I do want to thank all of your for your insight and experience. The process for all of this seems quite overwhelming (I did a LOT of reading last night) and I of course want to make sure that whatever I do, I do within the rules. I have a lot to discuss with my boyfriend (clearly) but you've given me a more coherent look at things. Thanks again!
First off, do you qualify for a TN Visa? Do you have the proper skills and education required? Do you have any work experience that correlates? You'll have a very difficult time getting a TN Visa unless you have a mix of skills, experience and education AND can find a job in your field willing to hire you on the TN Visa. My husband is an HR person at a hospital and they don't even sponsor Doctors and Nurses anymore, a skill set that's always been in demand. The economy is very different from Canada. But, if you qualify and have a job waiting for you, then by all means, can't hurt to attempt crossing and getting a TN visa.
That being said, I feel you I really do. I was in the same position and wanted to live with my then boyfriend before we made the commitment of marriage and unfortunately it's very very difficult, if not pretty much impossible in the US. If visiting for months at a time and not working is not an option (wasn't an option for me either) and him moving to Canada is no an option, then I would suggest you plan to stay in Canada, get a job and some work experience when you graduate and then date long distance for a little while longer. It sucks to be apart but there are a lot of pros to this situation. You can save money, get some work experience before jumping right into the US economy, and you can still get to know each other better.
I dated my husband long distance for SIX years before I moved to the US on a K1 visa. We started dating when we were in undergrad, and of course I wanted to move to the US right after I graduated and be with him. BUT, I followed my head and not my heart... I went to grad school for another year AND then got a good job in Toronto and worked there for two years.
When I finally moved, waiting was definitely the best decision I ever made. I had an easy time finding a job because I had experience and wasn't entry-level anymore. And, my then boyfriend and I were much more financially stable.
Good luck with whatever you decide but know that your options are pretty much limited to marriage in order to immigrate to the US.
Angerona got a reaction from Kukolka in Looking to be with my boyfriend but not ready for marriage...