Staying in USA while her Canadian PR paperwork goes through

[Jacob D. 0]

Hello,

We are planning on getting married August 1 in MI. The plan is to live in BC, but for a variety of reasons, we would like to live in MI while her paperwork goes through for her PR in Canada. One of the reasons is that she is working and couldn't derive income from Canada, and I am going to be doing school full-time during that period. However, since I am taking courses from the University of Wales via correspondence, it doesn't really make sense to have neither of us working. Further complicating things is that since she hasn't visited 'my side' very much, we wanted to spend a few weeks in Canada before heading down there. I guess we could jettison this plan if it is necessary, but we would really like it. We are considering a religious wedding before the honeymoon, and having a 'legal' ceremony when we return to the US, but I'm not sure if that is legal or wise - but it is an option.

I will be leaving all of my furniture and most of my books up here, so there won't be issues at the border like that, I don't think. Since I'm not working, studying, or really doing much of anything as far as the government is concerned, what are my options to stay down there for the 6-9 mo. it takes?

Thanks,

Jacob

PS - before someone says something, I know this is a bit late to be asking. She had an immigration lawyer friend (she's a lawyer herself) who said he would help us and he sort of bailed on us. She's busy with the wedding planning, so I'm trying to figure it out!

[Danu 19]

As a Canadian you are allowed to visit the states for 6 months at a time without having to apply for a visa. They may ask you for proof that you are returning though so anything you can provide them to show residence and other ties to Canada should help. I wouldn't overstay the 6 months for any reason though as that can bar you from being allowed back into the states. Also if you are already having the religious ceremony, you might as well have the legal one at the same time. You aren't planning to stay in the states, so its not illegal for you to do so (its only illegal if you use it to skip the immigration process) but it will help later on if you decide to come back because you can apply for DCF to get back into the states legally as quickly as possible with the ability to work.