prompt service.
2. Now submit the fee along with the completed form for the test.
3. A thumb print would also be required from you.
4. Have your picture clicked.
5. You would be required to provide your SSN and proof of your date of birth, along with your passport.
6. Now you are good to appear for the written test.

The written test – A fee of $12 is required for the same, and you would be able to attempt thrice basis the amount. Normally there are 36 questions related to traffic laws and signs and its essential you have atleast 31 correct answers to pass the test. Once this is passed, then you need to appear for the eye test. Upon successful completion of the same, you would be eligible to be issued the temporary driving permit. You can use the same to practice driving.

The road test – It’s the practical part of the tests and is the most important part. In this part you would be tested for your carefulness and your ability to drive safely on the streets. It’s not going to take long but is a 100 marks test in which the minimum passing score would be 70%. In this one also you would be given three chances to pass the test in case you flunk in the 1^st attempt.

There is a rule from the Department of Homeland Security that requires the sponsoring employers to file a petition for all the Aliens for whom R-1 non-immigrant status is sought. To comply with the same now the consular officers are required to ensure that, the said applicants have obtained an I-129 petition form from the Department of Home land security, prior to the issuance of the visa. The said rule has been in force from the 6^th of October 2009.

In case there is a further requirement of a clarification about this rule you might feel free to get in touch with the Legislation & Regulations division of the Visa Service’s. The contact person would be Lauren Prosnik. Phone # (202) 663-2951.

Now the question is what is this rule been promulgated for? The answer to that is, on the 26^th of Nov 08, the department of homeland security announced the requirement for the sponsoring employers to file a petition for all the Aliens for whom R-1 non-immigrant status is sought. Also as per the same law the period of the validity of the visa is not supposed to exceed the period as mentioned in the petition. As a result of that, an R-1 non-immigrant visa would now require the applicant to be established as a beneficiary of an approved petition. The implementation of this petition requirement by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has been, for the purpose of authenticating and determining the petitions from the religious organizations for the religious workers. This would also help to ensure that such religious workers are admitted into the United States on the request of a religious organization and that is exactly where the workers work.

Miscellaneous regulatory findings:

As per the Administrative procedure act there is a regulation that involves the foreign affairs function of the US therefore according to the 5 USC 553(a)(1) is not subjected to the procedures of rule making as set by 5 USC 553.

As per the Executive orders 12866, the new rule has been reviewed by the department of State to ensure its consistency with the regulatory philosophy and the principals set by the Executive orders 12866. They have also determined that the cost of maintaining this rule is justified according to the benefits that are to be derived out of it.

As per the paper work reduction act does not impose the requirements of information collection, as per the provisions of the paper work reduction act 44 USC chapter 35.