Not quite ready to marry

[NikLR 13,220]

Anyhow, domicile doesnt matter when the OP is trying to avoid marriage.

[Cathi 5,616]

to get a work visa here you need to be in a highly specialized field or have a highly specialized degree. US companies cannot hire foreign workers to fill positions that citizens or green card holders are qualified for

Edited March 9, 2016 by mimolicious

[templeton 120]

While the information on the CR-1 is solid, and probably would be the best way to keep them together during the application process and move, people seem to be missing the "aren't quite at the marrying stage yet" part.

So with that in mind, you basically have three options.

1. The TN Visa is a possiblity if you meet the requirements. This gets you to the US independent of your boyfriend (as in you don't need his help to qualify).
2. If you think you'll be ready for marriage in a year or so, he can go back to the US ahead of you and get started on the K-1 process. Assume it will take about year, though it is possible to visit during the process.
3. He goes back at some point and establishes a life there. You visit each other until you decide you're ready to marry. When that time comes you can both decide if the K-1 or the CR-1 is best for you.

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Your two options are:

1. Get married and file the CR-1 (Spouse) visa. This takes about a year and your boyfriend would have to move back to the USA as he needs to prove domocile in the USA. This process will take about a year. When you enter the USA your I-551 stamp, once you get an SSN, will authorize you to work and your stamp with authorize you to live in the USA until you get your actual Green Card. This way allows to work and travel immediately.

2. Don't get married and do the K-1 (Fiance(e))visa. This also takes about a year and all the same applies as CR-1. Only difference is that when you get to the USA you have to marry within 90 days of entry and then complete AOS (Adjustment of Status). You will not be able to work or travel right away. It will take about 3 months from your AOS app to get work and travel authorization.

Look at guides for more info about forms, etc for each visa.

Good Luck

Just a heads up for the OP, a year for the K-1 is a long estimate considering current I-129f processing time is just around a month.

Our process took from around October 1st 2015 to February 23rd 2016 (almost 5 months exactly) and that was even with some heel-dragging once we realized how quickly everything was happening. My fiance has his visa now and we are stuck waiting around until July for the wedding.

Edited March 9, 2016 by MorganandMichael

[Lemonslice 4,567]

to get a work visa here you need to be in a highly specialized field or have a highly specialized degree. US companies cannot hire foreign workers to fill positions that citizens or green card holders are qualified for

TN is different. Somewhat easier if your degree/qualification is on the list.