TexasCHLforum.com

Hey guys,

I'm a Canadian citizen and will potentially be moving to Texas for law school. I would like to apply for the CHL but as an international student on an F1 visa, I'm not sure I will be able to. I have seen a few threads regarding this issue, but none of them have been updated with a final answer. I apologize for making yet another thread about this, but I hear Texans are helpful and so I hope someone here has an answer for me ;). My question is this: Can I in fact obtain a CHL? If I can, What do I need beforehand? Thank you in advance!

I can't answer your question, but I will say that we'll be glad to have you, Klepto. Just don't steal anything :)

J.R.@A&M wrote:I can't answer your question, but I will say that we'll be glad to have you, Klepto. Just don't steal anything :)

Ha, thanks a lot dude. I hope I'm able to get one though, I can't tell you how frustrating it is to not be allowed to have one up here. Pathetic if you ask me.

To get a Texas CHL you must pass the class, pay the application fee, and pass the background check proving eligibility.

Assuming you have a clean history, the main issue for a non-immigrant foreigner is being legally qualified to possess a firearm. This can often be established by getting a hunting license. (Don't ask... it's the US government and the rules don't need to make sense.)

See this document for additional details. https://www.atf.gov/files/publications/ ... 008-11.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Step 3 on page 2, in particular.)

apostate wrote:To get a Texas CHL you must pass the class, pay the application fee, and pass the background check proving eligibility.

Assuming you have a clean history, the main issue for a non-immigrant foreigner is being legally qualified to possess a firearm. This can often be established by getting a hunting license. (Don't ask... it's the US government and the rules don't need to make sense.)

See this document for additional details. https://www.atf.gov/files/publications/ ... 008-11.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Step 3 on page 2, in particular.)

Thanks for the reply apostate. I am aware of the hunting license work-around, but what I am curious about is whether or not I am able to also get the CHL. From what I understand, the hunting license thing only allows me to purchase the gun, but it doesn't necessarily mean I can apply and be issued a CHL.

Also, how soon after my initial arrival to Texas can I get the hunting license? Is there a waiting period for that as well? Is it a course, or do I just pay for the hunting license?

I guess for both TX resident-hunting license and CHL you need to prove that you are a resident in State of Texas for the last 90(180?) days. You need to present or provide the utility bills under your name for the last 90 days.

Of course, upon arrival, you can get a non-resident hunting license for more money. For CHL you need to be resident of Texas.

I am another Kanuk, and welcome to great state of Texas. Enjoy your stay.

From what I've read, I believe if you are here legally with a proper visa, you are eligible to apply for a TX CHL.

The best way to confirm this is to call TX DPS and ask them directly.
From what I've heard/read/been told, phone calls to them are answered competently.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/contact/default.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(512) 424-7293
You can also use the email link on the same linked page.

Please let us know what they say.

Under federal law, aliens who have been admitted to the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa usually are not qualified to purchase a handgun – and therefore, do not qualify for a license. However, as long as you were not admitted under a non-immigrant visa and are a legal resident of Texas, you may qualify.

welcome to Texas!

Law school? UT Austin?

Beiruty wrote:For CHL you need to be resident of Texas.

They changed that requirement about ten years ago.

I'm on an F1 as well and got my plastic in January. Here is my "journey" pm me if you have any questions.

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=67188" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

First things first: Welcome to the forum!!
Second thing: When you get to Texas, get a Texas ID ASAP. It will make life much easier.

kleptomaniac wrote:Hey guys,

I'm a Canadian citizen and will potentially be moving to Texas for law school. I would like to apply for the CHL but as an international student on an F1 visa, I'm not sure I will be able to. I have seen a few threads regarding this issue, but none of them have been updated with a final answer. I apologize for making yet another thread about this, but I hear Texans are helpful and so I hope someone here has an answer for me ;). My question is this: Can I in fact obtain a CHL? If I can, What do I need beforehand? Thank you in advance!

Box's post above, with his 'journey' is a very good, comprehensive listing of what you need. To recap, here's what you will need to submit for your TX CHL:

CHL-78A - Original Application for TX CHL
CHL-78B - Personal and Business History
CHL-78C - Reported History Form (If Applicable)
CHL-85 - Authorization to Release Records Affidavit (must be notarized)
CHL-86 - Knowledge of Laws & Eligibility Affidavit (must be notarized)
CHL-100 - Class completion certificate
Payment with application - $140

Copies of the following to be submitted with the application:
Foreign Passport
F1 US Visa
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Hunting License & Hunter's Ed card
Copy of Texas ID or Texas DL, if you have it.

After you submit all this great paperwork, you will get a letter in the mail indicating that you need to schedule/collect electronic fingerprints. This scheduling of fingerprints is normally done with the online application, but because you are having to submit a paper application, you have to wait to get the letter from DPS about scheduling fingerprints. The cost is $9.95, plus tax, if I remember correctly. I could be wrong about the tax.

Here is a link to the CHL-40, which is a notice to applicants born outside of the country. It basically gives the 4 options for eligibility for those born outside the country.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetFo ... CHL-40.pdf

kleptomaniac wrote:Also, how soon after my initial arrival to Texas can I get the hunting license? Is there a waiting period for that as well? Is it a course, or do I just pay for the hunting license?

You can get a non-resident hunting license. You will also have to take the Hunter's Education course, which can be done completely online. From looking at the link http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/licenses/ a general non-resident hunting license is $315. And then you also have to take the online class. In order to be considered a resident of Texas and to get the reduced rate, check out the 'requirements' for Texas residency at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations ... quirements. There isn't a waiting period for the non-resident option. To establish Texas residency, some of the requirements do have a time requirement.

So, yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements and have a clean background, and you have all the correct 'extras' (like hunting license, I-94, etc.) you can get your Texas CHL. Hope this answers most of your questions!

TBM

The_Busy_Mom wrote:
You can get a non-resident hunting license. You will also have to take the Hunter's Education course, which can be done completely online. From looking at the link http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/licenses/ a general non-resident hunting license is $315. And then you also have to take the online class. In order to be considered a resident of Texas and to get the reduced rate, check out the 'requirements' for Texas residency at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations ... quirements. There isn't a waiting period for the non-resident option. To establish Texas residency, some of the requirements do have a time requirement.

So, yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements and have a clean background, and you have all the correct 'extras' (like hunting license, I-94, etc.) you can get your Texas CHL. Hope this answers most of your questions!

TBM

Thanks for the summery, I should have included one.

Get a Texas driving license before your hunting license. Saves you a at least $200. Then just have all your ducks in order before you send em in.

sammeow wrote:Under federal law, aliens who have been admitted to the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa usually are not qualified to purchase a handgun – and therefore, do not qualify for a license. However, as long as you were not admitted under a non-immigrant visa and are a legal resident of Texas, you may qualify.

I know they can't purchase from a FFL, but I don't think they're a prohibited person.
A local purchase or gift from a TX resident should be legal.

NOTE: Licensed here means Federal Firearms License NOT CHL.

https://www.atf.gov/content/firearms-fr ... d-transfer

Q: To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?

A person may sell a firearm to an unlicensed resident of his State, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may sell or transfer a firearm to a licensee in any State. However, a firearm other than a curio or relic may not be transferred interstate to a licensed collector.

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and (5), 922(d), 27 CFR 478.29 and 478.30]

You can still purchase from a FFL. If you have the list below. A CHL just means the FFL does not have to call it in. This is as I understand it, my first 4473 was for an ar lower and it was done with a CHL.

Foreign Passport
F1 US Visa
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Hunting License & Hunter's Ed card ( not really needed, but better to have it)
Copy of Texas ID or Texas DL, if you have it.

That said, most stores do not allow you to purchase a firearm. Probably on the side of caution. Also, if they do allow you to; the 4473 form is bloody confusing for aliens. Read it carefully and ask if you need help. Take extra caution if they ask you for any numbers. Specially the I-94 and Texas hunting license number.

Edit:
http://www.atf.gov/files/firearms/faq/n ... aliens.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
See question 3 and answer3(a)

Q3.
May a nonimmigrant alien who has been admitted to the United States under a
nonimmigrant alien visa purchase or possess a firearm in the U.s

A3.
An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is not prohibited from
purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm if the alien falls within one of the following
exceptions:
(1) is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued by the
Federal Government, a State, or local government, or an Indian tribe federally recognized by the Bureau
of Indian Affairs, which is valid and unexpired