Visas for a Canadian

[TulsaCanuck 0]

Hi, I'm looking to move to Tulsa from Ontario to live with my girlfriend in the next 6 months. I'm a freelance illustrator, and the fiance/spouse guides don't quite have the answer I'm looking for.

Basically, I'd like to move in with her, marry within half a year and obtain a greencard. Both guidlines for marriage would have me travelling back to Canada, and I'd rather not be running back and forth between countries.

Is there anyway I can move in with her and obtain a visa without travelling back to Canada and waiting? I don't think I'd be able to obtain a work visa due to the nature of my business.

Edited December 13, 2007 by TulsaCanuck

[MissStacey 1]

Entering the US with the intention of getting married and staying is fraud. You would have to prove that it was not your intent to do so. Personally, I would not risk it.

Do it the right way- K1 (fiance) Visa or a CR1 Visa if you do get married.

Going through the immigration process is not a fun or easy thing. The process does take time and it does involve being separated from your loved one. But we have all been through it and it is worth it in the end.

[warlord 73]

Yep that's right, you cannot just move down like you are planning. You will most definatly need a visa. In your case the best one would be the K-1 or CR-1. I doubt you would classify for any of the work related visas or status at all in your job line either.

And after marriage it will take some time before you even get a Green Card, so it's not an immediate thing either since there is quite a number of processes you will need. You need to really research out the best method, but I agree filing for the K-1 or CR1 is the best bet. Otherwise you could be caught at the border and possibly looking at up to a 10 year ban for falsification of immigrant intent...

[Udella&Wiz 325]

We were all under the impression the process would be simpler then what it is. As Canadians we aren't treated much differently then any other country. Read through the guides and figure our whether being a Fiancé or being a spouse is better...it's 6 of 1, half a dozen of the other IMHO.

I tried to enter on a work VISA...but that just didn't pan out couple years ago...eventually we got engaged, filed as a K1 last Jan and got married a few weeks ago. The most difficult part is not being allowed to work yet so I don't fel very productive. You can visit back and forth during the process when able...although I see Tulsa might be a long run.

Cheers

[melusine 5]

i would say....

look for TN (check the NAFTA thing) visa under the profession graphic designer (need to have a employer)... this would allow you to work and stay.

and think about getting married as a totally different process.