CR1 DCF Vancouver

[muchogrande 0]

Hi, I hope I dont get flamed for cross posting. I was recommended to ask my question here as maybe there's someone who's gone through what I'm planning to go through. Here's the deets:

I'm hoping that some kind souls might be able to give me some advice re my plan to get my wife a green card:

ME:

> Dual Canadian/US citizen. Born in Canada, gained US citizenship via my parents (both of which emigrated to Canada but retained their US citizenship).

> I have a US passport and social security card.

> I have lived almost my entire life in Canada. I lived in California in 95 for about 6 months. (this is where I applied for and received my US papers).

> Have never worked in the US.

> Have not filed US taxes ever (just found out that I am required to file every year). Am doing back taxes right now. I owe nothing, just doing the paperwork.

> Have a contract job in NYC starting Dec.

HER:

> Canadian Citizen.

> Has funds to support herself for more than a year in the US.

US:

> Recently married. (yesterday)

> In our early 30's

> Currently live in Vancouver together.

> Want to move to NYC to live and work.

> Own property in interior B.C. together.

> Have been in a Common Law relationship for almost 10 years.

> Have a flat set up for us to take over Dec1 in Brooklyn (friend is currently living there -- is passing it on to us -- talked to manager, it is a slam dunk, I will be on the lease as of Dec1)

THE PLAN:

> Apply for CR-1 via DCF in Vancouver ASAP. (we are waiting for our marriage certificate to be processed and sent to us).

> We both move to NYC Nov 28th. (While the CR-1 is in process).

> I work, she makes art and explores the city. (good deal for her!).

> Assuming CR-1 process goes smoothly (we will do our best to make sure it does) she leaves NYC to interview in Montreal. (ballpark 4 months down the road)

> Assuming interview goes well she receives CR-1 and joins me back in NYC. Month or so later she gets green card SSC and can apply for work.

> If we fail to get a CR-1 inside of 6 months (i believe we have everything required, so it would be delays that bite us), we/she would return to Canada.

QUESTIONS:

> Does anyone have experience doing something like my wife is planning (moving to the US to live -- not work -- while a CR1 is in process)?

> Can I (as the USC) move to the US while the CR1 is in process?

> Would a Customs Agent like the sound of a 30-something artist moving to the US for 6 months, even if she has evidence of money to support herself?

> Will the way that I received US citizenship (via my parents, I have a Canadian birth certificate) be an issue when applying for the CR1? I have all official record of my parents birth,marriage,immigration to Canada (All the docs that I used to gain my US citizenship).

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[trailmix 77]

Hi and welcome,

I posted a reply in one of your threads here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=3422227

The site isn't THAT big, no need to post in 3 places .... the people, they will find you

Edited October 21, 2009 by trailmix

[muchogrande 0]

Doh! Thanks Trailmix, had the wrong time stuck in my head.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

Hey Mucho,

you're in luck, cause I am basically you. If you switch NYC for Phoenix, AZ that is. We filed DCF in Van, I moved to Phoenix within two weeks of filing, wife and kid with me in the Uhaul, they are back in Van right now doing the medical, and we're meeting up on the 21st for the interview.

Yes, you can move to the US. Your wife however technically can't. My wife 'visited' me here until last month.

CBP may very well deny her entry. We got through, but we had to file I-94's for her and my son. You have to be prepared for possible denial.

I don't think how you got your citizenship matters. You are a USC, period.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

Hmmm....should've read trail's reply. Foiled again.

[muchogrande 0]

Thanks Sean! Great to hear it all worked out smooth for ya. Could you tell me more about how things went at the border? (What you said, what they said, what documents you had with you/they asked for?)

[Malrothien 6]

Thanks Sean! Great to hear it all worked out smooth for ya. Could you tell me more about how things went at the border? (What you said, what they said, what documents you had with you/they asked for?)

You won't need any documents. Just say you're a returning US citizen.

[trailmix 77]

Thanks Sean! Great to hear it all worked out smooth for ya. Could you tell me more about how things went at the border? (What you said, what they said, what documents you had with you/they asked for?)

You won't need any documents. Just say you're a returning US citizen.

He's talking about his Canadian wife visiting for 6 months - or until called for the interview, whichever comes first.