paperwork moving Canadian wife to the US

[Zack88 0]

I figured I would join this community since I have seen nothing but helpful posts towards members' situations while I have been browsing, and figured I would ask a question of my own. I am currently in the process of trying to move my wife, who is a Canadian citizen, into the United States to live with me. We are going to file all her paperwork at once, meaning we would be filing the I-130 to petition her as my alien relative (spouse), the I-485 to register her for Permanent Residence, and the I-765 to allow her to apply for employment. Are there any other forms that I would/should include to get as many parts of the process done as quickly and efficiently as possible? Any input above and beyond what I have listed would be greatly appreciated, as I cannot seem to get a completely straight answer no matter how many different pages I have been reading.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If she is in Canada, then you only need to file the I-130 which is the beginning of a path leading to a spousal visa, either CR-1/IR-1 (which one is granted depends on how long you have been married). When that is granted, her entering the US on that visa will trigger her Permanent Residence Status which allows her to work. No I-485 or I-765 is needed for spousal visas. Also, check the guide in the menus up top. Good luck!

Edit: Here is the VJ guide:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Ignore all references to a K-3; that option is basically unattainable.

Edited January 3, 2011 by Harpa Timsah

[zenaxe 22]

Hi, good luck on your journey. I'm a Canadian and married a US citizen (my wife) - it took us about 7 months although we were somewhat lucky given that others had more delays etc. Have a good look guide on here and it'll give you step by step information on what and how to file etc. Ask questions as you are. People on this site are very helpful as well. Get familiar with the guides and all the steps.

Best of luck to you guys

[Zack88 0]

Thank you for the help so far! from what I have been reading in those guides you had both mentioned I would be filing the I-130 before I would be able to file another of the following paperwork? When I was looking on the USCIS website the average time of approval of the form was about 5 months. If that is true, I would be waiting 5 months before I would be filing for one of the visas which would take on average another 7 months? Hopefully I am wrong in thinking this, as this regretably compounds the amount of time that I am going to be seperated from my wife. =/

[Abby62 23]

Most of us are in the same boat. We waited 5 months for the USCIS to approve our petition, then another month or so at NVC. That can move quickly if you have everything prepared in advance. We thought we would have to wait another 5 months for our interview at the Montreal Consulate, but we are blessed to have our appt. on Feb 24th. Way ahead of schedule. It is time consuming and the separation difficult at times, but it surely will happen if you have your paperwork perfect and no issues.

Good luck on your journey. This site has been excellent for us and saved us thousands of dollars not having to hire a lawyer.