Pay debts off first??

[thegordons2009 1]

I am Canadian and my fiancé is American. We are just looking into this fiancé visa and I had a few questions.

First off, would I need to have all debts ( credit cards ) and such paid off before being approved for the visa?

Secondly, I was wondering would would be the advantages and disadvantages to just getting married vs. Getting the fiancé visa?

Thanks

[Anh map 2,098]

debts paid off - doesn't matter with regard to obtaining a visa

The CR1 (see the Guides tab at the top of the page) for married couples is cheaper (fewer fees) and you have green card when you enter the US.

[Otto 83]

Whether or not you have debt/credit/loans, etc with zero or balance-owed doesn't have any impact on the process.

Check out

What Visa Do We Need? for some pro/con information on types of visas.

[Ed+Cindy 1]

I am Canadian and my fiancé is American. We are just looking into this fiancé visa and I had a few questions.

Secondly, I was wondering would would be the advantages and disadvantages to just getting married vs. Getting the fiancé visa?

Thanks

Fiance visa will (most likely) get the forienger (you) to the US quicker, however it is more expensive and you won't have any real status for the first several months you are in the US.

The CR-1 is longer, but cheaper (there is no Adjustment of Status, which cost $1010). CR-1 allows you to work, etc as soon as you arrive.

In my humble opinion, as long as you can visit each other often, go for the CR-1. I could have gotten my fiance a CR-1 last year (when I lived in her country, assuming I married her then), but I didn't and now that I have the K-1 and AOS to deal with, I regret not going the CR-1 route.

[Tankgurl38 0]

If you have a loan on your car, you won't be able to import it into the US once it is time for you to move, the loan company in Canada will require you to pay off that loan before you go, otherwise if you can't import it to the US, you can't register it there or get insurance.

[Gary_UK 17]

I am Canadian and my fiancé is American. We are just looking into this fiancé visa and I had a few questions.

First off, would I need to have all debts ( credit cards ) and such paid off before being approved for the visa?

Secondly, I was wondering would would be the advantages and disadvantages to just getting married vs. Getting the fiancé visa?

Thanks

Hi. I'm going through the same process of clearing debts before I move. But this is more for my own peace of mind than anything else.

From what I understand credit history is not transferable from the UK. So lucky people like myself who have spent the last 5 years rebuilding my credit

history was for naught But then again there is always the possibility that my (to be) wife will want to move to the UK in which case I guess its better to clear up my financial mess before I leave. But I'm a big fan of karma

[thegordons2009 1]

I am Canadian and my fiancé is American. We are just looking into this fiancé visa and I had a few questions.

Secondly, I was wondering would would be the advantages and disadvantages to just getting married vs. Getting the fiancé visa?

Thanks

Fiance visa will (most likely) get the forienger (you) to the US quicker, however it is more expensive and you won't have any real status for the first several months you are in the US.

The CR-1 is longer, but cheaper (there is no Adjustment of Status, which cost $1010). CR-1 allows you to work, etc as soon as you arrive.

In my humble opinion, as long as you can visit each other often, go for the CR-1. I could have gotten my fiance a CR-1 last year (when I lived in her country, assuming I married her then), but I didn't and now that I have the K-1 and AOS to deal with, I regret not going the CR-1 route.

I am currently "visiting" my fiancé here in the USA. To be honest I really didn't have plans on going back to Canada. So in your opinion would getting married now work to my benefit ( that is being able stay in USA without going back)? Or do u think I will have to go back no matter what? Thanks for your response

[Anh map 2,098]

There are lots of folks here on VJ adjusting from a visitors visa/ entering from a visa waiver country.

Do some reading in the Adjusting Status from Work, Student, Travel visa forum.

[Gary and Alla 3,696]

I am Canadian and my fiancé is American. We are just looking into this fiancé visa and I had a few questions.

First off, would I need to have all debts ( credit cards ) and such paid off before being approved for the visa?

Secondly, I was wondering would would be the advantages and disadvantages to just getting married vs. Getting the fiancé visa?

Thanks

The US consulate does not care about your debts (or your fiance's).

As far as getting married, then you would have to file for a K-3 or CR-1(better). There are advantages and disadvatages to each, the K-1 is not the only route, nor is it the Holy Grail. K-3's and CR-1s take a little longer to process but with the CR-1 you get a green card right away and the K-3 allows mulitple entries until you adjust status. With the K-1 you are "stuck here" (for lack of better term) until you adjust status...2-6 months. For a Canadian, especially if you are accustomed to freely coming and going, this will seem very strange I would imagine. I live within 6 miles of the border and I cannot imagine having a fiancee (wife) from Montreal, less than one hour away, that could not "go home" for 2-6 months when we freely go back and forth all the time. I have neighbors that are Canadian citizens and travel there every day. Imagine telling them they have to stay on this side of the line for 6 months! So, study the guides and make your choice. Good luck.

[It's me 1]

debts paid off - doesn't matter with regard to obtaining a visa

The CR1 (see the Guides tab at the top of the page) for married couples is cheaper (fewer fees) and you have green card when you enter the US.

[moni_calla 0]

I am currently "visiting" my fiancé here in the USA. To be honest I really didn't have plans on going back to Canada. So in your opinion would getting married now work to my benefit ( that is being able stay in USA without going back)? Or do u think I will have to go back no matter what? Thanks for your response

You have to return to Canada during the adjustment period if you dont and they find out you can be banned from the US, it is not worth chancing apply for the fiance visa and you can still visit while you are awaiting approval you just have to prove you still have ties to Canada.