here's how you would get a drivers license...
my wife is from brazil, and we had to go through the same steps
it will be a couple of steps, but in the end, it should all work
list of things that you will need:
an address
a student ID card
a bank account in the US
identity card (may or may not need)
then finally drivers license
first off,
do you have a residential addresss where you will be living? are you already living there? do you pay any bills? do you have anything in writing that shows your address? if not - obtain it..if so get your student ID card and proceed to any bank.
just open any account - it is a surefire way to get legal documents (because it is a US institution, with your name and address attached)
now with your student ID, your proof of residency, and your bank account, go to the DMV where you should apply for an identity card (once again...it is an official source of identity, usable for legal documents, it is recognized across the US, and in your state.)
next, at a later date, go back to the DMV, and apply for a drivers license - depending on your previous driving experience...you may have to get a permit first (which means you are learning, and you most likely have to take a course, depending on your state)
when you have atleast the State ID, you can use it to do practically anything else
remember - the less you say you're from canada, and the more you wave around the documents that you are US, the less people will ask, and the less it will hinder you.
note - this may all be inhibited by not having a social security card. i dont know if your particular visa allows for a social security card, but it wouldnt hurt to try and go to your local SS office and check. in my wife's case, her particular visa(K1) allowed for a SS number, even though at the time we werent married
with a SS number and at least a state ID, you can do pretty much all you want, except work, or vote....those are two different beasts.
let me know if this helps
