Domestic Partner in The USA

Hi,
I've read through a lot of posts and have yet to see anything in regards to this topic. Given some of the troubles my partner and I have been exposed to I thought I would share some of my experience, and would look forward to any feedback or further discussion.

My partner is my boyfriend of the last three years, we were both born and raised in Canada, and just eligible for status as a Common Law Married couple when he was transferred by his work to the USA. Before leaving Canada we had our common law relationship notarized. What we've learned:

- At the border the key was the US issued cable in regards to having the B2 status as a domestic partner, the assurance to the border that I would not be working while we were in the USA, and we had ready but it was never viewed; evidence of our home in Canada, my bank accounts in Canada, and my family in Canada.
- Although my partner's company was providing benefits coverage, the USA coverage agent would not accept me as I did not have a SSN which I would have been able to obtain as a spouse on an L2 visa (tied to his L1). We were able to have our status as common law notarized by a US notary and they overlooked the lack of SSN.
- At the bank we were able to set up a joint account only, and I was provided a number in lieu of a SSN to use at the bank only.
- I cannot purchase a vehicle or obtain a driver's license while we are here. We are looking into any potential implications of insurance, or my ability to drive for the duration of 6mths. which is the length of my B2.
- I will need to leave the USA in 6 mths and reapply for entry after staying home for "about a week" as was advised; though my partner's company may be able to help me extend the B2 without the trip home. We are looking into it.

Other things you should be aware of in general relayed as based on our experience:
- If you are getting a SSN it takes time, and without it you cannot secure a driver's license, loans/accounts, utilities, or a rental property. So if your company is sending you down, a preliminary trip is best to start the process of your SSN and to have your visa information for all the post arrival forms that will likely be required.
- If you had a SSN from a prior job/stint in the USA, it will need to be revalidated and you will need to visit a SSN office approx. 14 days after your arrival. You can obtain a letter from them in order to obtain a Driver's license and/or auto loan if you so require until your new card is sent.

We're not certain how things will go in 6mths when my B2 is up, and I can't even imagine all the paperwork that getting married now or while this continues, will strum up. My advice is, be prepared for the worst, don't imagine that this will be easy, it is a long and difficult process made more so by the different statuses. But it can be done if you are patient and informed. Before you go consider everything that you may need to re-establish:
Home/Residence
Banking
Car
Insurance (Home/Rental/Vehicle)
Credit
Benefits Coverage
and research as much as you possibly can about what is required by the state you are moving to for these things, and whether you have the necessary tools. For example, letters of employment, a firm SSN, a perm. residence, evidence of employment and residence etc.

Good luck!