New here...and LOST

[FlameMcBain 0]

Hi Everyone..

I'm new to this site and thank goodness I found it.

I'm a Canadian, just about to retire and want to marry an American (he is retired).

We were planning on a little ceremony in Ontario (my family) and then a ceremony in Michigan (his family & friends). We both live close to the border and have been seeing each other for about a year now.

I have a home in Ontario, that I will be keeping and renting out. I am not looking for employment in the US.

I don't know what visa to apply for...suggestions would be very welcome and appreciated.

Also, when I apply for a visa, am I allowed to travel across the border afterwards? or do I need to wait unti it's approved? (do not like this idea at all), we travel back and forth every other weekend.

Thanks for help...glad to be here

FlameMcbain

[thetreble 19]

Welcome!!

Depends all on what you guys decide to do.

If you get engaged and apply for a K-1 visa, you will be in Canada until it's approved. You can make short trips back and forth but you just have to wait until it's approved to emigrate. When it is approved, you move to the US and you have 90 days to marry. You then apply for your green card, or Adjustment of Status, after that time to be able to live and work in the US. (Even if you don't want to work, you still have to apply to reside)

Or, you can get married in either country, go back to your respect country and apply for a CR-1 or IR-1. These are both visas for people who are already married and want to emigrate to the USA. The beauty of it is, that you don't have to adjust status once you are approved and move to the US.

There are many guides on this website on how to successfully complete all three visa processes.

As far as keeping your home in Canada, someone here will be able to tell you what taxes will be involved in that. You will have to pay taxes in both countries, I'm supposing.

Edited June 29, 2009 by thetreble

[Krikit 1,164]

Wow. That's an amazing rainbow, Flame.

First you will need to read The Guides. That will give you an idea of where to begin. Yes, you can visit during the process.... just take a peek at the link in my signature.

Welcome to VJ, FlameMcBain.

[trailmix 77]

Welcome!

Since you want to be able to cross the border whenever you feel like it, you will want to look at either a K3 visa or a CR1 visa (CR1 is a better visa). They are both for married persons, so you will have to apply after you get married and live in Canada while they process it. It will take around 10 months to process either one of them.

K3 - Lodge I-130 and I-129F with USCIS - once approved your application will be sent to the Montreal Consulate where you will interview.

- Once you get the visa in your passport you can travel freely as K3 is multiple entry.

- You will have to 'adjust status' once you get to the U.S. (file more forms, pay more money)

CR1 - Lodge I-130 with USCIS - once approved your application will be sent to the National Visa Center

- You will send NVC an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and a DS-230, when they request them.

- Once you enter the U.S. you can also travel freely, you do not need to adjust status and your Green Card should arrive withing a couple of weeks.

- After 2 years you must apply to remove conditions (CR = conditional resident - for those married under 2 years)

That's a brief overview but gives you a bit of an outline for when you are looking at the guides

[FlameMcBain 0]

Welcome!

Since you want to be able to cross the border whenever you feel like it, you will want to look at either a K3 visa or a CR1 visa (CR1 is a better visa). They are both for married persons, so you will have to apply after you get married and live in Canada while they process it. It will take around 10 months to process either one of them.

K3 - Lodge I-130 and I-129F with USCIS - once approved your application will be sent to the Montreal Consulate where you will interview.

- Once you get the visa in your passport you can travel freely as K3 is multiple entry.

- You will have to 'adjust status' once you get to the U.S. (file more forms, pay more money)

CR1 - Lodge I-130 with USCIS - once approved your application will be sent to the National Visa Center

- You will send NVC an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and a DS-230, when they request them.

- Once you enter the U.S. you can also travel freely, you do not need to adjust status and your Green Card should arrive withing a couple of weeks.

- After 2 years you must apply to remove conditions (CR = conditional resident - for those married under 2 years)

That's a brief overview but gives you a bit of an outline for when you are looking at the guides

Hi Everyone...

Well...I certainly have alot to read and research here. It's alot more involved then I thought.

I'll be back with more questions....I'm sure of that!

FlameMcBain