Guns as non american citizen

[smokedchisel]

Hey just wondering if anyone here have gotten guns as a non american citizen? How did it go and how long did the application take? Ive been in contact with OAG CA and according to them im eligible to get a permit as long as im in the us legally (which i am) provide my i20,i94,passport and visa. Seems like a long process tho. But if anyone here have gotten guns as a non american citizen i would like to know.

[elgoog]

What's your status?
If you have a green card (resident status), it's easy - that's all they need in addition to the "normal" IDs and documentation. If you're a non-resident, it gets more complicated - you have to do the Hunter Safety Course, get a hunting license and then use that to get your firearm. There might be an issue with some gun stores not knowing about the correct rules pertaining to this and just deny you.
You mentioned I20 so I assume you're a student? Be super careful with that as I think there may be additional restrictions on that visa.

[smokedchisel]

Yeah. Ive been here for almost 3 years. Im on an F1 visa.

[elgoog]

I re-read your OP - did the OAG CA provide you with a link to any documentation? You may have already seen the following links as well but this is what I found and is relevant.

Prohibited from owning mentions an illegal alien - http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/ag...hibcatmisd.pdf

Also this, https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs#3 says all you need is your A number (green card) or I94 (proof of legal entry). It doesn't say anything about the hunter's course or license but I'm pretty sure that's a requirement.

Talk to gun stores in your area - they may be able to give you more details. At the very least, you'll know if they're aware of the regulations and if they're willing to sell to you or not.

[Issara]

An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa

I do not believe you can have any firearms

[HumedoNino]

An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa

I do not believe you can have any firearms

That is correct. An F1 Visa cannot purchase a firearm legally in the US.

[ke6guj]

An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa

I do not believe you can have any firearms

That is correct. An F1 Visa cannot purchase a firearm legally in the US.

do you have any links that show that an F1 visa is treated differently than other non-immigrant visas?

https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/nonimmigrant-aliens

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-nonimmigrant-alien-who-has-been-admitted-united-states-under-nonimmigrant-visa

May a nonimmigrant alien who has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa possess a firearm or ammunition in the United States?

An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), such as: a valid hunting license or permit, admitted for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, certain official representatives of a foreign government, or a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business.

[18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) and 922(y)(2); 27 CFR 478.11 and 478.32]

and the 4473 itself explains the exemption as well.

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/4473-part-1-firearms-transaction-record-over-counter-atf-form-53009/download

[ke6guj]

and there was much more discussion in a thread from a few years back, http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1005415

[Brother_Hesekiel]

I was a Green Card holder for 14 years before I was ready to renounce any and all allegiance to my former country and its people and naturalized in the United States.

In addition to what Jack so eloquently stated, I would strongly suggest for Green Card holders to stay away from firearms in any form or shape, as any oh-so-small, firearm-related violation of any kind is sufficient reason to revoke a LPR's status and order him or her to leave the United States for good. Only a US citizen is safe from being kicked out, and while our wonderful federal government looks the other way when it comes to millions of illegal aliens, they are quite strict when it comes to any legal, drug or gun related issues concerning Green Card holders.

[smokedchisel]

This is what i found at oag.ca.gov

'If the purchaser is not a U.S. Citizen, then he or she is required to demonstrate that he or she is legally within the United States by providing the firearms dealer with documentation containing his/her Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number'

Same thing here:

http://www.lagunstore.com/how-to-buy-a-firearm

[Scottie15]

It's easy enough if you get a hunting license after taking hunter's safety. I recently sold a pistol to my friend who was here on a student visa, then a work visa. He had his current hunting license, visa, CA ID and utility bill in hand when we did the transaction. The transfer was super simple and took no longer than a normal PPT when done at a gun store with knowledgeable staff.

[P5Ret]

You need to look a bit deeper than the Ca AG's office for an answer. Fed's specifically ATF will give you a much clearer answer than the Ca DOJ, who does not concern themselves with federal laws and regulations, that cover non-US citizens and firearms possession and purchase.

[smokedchisel]

I will try and contact ATF aswell.