Full Version: Newbie Canuck Marrying US American Forces.
Hello everyone. I am a newbie here and just signed up two days ago. I work for the Canadian Forces on Vancouver Island, my fiance is American Forces in the US. I don't understand alot of this stuff and am having a hard time to figure all this out. We have been together for two years now (long distance relationship). As he just signed for another two years with his military we have decided I will be the one to leave and move to the US with him. From what I have found on the internet it looks like it is an easier process to get married in Canada then for him to have me and my son brought to the US. We also don't know if using the fiance road is quicker and less expensive or using the spouse route. All we want is to be together and do it the least expensive way. I also read that file fees are less if you actually go to a consulate and walk in or make apts than to send things to an immigration office. Not sure if I am understanding it correctly but that is what I get out of it. So many questions. It is really discouraging to see some of the timelines that are posted. I want to be able to just pack up and be there tomorrow. I know that is unreal but if I had the powers that is what I would want. Anyways I just wanted to say hello to everyone and I am inspired by reading some of your stories and how you have all gotten through this process. I have a son that I also have full custody and guardianship. There is a 10 year no contact order filed with the courts against his father to contact either of us. I am really surprised that Military members are subjected to these kinds of wait times. They can be posted to an undisclosed location and not available for interviews or filing papers etc.......Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, I already have received wonderful comments on the Canada thread, thank you to all that have responded. Good luck to everyone else.
First of all, welcome to VJ! 
It is a lot quicker to get here in the US when you file for a K-1 (fiance visa) but the problem is, it will be more expensive and more paperworks to do.
For K-1 visa -> onced approved, you will have to get married within 90 days upon arrival in the US. Then there's the Adjustment of Status to get the GC (Conditional Permanent GC) which costs about $1010.00. Then may apply for AED to work or just wait for the GC.
For those who are married when they applied, there's the K-3 and the CR-1 route. CR-1 if the applicant is married for less than 2 years when they applied and IR-1 when married for more than 2 years when they applied.
K-3 is like K-1, and when you get to the US, you still need to apply and Adjust Status and/or apply for AED to work.
CR-1 - you will be given the Conditional Permanent GC that is good for 2 years and will just have to apply to Remove Conditional status within 90 days before the GC expires. No need to apply for AED and AOS.
IR-1 - automatic 10-year GC.
But since your petitioner is in the military, maybe you can apply for an expedite case? Not sure, but I think if there's possibility of being deployed, then the petitioner can apply for his case to be expidited, then you can come here faster. I know, the more knowledgeable in this case will tell you more about it.
Whatever route you decide, Good luck on your "journey"!
It is a lot quicker to get here in the US when you file for a K-1 (fiance visa) but the problem is, it will be more expensive and more paperworks to do.
For K-1 visa -> onced approved, you will have to get married within 90 days upon arrival in the US. Then there's the Adjustment of Status to get the GC (Conditional Permanent GC) which costs about $1010.00. Then may apply for AED to work or just wait for the GC.
For those who are married when they applied, there's the K-3 and the CR-1 route. CR-1 if the applicant is married for less than 2 years when they applied and IR-1 when married for more than 2 years when they applied.
K-3 is like K-1, and when you get to the US, you still need to apply and Adjust Status and/or apply for AED to work.
CR-1 - you will be given the Conditional Permanent GC that is good for 2 years and will just have to apply to Remove Conditional status within 90 days before the GC expires. No need to apply for AED and AOS.
IR-1 - automatic 10-year GC.
But since your petitioner is in the military, maybe you can apply for an expedite case? Not sure, but I think if there's possibility of being deployed, then the petitioner can apply for his case to be expidited, then you can come here faster. I know, the more knowledgeable in this case will tell you more about it.
Whatever route you decide, Good luck on your "journey"!
QUOTE(vsmtghdy @ Oct 12 2007, 11:21 AM) 
First of all, welcome to VJ!
It is a lot quicker to get here in the US when you file for a K-1 (fiance visa) but the problem is, it will be more expensive and more paperworks to do.
For K-1 visa -> onced approved, you will have to get married within 90 days upon arrival in the US. Then there's the Adjustment of Status to get the GC (Conditional Permanent GC) which costs about $1010.00. Then may apply for AED to work or just wait for the GC.
For those who are married when they applied, there's the K-3 and the CR-1 route. CR-1 if the applicant is married for less than 2 years when they applied and IR-1 when married for more than 2 years when they applied.
K-3 is like K-1, and when you get to the US, you still need to apply and Adjust Status and/or apply for AED to work.
CR-1 - you will be given the Conditional Permanent GC that is good for 2 years and will just have to apply to Remove Conditional status within 90 days before the GC expires. No need to apply for AED and AOS.
IR-1 - automatic 10-year GC.
But since your petitioner is in the military, maybe you can apply for an expedite case? Not sure, but I think if there's possibility of being deployed, then the petitioner can apply for his case to be expidited, then you can come here faster. I know, the more knowledgeable in this case will tell you more about it.
Whatever route you decide, Good luck on your "journey"!
It is a lot quicker to get here in the US when you file for a K-1 (fiance visa) but the problem is, it will be more expensive and more paperworks to do.
For K-1 visa -> onced approved, you will have to get married within 90 days upon arrival in the US. Then there's the Adjustment of Status to get the GC (Conditional Permanent GC) which costs about $1010.00. Then may apply for AED to work or just wait for the GC.
For those who are married when they applied, there's the K-3 and the CR-1 route. CR-1 if the applicant is married for less than 2 years when they applied and IR-1 when married for more than 2 years when they applied.
K-3 is like K-1, and when you get to the US, you still need to apply and Adjust Status and/or apply for AED to work.
CR-1 - you will be given the Conditional Permanent GC that is good for 2 years and will just have to apply to Remove Conditional status within 90 days before the GC expires. No need to apply for AED and AOS.
IR-1 - automatic 10-year GC.
But since your petitioner is in the military, maybe you can apply for an expedite case? Not sure, but I think if there's possibility of being deployed, then the petitioner can apply for his case to be expidited, then you can come here faster. I know, the more knowledgeable in this case will tell you more about it.
Whatever route you decide, Good luck on your "journey"!
Thank you Helen..........I've got lots to think about.
Welcome to VJ And good luck for which ever route you decide to take 
Be prepared to be patient.
And good luck for which ever route you decide to take Be prepared to be patient.
Welcome to VJ
Welcome to VJ and good luck on your journey 
Welcome to VJ and Good Luck
Welcome to VJ..
- To VJ !Goodluck on your journey!
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