Please help. Want to move to the states

[gina_23]

Hey Yall,

I want to work in the states and relocate to texas. I read many posts. I think the TN1 Visa is the way to go. How do I apply for this visa and how much does it cost? I will not be getting a lawyer cause of costs. Just starting off. Please help. How hard is it to get this visa and usually how long does it take?

THanks!

[Reba]

Well, first you need to find an employer to hire you and sponsor the TN.

[gina_23]

Is there a visa that I can apply for without being sponsored? Also my boyfriend lives in Texas. What other options do I have. I want to move and live with him. Any other advice?

[Steven]

Get married (engaged at least) is the only other relatively straightforward way.

[Reba]

You can have your boyfriend sponsor you for a fiancee visa, which is called a K1. it takes about a year to get it, give or take. Once you are granted the K1, you move to the US and you MUST get married within 90 days of your arrival. After you get married, you apply for adjustment of status, which depending on the USCIS closest to where you live, will depend how long that will take. Generally though you should have at least your work authorization within 3 months of sending in the AOS apps.

OR, you get married first, and your then husband petitions to sponsor you for a CR1 spouse visa, which also takes about a year to get, give or take. The CR1 is basically a green card, and allows you to work as soon as you arrive pretty much.

for info on marriage based immigration to the US see http://www.visajourney.com

If you don't want to get married, then you'll have to find an employer to sponsor you for some sort of visa.

[gina_23]

Marriage is still not in our picture.not yet at least.

Am I able to move to Texas and continue my job search? Or is it better to stay in Vancouver and apply for a job in Texas?
I really do appreciate everyones input. Just need some more options.

Thanks!

[Reba]

Legally you cannot enter the US to look for a job. If you find a job from where you are and they ask you to come down for an interview you can go.

[Camille604]

Ah. ok here I might find the answer to a question that's driving me batty.

I found a job from here in Canada that is in the states. The've invited me for a scheduled interview there. If it's ok for me to go down for this reason.what exactly do you tell the border people at the POE and what should I bring with me?