re: canadian getting married to american...moving to the us

DebWestfal
New Member



Joined: 20 Feb 2006
Posts: 2

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:57 pm

 

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I married an american citizen back in 98. The only thing I can stress to you is to have your gf apply for a fiance's visa for you, NO MATTER WHAT they tell you at the Los Angeles Immigration office. We listened to them when they told us that because I'm a canadian I could move here and get married whenever we wished, that the laws were different for canadians. It took 3 years to get through the process (believe me I never want to see the Fulton Mall in Fresno again as long as I live). That's my advice to you. Once you get the visa you can come down but you have to be married within 90 days of the date issued on the visa. I'm not sure what the rest of the process is, but most likely it will take at least 13 months for you to get your EAD (employment authorization document), and you're not done yet. Another 6 months or so and you should be eligible for your green card. No matter what they tell you, do NOT carry your SS card and your green card with you, make copies and carry the copies with you and put your original cards in a safe place. Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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ksalter
New Member


Sparky

Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Hawaii

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:36 pm

 

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Hello,

I have been living in the US for the last 1.5 years working on under a TN visa and now we are engaged. I'm Canadian and he is American. I wanted to have a party back in Canada but I was told that I don't want to get married here (in US) and then go to Canada to have the party. When we come back and customs realize we're married and I'm on the TN visa they will turn me away. SOOO, my question is what do I do now? When applying for a green card I can't go home to Canada either right? I need to work, so I can't give up my work visa through this process, or at least would like NOT too. Any suggestions?
thanks!

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1291
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 3:55 am

 

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it is do-able, but I'm not familiar with the whole process for TNs to marriage based green card. Have a look at a website called http://www.visajourney.com there should be some info there for you. Its all about marriage based immigration to the US, with forums to ask questions and whatnot. I'm sure there's even another Canadian or 2 who has done the TN to green card thing.

I came on a K3, which is entirely different, so I have no idea what you need to do from a TN, or if applying to adjust status will nulify your TN. It shouldn't, but who knows with USCIS!?
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ksalter
New Member


Sparky

Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Hawaii

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:44 pm

 

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Thanks for the link, I will check it out

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sweetness
New Member



Joined: 08 Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Location: guelph , ontario

Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:24 am

 

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i have been denied into the u.s 3 times since September and i have a fiance in California. i been trying to get there to get married but the best way to get there is money money money if you don't have money they wont let you in . if i were you id go get married in Vegas and then file for a green card ( if you are still in California ) i was down there and he was here and we never thought we would have trouble to get into the states ( me) and now he is in California and I'm in Canada . it hard not being with him but i know now that i should have married him sooner as his mom is sick with cancer and I'm not there to be there for him

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1291
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:10 am

 

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The problem with that plan is that it's technicall illegal.

Going to the US with the intent of getting married and staying without first having a proper visa (fiancee in this case) is fraud, and your green card application could well be denied and then you get deported.

Honestly, it may take a few months, but best option is the legal one, apply for a fiancee visa.
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rosiecruse
New Member



Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Location: CAnada

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:55 am

 

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Hello Aaron,
I am a canadian and have been going back and forth to California for the past three and half years till finally I applied for the I-129F petition K1 visa in Jan 08.
I got approved in July 08 after the application took 6 months and now the papers are been sent to the NVC in Montreal. Package 3 and 4 will come to me and in about 4 months I will get my interview to live in the states. I am given 6 months to go and then within 90 days get married and apply for all other status employment etc.
I did not use a lawyer but researched many sites and finally got visa journey which is great and did it myself.its a lot of paperwork but its done and hopefully by Nov this year I can go to the States for Good.
While the petition is pending you cannot travel to the states.
Good luck
Rosemarie

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flames9
Senior Member



Joined: 08 Mar 2007
Posts: 110
Location: Falls Church VA

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:39 am

 

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Yes you CAN travel to the USA while under going the K1, k3, cr-1/ir-1 process. many of us have done it. I did it monthly while undergoing my CR-1. never had a single problem. Yes you can be denied, and some have. Beign denied won't affect ur application-as long as u told the TRUTH! If on edoes go visit in the USA, ensure u have ties to Canada,ir letter from employer, lease, return airfare. Lots of good info on visajoureny.com as well. The question of :"can I visit my spouse in the USA" is a weekly question on VJ,lol For some countries, the answer would probably be a big no, but us Cdns are Lucky that way. but it is still not a given, but ur odds are good.

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