Longterm boyfriend living in the US-- not sure where to star

cjfraser
New Member



Joined: 30 Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Location: PEI

Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:15 pm

 

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Hey,

I've been browsing your forum (first really good bits of info I've found!) but I'm really lost so I thought it better to make a post here and maybe someone can point me in the right direction.

To start, I'm a 25 year old Canadian citizen. My boyfriend is a 27 year old citizen of PA. He was in the military serving as military police but is about to be discharged, he's just waiting for the papers.

He has been travelling back and forth for about a year now to visit, we've met in assorted places but the last few times he has just been visiting me in my home for a few weeks at a time.

He is about to enter college this fall, a 4 year program. We have decided that once his education is completed we'll be married.

The thing is, it's becoming very difficult to be apart for such lengthy periods of time and now that he will be attending school full-time the visits will be even more infrequent.

So that's the background of it all. I am basically looking for some way to go to the US so that I can be with him. I'm interested in furthering my education myself, so that's one option. The kicker is I would really need to be able to earn some sort of income while there. I'm open to any and all options really.

Also in addition to all of that I have a criminal record which I'm in the process of being pardoned for. The charge is damage under $5000, it's from when I was 19.

So I don't really know where to start or if any of this is even possible. I'm really lost as to where to start. What I'm looking for doesn't have to be a permanent solution, but it would be nice to be able to be with him for a few months out of the year atleast rather than just a few weeks here and there.

Anyhow, if anyone can offer me some advice, tell me what I'm looking for is impossible or point me in the correct direction that would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1500
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:13 am

 

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If you want to go to university with him, get a student visa. Most will also offer you work authorization to get a job on campus (book store, cafeteria, coffee shop, maybe office, stuff like that).

With the criminal record however, you may need to do a waiver before you can get a visa of any sort. Make an appointment at your nearest US consulate and talk to an immigration specialist, they should be able to help you.

Other than a student visa, unless you want to get married sooner rather than later, I can't see any other legal option for long term stay.
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READ ME FIRST!! Immigration Information for Canadians who want to move to the US for any reason.

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cjfraser
New Member



Joined: 30 Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Location: PEI

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:02 am

 

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Thanks for the response. That's what I thought the case would be, I just wanted to verify as you all seem very knowledgeable =)

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1662
Location: Calgary

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:23 am

 

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Yeah, F-1 lets you work when you enter as a student, apply on I-765. Essentially you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus while you are engaged in full-time study and after you finish you can get "optional practical training" for up to a year when the course is finished (certain science degrees can get a 17-month extension).

If you're hard-up though it's a tough option because on-campus jobs don't pay much and you have to pay full tuition as there is no financial aid for international students (you could get a scholarship I suppose).

The criminal record doesn't prevent you from entering the US, it's too minor. If you haven't already done it (probably have to to get a pardon) get a CPIC check done with your local police, as this is the system USCIS use to check your criminal background (as well as other systems you likely wouldn't be in).

If there's something listed there that looks nasty, you need to apply for a waiver.
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Steve.

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kevinlg
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Posts: 60

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:26 am

 

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As mentioned above,
Public 4 yr College tuition is very expensive if you are out of state.
tuition could likely range from 10k to 20k per year (depends on state).

In order to get F1 or I-20 they need you to have a financial prove to support urself for at least 1 yr.
Aka
Usually, they require financial prove (usually money in bank) of urself or your sponsor.
They ask for Tuition + living cost.
So it may be up to 30K prove.

Since you are highly likely to live with your bf, you maybe able to ask for a reduced financial prove.

And Yes,
On campus jobs pay is not that good at all.

If you quailify for TN prof. you could potentially get a full time job and do part time school.

just my 2cents

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