US Marrying a Canadian

[theone11 0]

Hi,

I am an American. I am engaged to a Canadian as of a few weeks ago!! We plan on a civil ceromony to get the ball rolling with paperwork and then later a formal wedding. Will she(Canadian) be able cross over to see me while the I-130 papers are being filed? Someone said they will not let her into the US while the papersa re being filed. I am in PA and she is in Niagara, Ontario so we usually cross and visit eachother. Any input, suggestions, comments are appreciated. Also, what are the current processing times? Thanks!!!!!

[alizon 77]

It's always up to the individual CBP officer, but she is not formally prohibited from crossing into the US during any part of the CR-1 process. She should always bring documents that show that she is not intending to immigrate during her visit (e.g. her lease in Canada, letter from her employer, utility bills, copy of NOA1, etc.), and she shouldn't bring too many possessions with her. Some Canadians have been refused for lack of ties to Canada, but in our case, we both crossed back and forth several times without much trouble. Once we established a pattern of coming and going when we said we would, the CBP stopped even checking our proof of ties.

Edited April 15, 2012 by alizon

[grrrrreat 109]

Hi,

I am an American. I am engaged to a Canadian as of a few weeks ago!! We plan on a civil ceromony to get the ball rolling with paperwork and then later a formal wedding. Will she(Canadian) be able cross over to see me while the I-130 papers are being filed? Someone said they will not let her into the US while the papersa re being filed. I am in PA and she is in Niagara, Ontario so we usually cross and visit eachother. Any input, suggestions, comments are appreciated. Also, what are the current processing times? Thanks!!!!!

Agree with the other poster about crossing back and forth, it's a risk and it just depends on the circumstances. The outside estimate for the whole process is now about 8-10 months, but there are ways of cutting it down somewhat.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Canada regional forum.

[sdw 10]

I crossed most weekend during the I130 process without any difficulty. However it is up to the CBP as other posters have stated, make sure to have ties to Canada.

[AandT 2]

I crossed most weekend during the I130 process without any difficulty. However it is up to the CBP as other posters have stated, make sure to have ties to Canada.

Me too

[Krikit 1,164]

Absolutely, she can visit. There is no law against it. As the others have said, the CBP Officer has the final say, though. Take a look at the link below for an idea on the ties she should bring to help ease that process. The officers at the Peace Bridge have a record of being the most knowledgeable about the process. Definitely do not take the Rainbow Bridge. A NEXUS Pass is very handy so she may want to apply for that.

Congratulations!

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