Bringing over Canadian fiance

[karstenchu 0]

Hello all,

I'm a graduate student trying to figure out how best to bring over my Canadian fiance. After reading the comparisons of what seem to be the two main methods, the K-3 and IR-1 visas, I'm thoroughly overwhelmed. On top of this, my fiance has a plane ticket to come see me in just over a week and we're concerned about what that would mean if we got married while she was here.

First of all, is it possible for her to come here, us to get married and then for her to be able to go to school here in the fall?

Is it possible for her to become a K-3 visa holder while she is in the US on this visit as Canadians are allowed to be here for 6 months. We're just not sure how this stuff applies to Canadians since they are already able to come here. We'd prefer it if she didn't have to go back as these plane tickets are really expensive.

We've been together for five years but are pretty tired about only seeing each other two times every year for maybe a month or so. We'd like to be together as soon as possible, but sadly my salary as a TA isn't exorbitant. I think it meets the 125% of poverty level requirement, even though I'm not sure that even applies to me now.

We'd really appreciate some help!

[Cathi 5,899]

k-3 and cr1/ir1 are spouse visas...for fiance you need to apply for k-1

[Cathi 5,899]

k-3 and cr1/ir1 are spouse visas...for fiance you need to apply for k-1

[Boiler 48,586]

She can get married here and then she could visit but would need to leave on time. CR 1 visas's take 8 months or so.

F1 is the student. Visa. Unlikely and can you afford international rates.?

[karstenchu 0]

Ugh, that sucks. I was hoping she could stay here while the visa stuff went through...these plane flights really rack up.

[Boiler 48,586]

She can.

[Penguin_ie 6,005]

As a Canadian, she can stay for 6 months with you as a visitor, which will be the bulk of the visa waiting time (you are looking at 7-9 months for a K1 fiance visa, 9-12 months for spousal visa). However, she cannot study in the USA while waiting. If her starting college in September is a priority, then she needs to apply for a F1 student visa.