Canadian girlfriend now pregnant but how do we start our family together in the USA?

[Inky 1,111]

I honestly don't suggest k-1 unless you have faith in your relationship. K-1 adds a LOT of pressure and stress, as any immigrant or borderline immigrant visa does. You'll be held in the dark and can take anywhere from two months to 12 months to get it done.

Another thing, only apply for k-1 if you plan on getting married

ANOTHER thing, I would read into the medical stuff if I were you. Your gf is pregnant, which means no chest x-ray. I honestly have no idea how that would play out, but it's something you need to be aware of.

Good luck

Canada gives chest Xray even if your pregnant - they put the lead apron over your stomach area when you are/ they do that even if you are not.

[Baby Daddy? 0]

I think she can avoid the xray with a letter from her doctor...

[LlamaInvasion 76]

I like the plan of you guys marrying, her having the baby there, file a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and then eventually file for a CR-1 visa for her once you're set to take care of your wife and child. Depending on how long you're permitted to stay in Canada, I understand that missing some (or all) of the prenatal visits might not be ideal, but trust me - they get terribly boring and monotone, provided she has a healthy pregnancy (which I hope she does). If nothing else, you should be able to join her there for the birth.

I ended up having my son in Norway (which also has free healthcare, 1 year maternity leave, etc - very similar to Canada), filing a Consular Report of Birth Abroad for him, and then joining my husband in the US. My husband joined me in Norway for the birth, then when our son was 10 days old, he had to go back stateside. It was tough staying behind while I was waiting for the paperwork to go through, but now we're together and doing very well!

[bigdog 377]

If you are serious about the relationship get married and figure out the best course of action, K-1 seems pointless to me?

[pinoygwapo 1]

To add, the best way to go would be consulting an immigration lawyer. I do not know how you would want to make it happen since you are struggling financially. Open this up with your fiancee, I am sure you guys could sort out the best possible way, since, you have some "loophole" going on in Canada.

A child is a child, that's life --- perhaps, you might love to keep that little "love bundle" no matter what. Just saying

[Baby Daddy? 0]

A child is a child, that's life --- perhaps, you might love to keep that little "love bundle" no matter what. Just saying

Agreed! Just trying to figure it all out..

[mr and mrs 187]

welcome!

i think you are actually very articulate and have obviously put some effort into educating yourself about your options. props for that!

finding VJ was a very good thing. its a GREAT community for immigration matters. im glad you found us! i dont know that you NEED a lawyer. id spend time here first reading as much as you can and gleaning pertinent information.

you may also want to find a similar forum about immigrating to canada, as that may be in the cards as well.

i wish you lots of good luck. and congratulations on the baby. (or not. yo, im diehard pro-choice.)

xx.

[dukeandduchess 141]

Canada gives chest Xray even if your pregnant - they put the lead apron over your stomach area when you are/ they do that even if you are not.

They don't do a Chest Xray at Woking medical if you're pregnant. They require you get it before AOS (for K1 anyway).

My question to the OP is:

Is your girlfriend's Mat Leave through her company? In Canada you get a total of 1 year of leave through your provincial health and you get coverage via EI. I don't think she would be eligible for this if she were to move to the US, although I believe there were a few people who were able to get it due to the timing of their pregnancy. If you ask in the Canada forums I'm sure someone can direct you to the appropriate thread.

[SuperDuper! 230]

Canada has superior health insurance compared to the US. Your baby will be delivered free up North Vancouver Way with her privileged health insurance. In the US, they charge an arm and a leg to us less fortunates down South. Good luck with everything, and agreed, a K-1 visa doesn;t seem to be the best option. CR-1 marriage visa may be the way to go. Cheers!

[nebcan 0]

well...with free health care, and such in Ont..and a good job...maternity leave, child tax credit ( depends on income)..better to have and raise a child in Ontario..at least in the early years, for the delivery and all those early Dr visits. She would be able to support you until you find work. That being said, the employment climate in Ontario is NOT good, especially in certain urban and rural areas..however it depends as always on one's skills. Generally, rates of pay are higher than in USA for almost all jobs but so is the cost of living, and taxes ( yikes -Ont has 14% sales tax on everything--and very high utility rates) If she is a flight attendant..she could always easily apply for a job with full benefits in the US and you all could move back if it worked out better for you to live in Calif or wherever. I would advise DAD (!) congrats// that you get married in a civil ceremony on her next visit...and you see about your pardon.Irregardless of which country you decide to do permanent residency in as a couple..you need that cleared up--as you will be travelling across the border for family visits regularly I would assume. CR1 is the route to go .