That's kinda the point - when I first arrive I'll be on a visa (I-94) WITHOUT permanent US residency or I-51 and so the ATF (regardless of State) says "An alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant 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" which is why I was going through the hoops to show residency in TN which qualifies me for a TN residential hunting permit which in turn satisfies the law around non-immigrants purchasing firearms whilst not technically being a US permanent resident!! The whole reason for the screwing about is that I have no family in the US to sponsor me and I have no plans on working (early retirement) so no business sponsor so no way to apply for a green-card in advance so need to be there and then apply for a change in visa.