Canadian Pregnant with US Citizen - HELP!

[Amy-Rose 0]

Well, I have been visiting my fiance since August and I was planning on staying till January 22 (I have already booked plane ticket home). I am Canadian, and he is a US citizen. Though we are engaged, we have been trying to figure out how to get me down here since he doesn't make 125% above poverty line ($18,213). We have no friends or family that are willing to co-sponsor. To make matters worse, I recently found out I am pregnant (definitely accidental!). I don't believe in abortion, but I want more than ever now to be with my fiance so we can raise the baby together. Yet again, we have no one to co-sponsor us, he doesn't make enough (even though I've been down a few times, and he's always been able to support me). The reason he doesn't make enough is that he's a full-time student at College, and he works as much as he can (allowing time to study, etc.). I didn't ask for this, so please no negative comments. What's done is done. Please help me figure out a way to raise the baby with my fiance in the US. As I keep coming down here every 5 months or so, I haven't had a job in Canada so I can't even sponsor him that way (and yet again, no family or friends to co-sponsor him to Canada). He wants to continue schooling and I am proud of him for that. I have nothing to offer the US as I only have a high school diploma, nothing more than that (I have spent all my time trying to prove our relationship is legit by traveling every 5 months to the US for 5 months at a time).

We've been engaged for over a year now, have dated for the past 4 years, and now are 1 month pregnant. Please, help us find a way out. Abortion and Adoption is not an option. We want this child. Thank you and God Bless.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

One method is a student visa.. this way financial support isn't an issue.

Another is a work visa (but that means you'll need to stop work after giving birth which is against the visa terms).

Your only long-term solution is a co-sponsor. Ask ALL family and friends. Let them know it doesn't mean they need to give you money, or your fiance money. It just means that if you use means-tested benefits they MIGHT have to pay back the government (and you're not eligible for those until after 5 years of being an LPR.. so i'm told.. and you could be a USC by then). They're also not the sole sponsor, your fiance still signs up too.

If your fiance can support you and the baby (I'm not saying earning enough for the I-864, i'm talking earning enough once you live there) then immigrating to the US is a viable option. But if he can't financially support you both (or you can't get a job quick enough) you might want to consider staying in Canada for now. You can use WIC - look it up - as it isn't means tested and the baby is a USC and it's a benefit for the baby more than you.

Another option, does he have any assets that would help boost his income? Honestly, getting a co-sponsor is your best bet. If you can line up a co-sponsor, you might want to consider getting married and filing a CR-1 so you can work immediately. Remember you still need to pay all the visa fees so you'll need money for all that too.

** moved from "K1 Process & Procedures" to "Bringing Family Members of US citizens" as this isn't exactly a K1 qn **

[KiwiBird 132]

Well, I have been visiting my fiance since August and I was planning on staying till January 22 (I have already booked plane ticket home). I am Canadian, and he is a US citizen. Though we are engaged, we have been trying to figure out how to get me down here since he doesn't make 125% above poverty line ($18,213). We have no friends or family that are willing to co-sponsor. To make matters worse, I recently found out I am pregnant (definitely accidental!). I don't believe in abortion, but I want more than ever now to be with my fiance so we can raise the baby together. Yet again, we have no one to co-sponsor us, he doesn't make enough (even though I've been down a few times, and he's always been able to support me). The reason he doesn't make enough is that he's a full-time student at College, and he works as much as he can (allowing time to study, etc.). I didn't ask for this, so please no negative comments. What's done is done. Please help me figure out a way to raise the baby with my fiance in the US. As I keep coming down here every 5 months or so, I haven't had a job in Canada so I can't even sponsor him that way (and yet again, no family or friends to co-sponsor him to Canada). He wants to continue schooling and I am proud of him for that. I have nothing to offer the US as I only have a high school diploma, nothing more than that (I have spent all my time trying to prove our relationship is legit by traveling every 5 months to the US for 5 months at a time).

We've been engaged for over a year now, have dated for the past 4 years, and now are 1 month pregnant. Please, help us find a way out. Abortion and Adoption is not an option. We want this child. Thank you and God Bless.

While I can't help you with your situation.. I just gotta comment: I wouldn't say the baby is 'accidental'. My mother always called me a 'surprise'. She defined the two for me, saying that a surprise is something you'd do again if given the choice, and and accident is something you wouldn't. (Congrats!)

[Amy-Rose 0]

Thanks for the quick reply. My fiance and I are ready to raise a baby, even though it was all of a sudden. His family and my family are willing to help us financially if we were to get into trouble (with baby costs), but they aren't willing to co-sponsor. They are terrified that there is a loop hole and they will have to pay lots of money. Is there a way I can convince them to sign? My fiance doesn't want to be away from the baby at all (even though we know it'll most likely have to be born in Canada). Another thing is that my fiance has a lot of money in savings, but not in what he does. He claims all his tips (he's a waiter), but he's still not making enough. We don't want to lie to the government on how much he makes, as that can only do worse damage than good. I understand that the co-sponsor is the best route to go. I know this is far fetched, but is there a site or a place where you can pay for someone to co-sponsor you? We have the money in savings, just not in income. I know it sounds silly, but we're both really desperate. Thank you though for your help so far!

And thanks Kiwi Bird! I am excited, just scared as well.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thanks for the quick reply. My fiance and I are ready to raise a baby, even though it was all of a sudden. His family and my family are willing to help us financially if we were to get into trouble (with baby costs), but they aren't willing to co-sponsor. They are terrified that there is a loop hole and they will have to pay lots of money. Is there a way I can convince them to sign? My fiance doesn't want to be away from the baby at all (even though we know it'll most likely have to be born in Canada). Another thing is that my fiance has a lot of money in savings, but not in what he does. He claims all his tips (he's a waiter), but he's still not making enough. We don't want to lie to the government on how much he makes, as that can only do worse damage than good. I understand that the co-sponsor is the best route to go. I know this is far fetched, but is there a site or a place where you can pay for someone to co-sponsor you? We have the money in savings, just not in income. I know it sounds silly, but we're both really desperate. Thank you though for your help so far!

And thanks Kiwi Bird! I am excited, just scared as well.

If he has $18,213x3 in savings then he doesn't need a co-sponsor and can use his assets to sponsor you.

The only thing I can suggest (for the family/friends) is to ask them to make a profile on here and ask about the loopholes or something. I have only heard of it being an issue maybe once in divorce court where the wife got the husband to pay the support amount to her according to the I-864.. I can't see a 3rd party being ordered to pay those costs though.

Honestly if you're that desperate ask them to make a profile. Tell them not to tell you who they are (so they don't need to worry we're swaying opinion or anything) and ask if they should be concerned about being a co-sponsor for someone. They will get honest, non-biased answers that way.

Also tell them, that if you leave the country and give up the GC, or become a USC, or die, they're off the hook. They don't need to claim you on taxes. They basically can forget it exists (I know my husband has ).

Edited November 29, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[drchouinard 0]

Hmm.. Well, I have to say this sounds VERY familiar to me, as I was in your predicament only a year and a half ago. Although, the situation reverse, as I am an American citizen, and my (now) husband is Canadian. We were together for almost 2 years and planning to eventually get married when we got pregnant Feb of 2009, and did not know what to do! Luckily, I had lots of help and support from the wonderful people of VJ. Hopefully you find it as helpful as I did.

We waited all the way until October (I was due at the end of Oct) to apply for the K1, which was not the smartest idea. But we got pretty lucky and Brad was able to come to the US and stay for 6 months with me and the baby. We didn’t have to cross again until he had his K1 interview appointment in Vancouver.

As Vanessa said, any money in savings counts towards assets, so enough savings would do the trick. Also, you don’t need the support until you reach the AOS stage. With the K1 itself, no one will need to co-sponsor you. I would apply for the K1 ASAP and figure out the support later.

It is difficult to convince someone to co-sponsor you if they wary that they will somehow have to pay out tons of money. Even my grandfather was slightly concerned when I had to give all his information to the government. But, you can get documents off of the USCIS site that clarify what the responsibility of a co-sponsor is. As others have suggested, they could also ask anyone who has been through the process aka VJ members.

Good luck! Hope it works out for you two, especially since our stories are very similar. I know its hard to be pregnant and stuck in limbo. Hang in there

[VanessaTony 3,567]

As Vanessa said, any money in savings counts towards assets, so enough savings would do the trick. Also, you don’t need the support until you reach the AOS stage. With the K1 itself, no one will need to co-sponsor you. I would apply for the K1 ASAP and figure out the support later.

What about the I-134? Canada doesn't require that?? I know it's not binding but I thought income mattered still.. (or assets at least).

Either way, make sure you have a co-sponsor lined up BEFORE you pick your path, because once he's in the US, without a co-sponsor he'll have to go back so it will have all been for naught.

[drchouinard 0]

What about the I-134? Canada doesn't require that?? I know it's not binding but I thought income mattered still.. (or assets at least).

Either way, make sure you have a co-sponsor lined up BEFORE you pick your path, because once he's in the US, without a co-sponsor he'll have to go back so it will have all been for naught.

I suppose that is a good point. I don't think our co-sponsor filled out the I134...

Anyways, yeah, you probably should have someone lined up... It is just such a long time between now and then. Everything went really fast on ours and it was still 10 months before someone had to actually sponsor my husband. I don't want to still you in the wrong direction, I just don't want your process to be longer than it has to be. I know how important it is for you two to be together.

Maybe if his family/friends realize how serious things are getting, especially with the baby, someone will volunteer. Really, it is not as big of a deal as it sounds, epecially if he can support you. I make enough to support the three of us, but I don't make above the poverty line for a family of three. We live in Wyoming though, its a totally different cost of living than most parts of the US..

[easyukraine 1]

it seems you have 2 legal options 1 find a co sponsor or 2 he makes more money. he might have to put his school on hold.

[Boiler 45,525]

it seems you have 2 legal options 1 find a co sponsor or 2 he makes more money. he might have to put his school on hold.

I was thinking the same thing.

What are you going to do about Medical Insurance?

[tbaygrrl 2]

I too became pregnant after we started the k-1 process. The visa process is stressful enough, let alone while pregnant and seperated from your partner. Here's my opinion. I would continue searching for a co-sponsor or have your SO search for a 2nd job (though with school but do-able if determined enough). For yourself, bank on staying in Canada for your pre-natal care and delivery. This way, you don't have to worry about finding health coverage here in the US. Under the new health care bill, health insurance companies can still deny a pregnant woman care (calling it a pre-existing condition) until 2014. So you may have problems finding care in the US while pregnant if insurance companies won't accept that you were covered under CND health care prior. Confusing I know.

But for financial reasons, as this seems your largest issue, have your maternity care and delivery in Canada. All your spouse would then have to do is register a birth abroad for your child. THis will enable you to get a US passport for your child.

I hope this helps and congrats on your bundle.

[Krikit 1,164]

How much time does he have left on his education? I would keep that as a priority and maintain a long distance relationship until he can sponsor you..... Or you find a co-sponsor. You may just find that the grandparents of your child will change their minds once the baby comes, and once they realize that the co-sponsorship is not as scary as it appears. Make sure you read up on what it really means so that you can explain it properly, and provide them with the documentation. Knowledge has a great way of reducing or eliminating the fear factor.

Moving from Bringing Family Members to General Immigration Discussion.

Amy-Rose, you should drop by the Canada Regional Forum for some great help and camaraderie.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I too became pregnant after we started the k-1 process. The visa process is stressful enough, let alone while pregnant and seperated from your partner. Here's my opinion. I would continue searching for a co-sponsor or have your SO search for a 2nd job (though with school but do-able if determined enough). For yourself, bank on staying in Canada for your pre-natal care and delivery. This way, you don't have to worry about finding health coverage here in the US. Under the new health care bill, health insurance companies can still deny a pregnant woman care (calling it a pre-existing condition) until 2014. So you may have problems finding care in the US while pregnant if insurance companies won't accept that you were covered under CND health care prior. Confusing I know.

But for financial reasons, as this seems your largest issue, have your maternity care and delivery in Canada. All your spouse would then have to do is register a birth abroad for your child. THis will enable you to get a US passport for your child.

I hope this helps and congrats on your bundle.

I second Krikit's advice above and tbaygrrl's - prenatal and delivery in Canada will cost you nothing because provincial healthcare covers both you and the baby. Since you're in the position that your fiance doesn;t have the funds to sponsor you why risk the healthcare issues of arriving here pregnant with no medical coverage (the possible denial piece tbaygrrl aluudes to above)?

It's obviously not ideal to be apart during this time, but I can tell you that you'll survive just fine - I survived pregnancy 20 yrs ago in a long distance relationship and 9 months visiting and talking on the phone is a drop in the bucket of your child's life and your own....you'll have plenty of time to make things up once you move here under whatever VISA path you choose.... but you need to think of heathcare for you and your unborn baby first above the 'need to be together' because it's makes you feel better...tough call, but it has to be made. Plenty of military couples do it apart while stationed somewhere so you can too.

I assume you work, so you'll also get mat leave from EI while in Canada - I believe (someone else Cdn can correct me) that you mat leave EI can continue once you move here so that's a bonus and you would have some income for a few months.

As Krikit notes - how much school does he have left? maybe it's better to finish up and suffer apoart for a year in order for the good of the future. No clue what your details are distance wise or how often you currently visit one another? Another thought - once you really pregnant, you're not travelling by plane anyway so he'll have to do the visiting.

Edited November 29, 2010 by Udella&Wiz

[Inky 1,110]

I dont think anyone mentioned this - aside from it being a better ( cheaper ) idea to have the baby in canada ( my friends baby in america cost an ungodly amount! ) You will need to file a CRBA and the baby will be able to get a US passport.

[coraliesolms 47]

I had our baby in Canada.. as it was cheaper and I got EI. After she was born a CRBA was reeeeallly easy to get and somewhat inexpensive. It is hard, and obviously not ideal.. but it is helpful in a financial sense. There is skype and all kinds of wonderful things that make it a little bit easier.. of course he can come and visit you too!

Hope you resolve this issue soon. And if his family is really worried, make an appointment with an immigration attorney and he can tell them exactly what the affidavit of support is all about.

Good luck.. and CONGRATS on the bambino!!

Plan B is getting married and adjusting your status...of course you will need an affidavit of support then too, its just an option.