Mike445

20 minutes ago, NikLR said:

Ah okay.  No worries, the RBC account will hold you over after you move.  Not sure if you're aware but if your job can't continue when you move, you are entitled to EI until you can get a job down here, or it runs out.  Same rules apply as in Canada.  One benefit of being the CR1 is that you're a green card holder immediately and don't have to wait for anything else to collect!

Well that’s great yo know!!! I’ll be darn sure to draw out all the money I’ve paid into EI over the years.  Even some of the years I only work six months I made too much money and would have had to reimburse if I collected. Thank you so much for letting me know that!!  I also have some locked in RRSP investment accounts with RBC in Canada. I will very likely keep my RBC Canada and USA accounts.  Have a great night! 

Thank you. Photos I have. Lots of them. Here is an example. First is when we got engaged. Second is at Monster Jam. 

37 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Any affidavits would be overboard, as would the wedding guest registry.  They aren't interested in your ceremony or party.  Concentrate on evidence of being together in person.  Most of that would be in your passport and if you've been actually living in Canada, maybe on a lease etc.

No lease and no passport stamps. We have only travelled throughout the USA and parts of Ontario. 

2 hours ago, NikLR said:

Dont post personal information fyi (like your full name.)

 

Canada is very low fraud.  You can get away with about 5-10 pics, joint auto insurance (its pretty easy to add a spouse) beneficiary of retirement...

 

I highly suggest the Canadian spouse start and RBC Canada and USA account if they dont have one after marriage.  It allows for cross border money transfers and will allow them to use their Canadian credit score for a US credit card after moving.  You could easily be added and provide that evidence as well.  

2 affidavits is fine, but low evidence.  If you choose to do them, you would want them from people who know your relationship well.  

 

Best of luck.  Enjoy your wedding.  Remember depending on the province it could take 1-3 months to get the wedding certificate back and you cant file the I-130 until you have that.  

 

Thank you!! I didn’t even think about posting my name. Thanks for catching that!! I am the Canadian spouse. I have an RBC Canadian and RBC Centura account. We are getting married in Arkansas and they give you 4 original copies of the marriage certificate on the spot when you return it to the county clerk. As for people who know our relationship well...there are several. Not just family but friends. I appreciate all your Great Info!!

8 hours ago, geowrian said:

You'll be fine with that and so much time physically together (and from Canada...low fraud). Joint bank accounts and such is often not provided with spouses living abroad as it can be difficult to impossible to obtain them. It shouldn't be an issue.

The age gap is a little bit of a red flag, but the time spent together and other evidence should overcome that.

You can include the photos just fine. Don't go overboard, but photos that show you together over time are fine to include. Mail addressed to a common residence (along with any other evidence of living together) is great.

 

Affidavits carry very little to no weight.

Thank you! I appreciate the reply!! We will also have a wedding guest registry. We can send copies of that. I won’t go overboard with the affidavits then.

I'm very new to this process. I'm a Canadian living in Canada.  On April 7 I will be marrying my US finace.  A month or so after marriage we will be sending in the I-130 package.  We were going to wait until November to start the process but we have decided against that. She is 23 and I am 44.  We have been together for 3 years, engaged for a year.  For the evidence of bona fide marriage we have NO joint property or bank accounts or anything of that nature.  She has come and stayed with me in Canada on and off for the last year.  I have records from my work provided medical insurance company that has her name on it and dates of dental work she had done.  I have another form that shows her as 50% beneficiary of my retirement plan from work (my mother is the other 50%).  Is that sufficient?  We can send LOTS of pictures.  That won't be an issue.  We have taken many trips over the years.  Can we send screenshots from Facebook/Instagram that have pictures of both of us since its time/date stamped? We also have mail addressed to her and I at my house in Canada.  We will have wedding invitations and wedding pictures.  We area also having a second reception in Canada and have invitations for that and we will have pictures from that too. For the I-130 affidavits...when should I have them written up? We will have people from all over the USA and Canada coming to the wedding and I want them to write an affidavit for us.  How many is too many?  SO sorry for all the questions!!  thanks in advancce!!

51 minutes ago, NikLR said:

Ah well when you don't live close to an airport I understand.  I used to have to drive 1.5 hrs to the nearest one in Alberta.  Now it's 45 mins. 

Yeah it’s a pain in the rump. I love driving. I drive there several times per year. It’s about 22 hours from Toronto.  The only decent flight we could find were from Buffalo on that defeats the purpose.  😂😂 

34 minutes ago, NikLR said:

house ownership helps, bills, etc.. Things that normal people just don't up and leave.  Flying obviously would have been more expensive but likely less hassle.  

 Thank you. I will have them get everything in order. The closest airport to where my fiancée lives, where we’re getting married, is two hours. There are no direct flights. It would’ve taken two days each way. My parents were going to fly but it was very difficult to get connecting flights. Pretty crazy. 

5 minutes ago, NikLR said:

Make sure everyone has proof of their ties to Canada.  Driving was probably the least safest route to be honest.  Most people who are denied entry seem to be driving.   I think a copy of the invitation is a good idea.  I also think you should just say you're going for your wedding, after all why else would you be traveling with car load of people, your fiance, and a wedding dress?  

What will my parents need? Proof of house ownership? Will the car rental agreement be sufficient? They are both fully retired.They are both fully retired.  We rented a minivan because our cars aren’t comfortable for 4 people. I hope this goes smoothly.

8 minutes ago, NikLR said:

I always brought my most recent 2 pay stubs, my business card, a copy of my itinerary, and a copy of my renters insurance (since my lease was up and I was month to month.)  My boss also wrote me letters but he managed to muck them up so I didn't bother, but did bring his business card if they wanted to talk to him.  I was NEVER asked for this info.  I was, however, asked at POE what the purpose of my stay was, (I always answered to visit my husband), where I worked, and how long my trip was.  I was once asked if we were planning on any immigration and once where my husband worked.  Never had an issue, never went to secondary etc... I think because none of my trips were over 10 days, I only checked a bag once and it was my husband's telescope, lol, and I had a job they didn't really seem interested. 

 Thank you very much. My only issue is I will be crossing in a rented van with my parents and my American fiancé. I’m not going to volunteer the information that we are getting married but I am not going to hide it or lie. My fiancé‘s wedding dress will be in the vehicle with us. As I said I will only be there for about a week. We have people coming from all over North America for our little wedding. If the newest schedule is made showing my hours upon return I will print that and bring it with me. If not I will just bring paystubs. My issue is proving where I live, aside from showing a drivers license I have nothing else. I recently sold my house and my parents and I are living together.My issue is proving where I live, aside from showing a drivers license with the address I have nothing else. I recently sold my house and my parents and I are living together. I do have a copy of an invitation for a Canadian wedding reception two weeks after we get married. I will have that with me as well.I do have a copy of an invitation for a Canadian wedding reception two weeks after we get married. I will have that with me as well.

1 minute ago, Dualie said:

This letter is fine. Mine stated much the same thing. The lease agreement isn't really necessary, just put together a file folder of whatever evidence you have to your ties to Canada. With this and your bank statements and pay stubs, maybe add some utility bills as well, you should be good to go.  It is better to be over prepared and not be asked for it than to have no proof with you and be turned away.

 

Good luck!

Thank you so much!! I’ll start printing out monthly bank statements and pay stubs. You’ve been very helpful!!

On 2/15/2018 at 10:53 AM, Dualie said:

Hi Mike - I met my husband online and he happened to live about 3.5 hours south of me. I visited quite often and we married in San Antonio TX in 2014. I had no issues at all crossing the border before or after my wedding. I always carried a file of information with me containing the following :

 

A copy of my marriage certificate

A copy of my lease agreement in Canada

A letter from my employer

Bank statements and pay stubs

A copy of my NOA1

 

I was never asked for this file, not once. Now, when I was asked for the purpose of my visit the time we married, I told the officer that I was visiting my boyfriend and then we were driving to TX to visit my family for the New Year (which was the truth).  We were planning to get married at the Bexar County courthouse and surprise my mom and stepdad, who would be our witnesses. I had all the proof I needed that I had to return to Canada with me anyway. Once I did return, we filed CR1 and I visited almost every weekend for over a year until approved - with zero issues.  Keep in mind that entrance into the US is based on the decision of the CBP officer you speak to, and that person's judgement, so it is best to have lots of proof that you plan on returning to your home country, and don't lie. 

 

I hope this helps...good luck!

Thank you!!! I have this letter from work. Does it look sufficient? I don’t have a lease or rental agreement for a house. I can print out bank statements and pay stubs if necessary.

Thank you. I will get a letter from my job saying I am full time employed and that I am only off for a week. 

20 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

~~Moved to the Canada Forum from IR1/CR1 P&P- The OP is looking for Canadian experience.~~

Thank you!! I didn’t know this particular portion of the forum existed. I’ve only browsed and posted via mobile browser.

I am looking for Canadians who went to the United States to marry there American spouse.

 Did anyone have any trouble getting across the border? My fiancé and I are getting married April 7 in Arkansas. We were in United States this weekend and picked out her wedding dress and purchased it. 

 Our next border crossing will be the week we get married. My parents, my fiancé and myself have rented a van to drive down to Arkansas for the wedding and then drive back afterwards. 

I was talking to a guy today who was denied entry at the border when he got married about nine years ago.   Even though everybody in a previous thread I posted it had nothing but positive to say, that has thrown some doubt into our minds. 

So any stories or advice would be great. Thank you all so much.

37 minutes ago, acidrain said:

If the amount of stuff you are traveling with matches the amount of time you are gone you won't have any problems. If you were packing the minivan to the roof and saying you would be back in 3 days that might raise eyebrows. 

 

It's your discretion whether to ask any questions about immigration. I have phoned various POE's and asked questions. Some crossings are more helpful than others. I am not sure if asking specific questions would be seen as you trying to circumvent the rules. It might depend on what's being asked. 

Yes the amount of stuff we pack will reflect the week we are gone. We will not overpack. 

Thank you! I’ll skip the question period I had planned. The more I think about it the sketchier it seems. 😂😂

25 minutes ago, acidrain said:

As long as you don't come down with a car full of stuff I'm sure you'll be okay. Proof of ties can include car insurance, bills, appointments, bank accounts, etc. that show you have something to come back to. You have a clear path to what you want to do so if customs asked they would see that.

 

That's great you both have taken steps to be with each other without rushing. With her dad being a co-sponsor you shouldn't have an issue with the i864 (AOS).

 

I have gone through the process without needing a lawyer to fill out all the paperwork. I am sure you guys won't have any issues doing it yourself.

Since myself, my mother, my father and my fiancé were all driving down together we have rented a minivan for a couple weeks. We will each have a bag or suitcase and nothing more.ill have my suit.  She will have her wedding dress.  I will bring my car insurance and bank account information with me. Thank you so much for the tips. We are heading down to Youngstown New York in the morning. I might head inside and asked some questions at immigration. Is that a bad idea?

8 minutes ago, acidrain said:

Proof of coming back to your job or home ownership/lease are two big ties. In 99% of border crossings there are no problems. I'd hate for you to be part of the 1% on the way to your wedding.

 

You have a clear and concise plan so I doubt you will have any issue on either side of the border. When they notice an accumulated amount of time they can start to ask where you plan on living. Just be careful for either of you to spend "too much time" in the opposite country. Another poster reported after spending 75% of her time in the US she was denied entry. Both of you have jobs and residences to go back to so it's doubtful you will have a rough ride.

 

Be prepared for a long process after you file for the CR1 from Canada (aka US green card). The process has taken me a year to get to the final interview stage. Most people on VJ did not use a lawyer. Unless you have a complicated case (which it does not sound like) lawyers turn into glorified data entry workers. They charge up to $5,000 to fill out forms you can do yourself. If both of you are employed you should have no problem doing everything yourself.

Well proof of job is very easy. The house I live in is owned by my parents.

This has been years in the making now. I spend about 2 to 3 months per year in the USA and she spends around 5 months on Canada.  Her residence is her dad’s house in Arkansas. In the summer she stays at the campground she works at.

I don’t care how long the process takes. I just wanted done legally. As long as I can continue to travel back-and-forth I’m in no hurry. I have a good job, making decent money, and we do get to spend a lot of time together. I think we are going to attempt this without a lawyer.  She doesn’t make very much money but her dad is more than willing to be a cosponsor. He does very well.

Thank you so much for your Info. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

On another note, we stopped in and talked to immigration coming to Canada once during the summer and they said after we are married to stop at the border with the marriage certificate and my fiancé can get a visitor record which will allow her to go back-and-forth and stay in Canada without any issues. We will do that for her even though we do not plan on living in Canada when we finally settle.

 Thank you all very much for your information! Just to clarify she will not be living in Canada. She comes to stay with me for either a week at a time in the summer or a month at a time in the winter. Her residence is in Arkansas but she works in Youngstown New York in the spring summer and fall.  We will be married in April and she will come back and work in Youngstown New York spending a few days a week with me and working on the weekends. In November we will be going down to her house in Arkansas for Thanksgiving. She will remain there and I will travel back to Canada. We will apply for the visa at that time.  Does this sound feasible to everybody in the know?  Does anybody think a lawyer is necessary? 

 As for when we get married what can I use for proof that I am coming back?  Will a letter from my job stating I am off for a week be sufficient? 

 Thank you all so much. You don’t know how much I appreciate the information. 

Hey y’all. I’m a Canadian citizen and my fiancé is an American citizen. We are heading down to Arkansas for a week to be married in front of her family. My parents are coming with us. My fiancé stays with me in Canada frequently and i spend lots of time with her in the USA. We have been dating for 2 years and engaged for a year. I’m 44. She is 23. Neither of us have any criminal records or immigration issues.

My questions are as follows.

1)I do not need a K1 to get married inside the USA because I’m leaving after the wedding correct? I only took a week off work. We get married in a Saturday and back to Canada on Monday.

2)To start the spouse visa is it better my fiancé stays in the USA or comes back to Canada with me? Even if she comes back with me  will be crossing the border into the USA every weekend April through October so she can go to work.

3)Once Visa is granted can I stay in Canada and work (I may be signing a 12 month contract at work in May) and still get status in the USA or is it better to wait to apply for a spouse visa?

So many questions and neither of us have a clue where to start. Thank you.