Can we get married in the US?

[JaySam 0]

My girlfriend lives in Canada and I'm in the States - we've been dating for almost two years now. We're trying to figure out the most efficient way for her to immigrate to the U.S. We understand the K-1 process (from start to finish) is pretty time consuming, expensive, and uncertain given COVID. We think the CR-1 would be best for us because we can visit each other during COVID if we are married (Canada allows spouses to visit at the moment), so the longer initial processing time compared to the K-1 isn't as big of a concern, and the overall cost/timeline of the CR-1 is more favorable. However, because her/I are not currently married - I can't go to Canada for us to get married and then apply for the CR-1 in the United States.

 

Question is: Can my girlfriend come to the U.S., get married, go back to Canada - and then apply for the CR-1? 

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

6 minutes ago, JaySam said:

My girlfriend lives in Canada and I'm in the States - we've been dating for almost two years now. We're trying to figure out the most efficient way for her to immigrate to the U.S. We understand the K-1 process (from start to finish) is pretty time consuming, expensive, and uncertain given COVID. We think the CR-1 would be best for us because we can visit each other during COVID if we are married (Canada allows spouses to visit at the moment), so the longer initial processing time compared to the K-1 isn't as big of a concern, and the overall cost/timeline of the CR-1 is more favorable. However, because her/I are not currently married - I can't go to Canada for us to get married and then apply for the CR-1 in the United States.

 

Question is: Can my girlfriend come to the U.S., get married, go back to Canada - and then apply for the CR-1? 

If Canadians are allowed in the US then yes you can get married here. As far as I know there isn’t a ban flying but there is on the land border. 

[Crazy Cat 45,306]

20 minutes ago, JaySam said:

My girlfriend lives in Canada and I'm in the States - we've been dating for almost two years now. We're trying to figure out the most efficient way for her to immigrate to the U.S. We understand the K-1 process (from start to finish) is pretty time consuming, expensive, and uncertain given COVID. We think the CR-1 would be best for us because we can visit each other during COVID if we are married (Canada allows spouses to visit at the moment), so the longer initial processing time compared to the K-1 isn't as big of a concern, and the overall cost/timeline of the CR-1 is more favorable. However, because her/I are not currently married - I can't go to Canada for us to get married and then apply for the CR-1 in the United States.

 

Question is: Can my girlfriend come to the U.S., get married, go back to Canada - and then apply for the CR-1? 

Absolutely , she can.  She should be prepared to show evidence that she will return to Canada after her visit.

 

 

****Topic moved to IR-s/CR-1 spousal Visa Process and Procedures****

*****One duplicate post removed.  Please start only one thread per subject***  Thanks***

Edited September 1, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[JFH 12,195]

No problem at all, assuming she can get a flight. The land border is still closed, I believe. 
 

And congratulations on thinking about this process as a complete journey and looking beyond the most obvious. I believe you gave made the right decision to marry first and file a CR-1 rather than start a K-1 now.