CR-1 Application process, American Marrying a Canadian

[TSC Blackhole 11]

Hi there,

I am marrying my Canadian boyfriend(of 10 years!) on March 16th. I really want this CR-1 process to go smoothly and seamlessly. I have just started reading over the guides, which seem overwhelming at this point. I'd love to hear any tips that anyone has for someone just starting out the CR-1 process. I am so glad I found this forum...it's a lot cheaper than going to an immigration lawyer but I"m sure just as helpful at times.

Thanks!~

[redstarwarrior 0]

Hi there,

I am marrying my Canadian boyfriend(of 10 years!) on March 16th. I really want this CR-1 process to go smoothly and seamlessly. I have just started reading over the guides, which seem overwhelming at this point. I'd love to hear any tips that anyone has for someone just starting out the CR-1 process. I am so glad I found this forum...it's a lot cheaper than going to an immigration lawyer but I"m sure just as helpful at times.

Thanks!~

Congratulations! We are planning on getting married mid-February. I'd advise you, but I'm in the same boat as you...just starting. I recommend bookmarking the NVC ShortCut page.

Also, this forum is A HELL OF A LOT BETTER than any damn immigration lawyer from what I've read.

[TSC Blackhole 11]

Congratulations! We are planning on getting married mid-February. I'd advise you, but I'm in the same boat as you...just starting. I recommend bookmarking the NVC ShortCut page.

Also, this forum is A HELL OF A LOT BETTER than any damn immigration lawyer from what I've read.

THanks for the link. It seems to be more thorough than the one on this site.

I say a lawyer a few months ago, $200 later and I hadn't retained anything she had told me. I wish I would have brought a tape recorder. Most expensive 45 mins of my life. Thanks again.

[redstarwarrior 0]

THanks for the link. It seems to be more thorough than the one on this site.

I say a lawyer a few months ago, $200 later and I hadn't retained anything she had told me. I wish I would have brought a tape recorder. Most expensive 45 mins of my life. Thanks again.

No problem...remember, that link is just a supplement to the CR-1 guide on here (and both are on VJ, so give credit to the site ).

[Todd&Paije 0]

we are in your boat too, I send in our I-130 tomorrow.

[trailmix 77]

Hi and welcome,

Few suggestions. Basically once you file the I-130 you will be waiting a few months. That gives you time to read the guides (including the NVC shortcuts redstarwarrior posted )

As he mentioned, that guide is part of the VJ site - it's the VJ wiki.

There isn't much you can do right now, however if you read that guide and get familiar with all the documents you will need.

You will need a police clearance from every country you have lived in, for a year or more, since you were 16. These certificates are good for a year only, so you want to pace that.

For Canada, the simple name check version will do, unless you have ANY criminal background, then you need a fingerprint version (which can take up to 3 months to get).

Check out the list here to see exactly which documents they accept. Good luck!

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reci..._3531.html#docs

Edited February 2, 2010 by trailmix

[trailmix 77]

Oh and one thing you can get now, if you don't already have it, your long form birth certificate, the one with your parent's names on it.

Edited February 2, 2010 by trailmix

[cndwife 0]

Oh and one thing you can get now, if you don't already have it, your long form birth certificate, the one with your parent's names on it.

Is this something that is required?

[canadian_wife 1,829]

Yes it is required. If you search your province on google with 'long form birth certificate' it should turn up as to what you need to do to get it.

Good luck.

[thegordons2009 1]

I am going through the CR-1 process as we speak. I am now waiting for an interview date.

My recommendations are: Get all the required documents together sooner than later. Also, if possible, have the payments ready too. I could have done things faster, if I had the money.

Also, make a few copies of each document you send.

Other than that, hold on tight cuz its a bumpy and emotional ride.