Not sure which route to take

[ZacharyG90 0]

Hello! My wife and I are unsure which form on the USCIS website to proceed with. I (husband) am an American citizen.  My wife is a Quebec Canada citizen. We were married in Quebec in September of 2025. We are trying to figure what is the best course of action to have her move to the USA and become a legal citizen. I reside in Vermont. I have been told that the 1-31 is the best to go with. We are looking for any guidance on which form/forms are needed or our quickest way to have her move to the USA so we can be together fully. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Boiler 48,755]

As you are married there is only one option, the I 130 and Consulate Interview.

 

https://www.visajourney.com/guides/

 

And of course the https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

[wildbug100420 420]

1 hour ago, ZacharyG90 said:

Hello! My wife and I are unsure which form on the USCIS website to proceed with. I (husband) am an American citizen.  My wife is a Quebec Canada citizen. We were married in Quebec in September of 2025. We are trying to figure what is the best course of action to have her move to the USA and become a legal citizen. I reside in Vermont. I have been told that the 1-31 is the best to go with. We are looking for any guidance on which form/forms are needed or our quickest way to have her move to the USA so we can be together fully. Any help is greatly appreciated.

You mean a Canadian citizen? Didn't realize a province has their own citizenship. Anyways it all starts with the I-130. 

[pushbrk 14,367]

Click on the word "Guides" at the top of any page here. You will seek a spouse immigrant visa.  When she enters the USA, she will become a Lawful Permanent Resident.  Three years later, she can apply to be a US Citizen.

[mam521 2,962]

Welcome to the forum!  Once you guys start filing, please make sure you update your profile here: https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=481155

 

The I-130 process is the only option available to you guys.  You file it, once it's approved, she'll fill out the DS-260 and you the I-864.  Once all of that is approved, she'll be invited for an interview.  She'll do her medical, her interview and then get her passport back and be able to move.  The advantage to consular processing is she enters the US with a greencard and is able to work, get a DL, bank account, etc with no issue.  If she enters after your 2yr anniversary, you won't have to remove conditions and she'll receive a 10 year greencard.  

 

Just as a head's up: the reality is there is nothing fast about immigration.  It takes time, patience and won't be cheap.  Making sure you're both familiar with the guide listed above will be instrumental in understanding the journey you're about to embark on.  The process you two have to take will take an average of 18 months. You can visit each other in the meantime, but if she's headed to VT, make sure she has proof of strong ties to Canada - employment letter, proof of residence, etc. on her person in case she's asked to prove she'll be returning to Canada.  

 

Make sure you file your taxes correctly this year since you are married.