Canadian wanting to marry American and live in US

[MichelFalcon 0]

Hello everyone,

I'd be very thankful if the community could provide some assistance. My situation is as follows:

1. I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. My girlfriend is born and raised in Illinois, Washington and Oregon (American citizen). We've been dating for one year.

2. We are wanting to get married/have reception and settle down in Chicago, IL early 2013

3. Neither of us have a criminal record

4. Not certain if this matter but I operate a consulting company that I would relocate to Chicago, which means I would need to hire a few Chicago residents

Naturally, my first question is where do I start? Is there an advantage to having the marriage in the US rather than Canada knowing we are going to settle in the US? How long does it typically take to reserve a landed immigrant status and then be recognized as a US citizen?

Thanks!

Michel.

[dukeandduchess 141]

If you're not married and plan to get married in Chicago, getting a K1 visa would be best for you. If you look in the guides there is a comparison between K1 and CR1 Visas.

If you go the K1 route, you have to get married in the US and then apply for Adjustment of Status. If approved, you will get a 2 year conditional green card. After 2 years you apply for a 10 year green card. I'm not sure how many years you have to wait to apply for citizenship.

If you get a CR1 visa, you will get a 2 year conditional green card (if married less than 2 years, which you would be if you go by 2013). After 2 years you apply for a 10 year green card. You can apply for citizenship after that, but again, I'm not sure after how many years.

If you have Canada-specific questions asking in the Canada sub-forum may be more helpful to you.\

Best of luck.

[hikergirl 277]

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

Here is the comparison page between the different visas.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of Visa. Take a look at the different options and you may find that you want to go a different route than the K-1 - like getting married now, and apply for a CR-1 Visa and then still plan on a big wedding in the future. If you go the K-1 route you are required to get married in the US after you get your visa within 90 days of arrival, the CR-1 can be anywhere but you get married prior to the application process.

For me I am leaning towards the CR-1 route because I want the option of being able to work and travel internationally (including Canada) right away, which you can't do on a K-1.