Fellow Canuck starting this long road of pain.

[Caladan 19]

For what it's worth, if I had to do it all over again, I'd do a CR-1. But you can check out the guides, talk it over with your intended, and figure out what's best for YOU and for your wedding plans. Welcome!

[Autumnchik 6]

Welcome to VJ! The Canada forum is especially great .. full of understanding and helpful people. You have gotten good advice thus far. There are good points to both the CR-1 and the K-1 or K-3 visas ... it will be up to you to ultimately decide what works best for you.

My now hubby and I went for the K-1 visa. Our process was fairly quick (especially in comparison to the Montreal wait time).... which was nice. Our adjustment of status actually was fairly quick too, but it was still tough for him to not be able to work for a bit. If we did it again, I think we would still choose to do a K visa for the speed.

BTW, I see you are in Comox. My in-laws live on Denman Island

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Welcome to VJ and welcome to the Canada forum!!!

I would also go the CR-1 route because like you said, you get an immigrant visa as a result, and it saves you money and time in the long run. Good luck and we're here for you!!!

Peace, L.

[trailmix 77]

I also read that file fees are less if you actually go to a consulate and walk in or make apts than to send things to an immigration office. Not sure if I am understanding it correctly but that is what I get out of it.

Hi paw,

Just one other thing I picked up on. The fees are identical whether you go to a consulate or file directly with the USCIS in the U.S..

Cheers!

Edited October 12, 2007 by trailmix

[pawfectchis 0]

Welcome to VJ! The Canada forum is especially great .. full of understanding and helpful people. You have gotten good advice thus far. There are good points to both the CR-1 and the K-1 or K-3 visas ... it will be up to you to ultimately decide what works best for you.

My now hubby and I went for the K-1 visa. Our process was fairly quick (especially in comparison to the Montreal wait time).... which was nice. Our adjustment of status actually was fairly quick too, but it was still tough for him to not be able to work for a bit. If we did it again, I think we would still choose to do a K visa for the speed.

BTW, I see you are in Comox. My in-laws live on Denman Island

I have never been there. I just for my first time went to Powell River on the Ferry. It is a real shame I have not done alot of touring this beautiful island in the 6 years I have been here. Gotta fix that before we leave.

[bradcanuck 1]

*salute* CFB Comox, I spent some time up there while I was in Cadets.

Sorry I have nothing of value to contribute. :/

[pawfectchis 0]

*salute* CFB Comox, I spent some time up there while I was in Cadets.

Sorry I have nothing of value to contribute. :/

Thank you for taking the time to say Hi there!

Can anyone tell me why my photo is not showing up. It is inplace when I go to my settings but doesn't show up on the posts???

[Flames9_RN 358]

Iwould have preferred CFB comox over greenwood NS, BUT greenwood is much closer to DC. The airfare would have been a killer from Comox to DC!!

[pawfectchis 0]

Iwould have preferred CFB comox over greenwood NS, BUT greenwood is much closer to DC. The airfare would have been a killer from Comox to DC!!

Yeah I am with you on that one. Thank the luck stars your not in this housing market too!!! BC stands for BRING CASH!

[trailmix 77]

Can anyone tell me why my photo is not showing up. It is inplace when I go to my settings but doesn't show up on the posts???

There are 2 photos associated with your profile, your 'personal photo' and your 'Avatar'.

When you are in your personal settings, if you look at the list on the left hand side of the page, ensure you have uploaded a photo in the 'Edit Avatar Settings' area. That one will show in your postings.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Iwould have preferred CFB comox over greenwood NS, BUT greenwood is much closer to DC. The airfare would have been a killer from Comox to DC!!

Yeah I am with you on that one. Thank the luck stars your not in this housing market too!!! BC stands for BRING CASH!

I sold my house in Victoria in 2002 (navy for 10 yrs prior to being an Aesop) So was ok with the Vic housing market!! Sold my house same day I put it on the market!!

[bowflex 0]

Although it could take longer, I'd highly recommend the CR-1 route. My wife was granted her CR-1 visa after about a year and a few months, but once she came in her permanent resident card was ordered, she went and got her driver's license and Social Security number, and began applying for jobs within the first week. It also helps that there is no more stress for a year and nine months, when you apply for the conditions to be taken off. Our stress was unbelieveable during the entire process, so it was nice to have her here with me without having to worry about anything. I wish you both the best of luck!

[pawfectchis 0]

Thanks Trailmix, I got it working. Those are my babies............!

Iwould have preferred CFB comox over greenwood NS, BUT greenwood is much closer to DC. The airfare would have been a killer from Comox to DC!!

Yeah I am with you on that one. Thank the luck stars your not in this housing market too!!! BC stands for BRING CASH!

I sold my house in Victoria in 2002 (navy for 10 yrs prior to being an Aesop) So was ok with the Vic housing market!! Sold my house same day I put it on the market!!

I have moved 5 times in 6 years here in Comox alone. I know all about that housing market, I just don't know how people afford to live in Victoria.

[Scott'n'Natalie 0]

Hi all..yet another newbie here about to hop on the bandwagon but first, thank you Trailmix for pointing me to this Discussion group. It'll be nice to talk to people in similar settings/situations to get through this..

You know, I was pretty much convinced the CR(IR)1 was the best path to take but then seeing how much time it takes I'm a bit reluctant..or worried. I'm near Ottawa (except on the Quebec side) and ultimately I want to be with the man I love but I also want to be able to work as soon as possible.

We were originally thinking of going with the K1, thinking it would be easy to just get a EAD but then saw the process time..and needing to go through it again as soon as we marry. This meant that I'd not be able to work for about 3mo and though he can support me, I'm still a bit independant and need to work to pay the mortgage of my house in Canada until it sells. (Market isn't doing too good right now.)

We then opened up to the idea of getting married next month (instead of engaged) thinking it would be quicker, would allow me to keep working here while waiting and also allow me to travel(compared to the K1). This opened the doors to K3 or CR(IR)1. With a possible job that's supposed to open up in Jan, I was all excited thinking..we might just be the luckiest people on earth all of a sudden! Looks like it was a mirage though..as it seems impossible for things to happen so fast even if our case is very simple.

CR1 costs less...K3 is a lot of paperwork..but K1 seems fast? With so many that have or are going through these experiences, which one would be the fastest to allow me to work there (Virginia)? Would it still be the K1?

Thanks a bunch!