Canadian planning on marrying into US Navy

[keysjangle 145]

So I have a couple questions that I'm sure are spelled out somewhere, but I trust others more than my own currently confused, busy brain.

Hypothetically, we get married December 2010 in Florida. I return to Canada after a 2 week visit. Is there a deadline on when we would have to start the CR1 process? And if we started it, it would be highly inadvisable to return to the U.S, correct?

And as well: Say we get married but do not begin any of the CR1 process; would I be able to travel to the U.S., say for my usual 2 month summer visit.

Reading this:

Your relative will become a U.S permanent resident only when he/she enters the U.S at a port of entry, until this time, he/she only has an immigrant visa that is valid up to 6 months from the interview date.

If your relative cannot immigrate to the U.S within the 6 month allotted time, then his/her immigrant visa will expire, and the I-130 process must start all over again.

Really emphasized the need for good planning and scheduling to be in place so I just want to make sure I understand that part first and foremost.

Edited November 24, 2010 by Gervl

[canadian_wife 1,802]

You may marry in the US and return to Canada. NO issues there. You may also visit (regardless of if the petition has been filed or not) however, each entry is judged on its own, meaning you can be denied entry at any time - whether a petition has been filed or not. Bring STRONG ties to Canada to make each crossing easier.

The process will take 8 -12 months from start to finish. So file 8-12 months BEFORE you'd like to move to the US. Only after the Cr-1 visa has been issued does the statement you quoted above apply (you know..the one where you cross into the US and automatically become a permenant resident)

Good luck

PS - not sure where you live in Canada but Montreal is the only consulate that will process Cr-1 spousal visas so plan on a trip to Montreal

[keysjangle 145]

Very helpful, thanks. I'm in Toronto so Montreal isn't a huge issue for me.

So to marry, leave and then return for visits I would need a return flight listed on my itinerary? That seems to make sense, plus the normal ties: school, work, etc.

Edited November 25, 2010 by Gervl

[JlovesA 109]

Very helpful, thanks. I'm in Toronto so Montreal isn't a huge issue for me.

So to marry, leave and then return for visits I would need a return flight listed on my itinerary? That seems to make sense, plus the normal ties: school, work, etc.

You don't NEED ties per se but it's strongly advised. I visit my fiancé all the time and have never been asked, but I keep an envelope full of documents in my glove compartment just in case.

Also, no one answered the question you had about a time limit to file. There is none, you can marry without ever immigrating to the USA if you wanted. So don't worry about that.

[keysjangle 145]

Also, no one answered the question you had about a time limit to file. There is none, you can marry without ever immigrating to the USA if you wanted. So don't worry about that.

Thanks for letting me know!