Immigration help, either way

[jeysonmcfly87]

I just joined after being referred here by another site, and I feel I may finally get the answers I need instead of just being redirected around to the same sites. So, here's my dilemma: My girlfriend and I met a year and a half ago in September, on a social networking site. She is Canadian, while I am a citizen of the USA. We want to be together

Comments

[redhotlips]

I'vebeen in your girlfriend's place. I'm Canadian, my husband is American, we got engaged on Valentines day 2010 and married last summer

[jeysonmcfly87]

thank you for the input about the way to come from Canada to America in our case. Would you also happen to know how to do the opposite?

[redhotlips]

I do know how to do the opposite, since that was the first option my husband and I looked into. As you can see, we ended up down here in America. LOL

There is less support for folks going the opposite way, and without skills, education and a career (often a specialty career like engendering or nursing) it can be more of a challenge to make the move to Canada as a fiancée.

In the end, after much research, we learned it'd be easier in the long run if we move me south, got the permission to get married, married, got the green card and later made the move to Canada as husband and wife.

[jeysonmcfly87]

I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain for a little more info. See, I was wondering if with a K1 visa, my fiancee would be able to work as well while waiting for the visa's final approval 2 years after moving here?

[my_fair_kadie]

Since you have plans to get married, I would recommend doing so before you apply for Permanent residence. You certainly don't have to, but it does make things easier. If you choose to you can get together your application for spousal permanent residency and submit it. You can find all the information on how to do so at www.cic.gc.ca. I would recommend filing as "Outside Spousal" as the processing time is much less. There are many benefits to applying "outside" once being that if you get denied, you can appeal, and again the biggest one is processing times. Just because you are applying as outside, does not mean you cannot be in Canada during the processing of your application. I applied as outside and remained in Canada for the entire processing. You can do so by obtaining a tourists visa. Another benefit of the spousal process is that there is no income requirements for your spouse. As in, it doesn't matter how much (or how little) your fiancee makes, she will be allowed to sponsor you

[tenebrous]

Hey -- just wanted to say thanks for the insight. I'm relocating to Canada soon and am just starting to get worried about the details. This definitely helped a bit! :)