Next step

[JamesMario 1]

Hello! I’m an American citizen, and my boyfriend, who is Canadian, are planning to get married in March 2026. We’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about the steps we need to take following our marriage, particularly concerning his immigration status. We want to understand the necessary processes for him to obtain a green card, eventually apply for citizenship, and explore the option for dual citizenship in the future. I’ve been researching this on my own, but I’m finding it quite confusing. Since we’re not going through the K-1 visa process and will be marrying in the U.S., I would greatly appreciate any guidance on what steps we need to follow after the wedding. Thank you!

[appleblossom 4,613]

43 minutes ago, JamesMario said:

Hello! I’m an American citizen, and my boyfriend, who is Canadian, are planning to get married in March 2026. We’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about the steps we need to take following our marriage, particularly concerning his immigration status. We want to understand the necessary processes for him to obtain a green card, eventually apply for citizenship, and explore the option for dual citizenship in the future. I’ve been researching this on my own, but I’m finding it quite confusing. Since we’re not going through the K-1 visa process and will be marrying in the U.S., I would greatly appreciate any guidance on what steps we need to follow after the wedding. Thank you!

Assuming he’s outside the US and will be applying for his visa via Montreal? 
 

So you get married, then file the I-130 as the first step. Once that’s approved (approx 14-17 months unless things change between now and then) you’ll start with step 2 onwards on here - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html

 

There's also a good VJ guide at the top of the page. 
 

After 3 years of living in the US on his green card he’ll be able to apply for citizenship. 
 

Good luck. 
 

 

[JamesMario 1]

42 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

Assuming he’s outside the US and will be applying for his visa via Montreal? 
 

So you get married, then file the I-130 as the first step. Once that’s approved (approx 14-17 months unless things change between now and then) you’ll start with step 2 onwards on here - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html

 

There's also a good VJ guide at the top of the page. 
 

After 3 years of living in the US on his green card he’ll be able to apply for citizenship. 
 

Good luck. 
 

 

Question, if we are filing the I130 form. Could he live in Canada so he can continue to work or he has to move in with me during the process for the sponsor part? He’s in gander so he may have to go to Montreal to do the visa. 

[appleblossom 4,613]

6 minutes ago, JamesMario said:

Question, if we are filing the I130 form. Could he live in Canada so he can continue to work or he has to move in with me during the process for the sponsor part? He’s in gander so he may have to go to Montreal to do the visa. 

He has to live in Canada, he can’t move to the US until he has the visa. 

[JamesMario 1]

Just now, appleblossom said:

He has to live in Canada, he can’t move to the US until he has the visa. 

Thank you. That would make things easier financially. So after filing the I-130 and getting approved. He would have to move or then we proceed to step 2 then move here after that’s approved? I’m sorry for soo many questions. 

[appleblossom 4,613]

5 minutes ago, JamesMario said:

Thank you. That would make things easier financially. So after filing the I-130 and getting approved. He would have to move or then we proceed to step 2 then move here after that’s approved? I’m sorry for soo many questions. 

 
Its fine. But he doesn’t get a visa until right at the end of the process (step 12 I think?). So not until then. 
 

 

[JamesMario 1]

44 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 
Its fine. But he doesn’t get a visa until right at the end of the process (step 12 I think?). So not until then. 
 

 

Thank you so much for explaining it