I'm Canadian, he is a US citizen (new here)

[Annagwsd77 0]

Hi there,

I am a Canadian citizen. My boyfriend is a US citizen. I need to move to the US.

I have been reading the K1 and permanent immigrant visa info. We are not married yet, have had multiple visits over the past few years. I am financially sound and have $$ to take with me. He works full time and makes a decent wage.

Where should we get married ? Canada or the US? If we marry in Canada (to avoid the whole K1 visa), and I file for a permanent immigrant visa , can I as a Canadian citizen still visit him during the application process ? I'm reading this visa takes about a year ?

Would it be better advised that I stay in Canada , so that I can travel to consulates here getting my vaccines/fingerprints/physical, etc instead of enduring that in the US after a K1 approval?

I truly hope I learn more about this process, it's almost discouraging...but I'm a fighter.

Anna.

[mtlguy 59]

Welcome aboard.

Study the stats. some say that the K1 process is moving faster these days. some say the opposite (the CR-1 route).

Truth is, nobody knows. It looks like the US immigration deals with this process on a case by case basis; so it's really hard

to predict your timeline.

In either case, there should be no problem for you visiting your boyfriend during the process, as long as you can show strong ties to Canada in the meantime. (work, study, lease, mortgage, etc...)

and NEVER EVER lie or misrepresent yourself to a border officer if you're asked any question regarding your immigration process.

good luck.

[Annagwsd77 0]

Thank you, I appreciate your reply.

Yes I own my home here, have a job, pay property taxes, etc.

Someone at work told me that if we get married, I can't leave Canada to visit him until my green card arrives?

So I'm assuming that info was wrong?

[mtlguy 59]

That info is wrong. and partially true just because any border officer has the right to deny you entry if you raise any suspicion that you might go to the US and stay there.

But if you're honest with them and can produce enough evidence that your visit will be temporary, then in theory they should never deny you entry. unless they're having a bad day, and want to pick on a canuck because we beat them in a hockey game !!

[Annagwsd77 0]

lol

Ok phew.

[ricnally 258]

If getting to the US asap is the goal for you, then the advantage of the K1 is that you could apply, literally, today, and thus get the "time clock" started right away.

[Annagwsd77 0]

If I arrive in the US on a k1, and we the marry within the 90 days:

1) while waiting for the green card after application, can I leave the US to visit my family for week in Canada ?

2) how long does it take to get ur green card after a k1 if you marry quickly ?

[NikLR 13,227]

If I arrive in the US on a k1, and we the marry within the 90 days:

1) while waiting for the green card after application, can I leave the US to visit my family for week in Canada ?

2) how long does it take to get ur green card after a k1 if you marry quickly ?

For a K1 after you adjust your status you cannot leave the USA until you have at least your advance parole. So no, it takes about 3 months before you can travel (or work.) It still takes from 4 months to a year to get the green card after you marry on a K1.

Also you can marry in the USA if you want (quick Vegas wedding for example) and still file for the CR1 by going back to Canada. You don't need a k1 visa to get married in the USA, anyone can get married there. But you need it to get married and stay after the wedding.

I visited my husband 3 times after our wedding and many Canadians visited every weekend because they live in border towns. With a job and a place to live you have strong ties to Canada and most likely won't have a problem.

[Annagwsd77 0]

Thank you, that was helpful. Question though..

When I'm crossing the border they always ask your purpose for the trip. If I say vacation and then we get married, is that still allowed? Bc if I tell them I'm going for a quick wedding won't they need my K1? Guess I'm confused

[NikLR 13,227]

Thank you, that was helpful. Question though..

When I'm crossing the border they always ask your purpose for the trip. If I say vacation and then we get married, is that still allowed? Bc if I tell them I'm going for a quick wedding won't they need my K1? Guess I'm confused

You can say to visit your fiance or to get married. It's up to you. Have a return ticket so they know you're coming back and bring your proof of ties. No you don't need a K1 to get married in the USA. You need a K1 to get married and stay after the wedding.

People get married in the USA all the time.