I messed up, will this hinder me in the future?

[NovaScotia1 0]

Long story short, I was young and stupid. In Nov 2006 I (Canadian citizen) married a US citizen, used an immigration lawyer, filed all the right things, paid all the fees, etc. Things simple didn't work out and I was back in Canada October 2008. We were officially divorced a few months later. I had my green card, and SSN. I simply just moved back to Canada, went back to work and simply went of living my life.

Fast forward a few years and I have a new relationship with another US citizen. We've been doing the long distance thing for quite some time, visiting each other's home but eventually we will want to build a life together in the same location. If we decide that his current location is best for us, will my stupid decisions 7-8 years ago ruin any chances of me immigrating to the US?

We will be consulting a US immigration lawyer in the next few weeks to discuss options and how badly I messed things up. I am not looking to relocate immediately, we've waited this long we can afford to wait a bit longer.

I guess my question is can anyone give me any insight to my (maybe?) unique issue? It really upsets me and I hope it's not as complicated as I worry it to be if we choose to live in the USA.

[canadian_wife 1,831]

The good news is that Canada is a low fraud county. That is good,

USCIS knows people have divorces, I don't think that is a big deal, plus you left after you realized the marriage would not work, you did not try and stay. However, do not expect an easy ride, you may have a more difficult time as a result of the previous marriage

good luck

[JIJourney 96]

Even though i am not a fan of divorces at all,

I think you will be fine. If the love is not right then it falls through. It happens in life.

[NovaScotia1 0]

Thank you both for your quick responses. I tend to worry a lot, even over things that may not even come to be. I need to stay away from Google searches and patiently await a meeting with a lawyer to discuss what's available to us in the future.

It's sad that my 1st marriage ended in divorce, but we loved each other enough to know we didn't want to continue living together being miserable and eventually come to hate each other. We are both much better people now, apart, as friends. I am happy that it ended civilly and I was able to learn and grow from it.

Thanks again

[Boiler 47,677]

Did you officially relinquish your GC, seems the only issue.

[NovaScotia1 0]

I did not, not that I know of. I still have the card (expired of course).

[Boiler 47,677]

The Card is just evidence of your status, not the status itself.

Not sure what the best option is in this case.

[NovaScotia1 0]

I'm probably considered as abandoning my status, and would have to begin the process all over again if I choose to do so. I would expect to have extra questions thrown in my direction because of that no doubt.

[Boiler 47,677]

There is a form to fill in if you abandoned it, otherwise it would be a determination that would need to be made by an IJ.

[NovaScotia1 0]

This will be one of the first things I will mention to the lawyer, sounds like it'll have to be sorted out sooner rather than later.

[Hypnos 6,579]

I doubt it would be an issue. It's not a requirement that you officially surrender your green card.

[Hypnos 6,579]

Plus, for a conditional green card, the card expires when the status does, meaning you ceased to be an LPR a long time ago because you didn't file for RoC.

Like I said, it's a non-issue.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

I also don't think it'll be an issue. 99% of peeps (at least what I'm reading here) cling to their GC, trying everything for ROC because they so desperately want to stay. You simply were not desperate of staying, and trying everything for your follow up ROC (if you had a conditional GC) but just decided to move back home and live there. I think USCIS will actually like that, and see that you really not married for GC at all. Otherwise you would've not gone home but would've chewed your nails off in order to be able to stay in the US. So, although they may ask more questions at the interview regarding your previous marriage, it is a huge bonus that you went back home instead of desperately trying to stay. I'm pretty confident you'll be fine. Good luck!

[subwayguy 100]

If you are a LPR and entered with a non immigrant visa status , that's an assumption you have abandoned your LPR status.

Just tell the immigration officer what you told us here. People eat, drink , breath and get divorced .

Hope it works out for you.

[verysadguy 170]

Long story short, I was young and stupid. In Nov 2006 I (Canadian citizen) married a US citizen, used an immigration lawyer, filed all the right things, paid all the fees, etc. Things simple didn't work out and I was back in Canada October 2008. We were officially divorced a few months later. I had my green card, and SSN. I simply just moved back to Canada, went back to work and simply went of living my life.

Fast forward a few years and I have a new relationship with another US citizen. We've been doing the long distance thing for quite some time, visiting each other's home but eventually we will want to build a life together in the same location. If we decide that his current location is best for us, will my stupid decisions 7-8 years ago ruin any chances of me immigrating to the US?

We will be consulting a US immigration lawyer in the next few weeks to discuss options and how badly I messed things up. I am not looking to relocate immediately, we've waited this long we can afford to wait a bit longer.

I guess my question is can anyone give me any insight to my (maybe?) unique issue? It really upsets me and I hope it's not as complicated as I worry it to be if we choose to live in the USA.

Can't you just find a Canadian person and stay in Canada? Are there ulterior motives to your wanting to come to the USA? What "really upsets" you? Why can't your new US Citizen move to Canada? To me this topic smells fishy. Are you female? Are you both male? So many things going on here...