Some general questions so I can try and be prepared

[CanadianGuy13 0]

So I'm Canadian, and my girlfriend is from California.I'm going down to visit soon, and while my intention is to just visit, I have a feeling she might ask me to marry her. So my question is if that ends up happening, what are my chances / approximately how long would it take? I know with the IR1/CR1 I wouldn't be allowed back into the US until it goes through (or can a Canadian with a passport still enter for visiting purposes?)

If we ended up waiting and filed a K-1 and it's approved, how long would it take upon entry with a K-1 visa to get an AOS and begin being able to work in the US?

I can deal with waiting, since they both involve it, my biggest priority would be being able to work so we can find an apartment and everything.

Thanks!

[Mononoke28 135]

Well if you want to file for CR1, you first have to be married and no, you should be able to visit her until you get a visa interview at the embassy. Some POE officers may deny entry if they think you plan on staying in the US permanently before the visa is approved, but if you have enough evidence to prove you're only visiting, you should be ok.

If you file for a K1 visa you will then have to file for AOS when you get here, this may take at least 3-6 months to be approved, not counting the months of waiting while you wait for the K1 visa interview.

Diana

[sly_wolf 199]

So I'm Canadian, and my girlfriend is from California.I'm going down to visit soon, and while my intention is to just visit, I have a feeling she might ask me to marry her. So my question is if that ends up happening, what are my chances / approximately how long would it take? I know with the IR1/CR1 I wouldn't be allowed back into the US until it goes through (or can a Canadian with a passport still enter for visiting purposes?)

If we ended up waiting and filed a K-1 and it's approved, how long would it take upon entry with a K-1 visa to get an AOS and begin being able to work in the US?

I can deal with waiting, since they both involve it, my biggest priority would be being able to work so we can find an apartment and everything.

Thanks!

You should also read the guides to help in your decision. If your priority is to work quickly go the CR1 route. It is possible to visit during the process.

Sly

[CanadianGuy13 0]

You should also read the guides to help in your decision. If your priority is to work quickly go the CR1 route. It is possible to visit during the process.

Sly

That's my main concern. I can deal with not being able to live with her for some time, we've both accepted that it may be a while. But knowing I can visit during it is a huge relief!

[sly_wolf 199]

You should also read the guides to help in your decision. If your priority is to work quickly go the CR1 route. It is possible to visit during the process.

Sly

That's my main concern. I can deal with not being able to live with her for some time, we've both accepted that it may be a while. But knowing I can visit during it is a huge relief!

You can, but when you do it will be important to bring evidence of strong ties to Canada. There are never any guarrentees. Also try the folks in the Canada thread.

Sly

[carslo 0]

Hi,

K1 visa are issued out of Vancouver BC, if you live in the western provinces the process is much faster, if you have to go through Montreal (Manitoba to the Maritimes) the wait is much longer. We chose the CR-1 Visa, as I was coming for a six month holiday. I want to work as soon as I get to USA so this Visa was the best choice for us. Good luck in what ever road you chose to journey.

Janet

[Serendipity_ 0]

So I'm Canadian, and my girlfriend is from California.I'm going down to visit soon, and while my intention is to just visit, I have a feeling she might ask me to marry her. So my question is if that ends up happening, what are my chances / approximately how long would it take? I know with the IR1/CR1 I wouldn't be allowed back into the US until it goes through (or can a Canadian with a passport still enter for visiting purposes?)

If we ended up waiting and filed a K-1 and it's approved, how long would it take upon entry with a K-1 visa to get an AOS and begin being able to work in the US?

I can deal with waiting, since they both involve it, my biggest priority would be being able to work so we can find an apartment and everything.

Thanks!

You can still visit... just make sure to bring evidence of strong ties to Canada. ( Rental receipts, utility bills, pay stubs)

I visit my husband every weekend in the US and have done so for over 1.5 yrs. Infact I just crossed the border today.