Beginning the process...

[Darklock 0]

Have an interesting problem here. Basically been on a long vacation with my lady in the US and am originally from Canada. I've spent alot of time on US websites for immigration and forms and procedures and almost have an aneurysm now. My starter question is if I choose to stay here in the US and we decide to get married is there a way to achieve the end process of citizenship while I am in the United States or do I need to return to Canada and do the proper procedure? I've been fairly stressed out recently trying to find paperwork, info or anything on how to do this and usually end up 100 websites later at a dead end.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[meauxna 15]

Have an interesting problem here. Basically been on a long vacation with my lady in the US and am originally from Canada. I've spent alot of time on US websites for immigration and forms and procedures and almost have an aneurysm now. My starter question is if I choose to stay here in the US and we decide to get married is there a way to achieve the end process of citizenship while I am in the United States or do I need to return to Canada and do the proper procedure? I've been fairly stressed out recently trying to find paperwork, info or anything on how to do this and usually end up 100 websites later at a dead end.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Been here yet?:

How Do I Become a Lawful Permanent Resident While in the United States?

http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/legpermres.htm

You can not apply for citizenship until you have been a Permanent Resident for a number of years--that may have contributed to your aneurysm.

The best advice for someone in your situation is to go meet with an immigration attorney who can ask you the appropriate questions to determine if this is a good path for you or not. Many of your personal circumstances will have an influence, and they are things best discused in private.

Don't file any forms until you learn more, don't leave the US until you've learned more, but don't stay past 179 days of your last entry to the US. If you have already stayed longer than that, def. go see a lawyer.

Understand that there are plusses and minuses to each route. Some will not allow you to work immediately in the US, others will. There are too many permutations to cover here, but you can start with the conparison chart here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=compare

[Kath 0]

good advice meauxna.. i had forgotten about that last forum.. good on ya

good luck to you darlock