CR-1 Application Process Length?

[Found Frolicking 1]

I've been in Canada for just short of 4 years now (still in Canada at present). My husband and I have been married for 3 years as of September. We have a son who was born in August. I assume the CR-1 would be the only way for my husband to immigrate to the U.S. through me? How long does this take? I have been hearing that the couple has to be separated for a portion of the immigration process. Is this true? Are there ever exceptions? Being that we have a son, I can't imagine the two of us being separated for even a couple months. My son might even know who he is when he sees him again in such a case! Would love to hear about the kinds of processing times and if there are any options I am unaware of... Thanks.

[Penguin_ie 5,986]

A "normal" CR-1 takes 9-12 months from initially sending in paperwork to interview. Usually, when the US citizen lives abroad, it gets auto-expedited though recently that has not always been true. If expedited, it'll only take a few months- hopefulkly some Canadians will come by and give you country specific experience.

You don;t have to be separated. One of the big issues with the US citizen living abroad is that you need to financially sponsor your husband for the visa, and living abroad, your income doesn't count. So some people opt for the US citizen to move back to the USA first and get a job. The other options are to sponsor on assets (you need 3 times as much as income- things such as a second car, rental or holiday home or savings), or to get a co=sponsor: a US citizen or greencard holder who will stand guarantoor for your husband.

[The Mean Lady 604]

I obviously don't know your situation or your capabilities, but my husband and I are around 8 hours away from eachother. This allows for constant trips back and forth. In december, my husband will be visiting the states with me for 2 weeks while paperwork processes.

Also, just want to make sure you legally LIVE in canada.

I have "lived" in canada for 3 years now, but I don't actually live here, I just stay for months at a time as I hold a full time job and residence in the states and have the ability to work from the computer while up here.

Just in case that is the case with you, you cannot file with your address "abroad" you have to file as if you were in the states. Also, in case you ARE a legal resident of canada and read anything about filing abroad expediting the process, that is not typically the case for canada.

If you have no intention to move back to the US to hold a US job as proof of support, you will need to find a co-sponsor for support.