Canadian marrying American in the US - J-1 Visa

I am hoping someone can provide with a clearer indication of what the process would be if I married my American boyfriend in the US. I am currently a Canadian in the US on a J-1 visa. We have been talking about marriage lately as it would be our next step. I am curious what forms are required and how much time does it take? Since I'm already working does that expedite the procedure since I'd maybe just have to adjust my visa? So confusing!

You would indeed need to adjust your status once you are married. I believe the cost is around $1200 and it takes 3-6 months.

But go to http://www.visajourney.com, more specifically this link:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index ... i130guide2

The site is VERY detailed and takes you through the assembling of your adjustment package step by step.

You can also do a search on this forum. The understatement of the year is that this topic has been covered at length on canuckabroad.com lol

Good luck, being that you're in already in the US with valid status, it should be smooth enough a process

Note that as a J1 you may have to apply for a waiver to avoid having to leave the country.

Thanks so much for the direction. We also have an appointment next week to talk to someone about the details just to make sure we would be crossing our t's and dotting our i's.

I've seen a ton on this website about marriage but nothing with the J-1 so thanks very much!!

IIRC, the J1 is required to have 2 years after it expires before you can apply for any other immigration benefit. Which would include adjusting status to permanent resident based on marriage.

There is info at Visa Journey though.

...Thus the need for J1 waiver.

I was just elaborating. I've come across more than one J1 person who was not aware of the 2 year at home requirement.