Hello!!

[Jocelyne P 1]

Hey guys!

I just joined the site because I will be moving down to Florida from Canada in order to be with my partner (not engaged officially, more like engaged to be engaged). We met on World of Warcraft 4 years ago, and while he no longer plays, we've maintained contact through instant messaging, and only recently started an official relationship.

We've been discussing options for getting me down there, and frankly, we're both kinda lost. I don't know whether it would be easier to try to pursue a work visa or the fiancee visa, or another route entirely. I don't particularly know (yet) what is involved with either of those, and am feeling pretty overwhelmed by the entire process.

So... if anyone has any advice, or particular topics or links that would help, I would love to hear from you.

I'm glad to be here though, this site looks like a great resource.

Jocelyne

[Aztec&Taino 144]

Hey guys!

I just joined the site because I will be moving down to Florida from Canada in order to be with my partner (not engaged officially, more like engaged to be engaged). We met on World of Warcraft 4 years ago, and while he no longer plays, we've maintained contact through instant messaging, and only recently started an official relationship.

We've been discussing options for getting me down there, and frankly, we're both kinda lost. I don't know whether it would be easier to try to pursue a work visa or the fiancee visa, or another route entirely. I don't particularly know (yet) what is involved with either of those, and am feeling pretty overwhelmed by the entire process.

So... if anyone has any advice, or particular topics or links that would help, I would love to hear from you.

I'm glad to be here though, this site looks like a great resource.

Jocelyne

Hello!

You may find it surprising, but legally migrating to the USA is not as easy as you may have thought. No route is easy or quick, I am afraid to tell you. Take a look at the "Guides" and read on the different visa journeys available if you plan to become officially engaged or marry your man.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides

In order to get a visa through an employer you would have to have specialized skills and/or talent and a company willing to sponsor you.

Happy read!

[canadian_wife 1,826]

K-1 is easier and faster than a work visa. In this economy you're looking at a difficult time not only finding a job but a job with a company willing to sponsor an immigrant (which requires them to say why they cannot hire an American)

You an file the K-1 today, no need to get formally engaged

Good luck

[Inky 1,111]

Canadians cant just move to america to live with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Many think they can. You will be turned away at the border and told to go back home your not moving to America without a visa.

You will need to have the USC Petition for a Fiance visa, then you will apply for the K-1 when the petition is approved and you will have a medical and an interview in either Vancouver or Montreal.(Toronto only has a medical, you could do the medical there but no interview there.)

Check out the guides section and look at the K-1 guide. They have good step by step information, it can be very easly done without a lawyer(extra wasted money).

K-1 is much easier to obtain than a work visa, you have 90days to marry after entering on the K-1 and then you file for AOS, EAD and AP are optional, EAD lets you work before you get the green card and AP lets you travel before you get the green card.

[Jocelyne P 1]

Thanks guys!

I was aware that it is not easy to simply move down there, nor would it be an easy process either way, we're just still discussing options right now.

I read the K-1 Guide and Wiki (awesome resources, really helped me understand the process), and it looks like that's probably the way to go, but Nick is still somewhat apprehensive of the whole process having major ramifications for him if things go wrong (not necessarily relationship-wise, but in other ways).

I really appreciate the info, it's already clarified so many things for me.

[Messybrownhair 251]

Goodluck and don't worry, it only looks overwhelming but the process is not as hard as you think, but its quite long! have an awesome visa journey

[alibekah 4]

Welcome to Florida Jocelyne !! (or soon to be welcome!) Do you know what part of Florida you will be in?

The K1 process is long but thoroughly worth it, my fiance and I found the book, Fiance and Marriage Visa by NOLO, to be VERY helpful along with this site!! Your fiance can find the book in any library. The book laid out each step clearly and specifically which was great for someone like me who need things like lists and charts. And they explain the forms in simple terms for those of us without legal degrees!

Keep us updated with how everything goes! Good luck to you both!

[O & C 3]

Welcome to VJ, I hope that you have a great journey...

[Jocelyne P 1]

Welcome to Florida Jocelyne !! (or soon to be welcome!) Do you know what part of Florida you will be in?

The K1 process is long but thoroughly worth it, my fiance and I found the book, Fiance and Marriage Visa by NOLO, to be VERY helpful along with this site!! Your fiance can find the book in any library. The book laid out each step clearly and specifically which was great for someone like me who need things like lists and charts. And they explain the forms in simple terms for those of us without legal degrees!

Keep us updated with how everything goes! Good luck to you both!

Thanks!! I'll definitely have to check out the book.

As for where in Florida I'll be going, Nick is a PhD student at FIT, so we'll be in that area at least as long as he's there. After that, we're not quite sure... Nick is quite fond of Canada politically and socially, but he's not too fond of the snow we tend to get. But, there's still a lot of time before we get there, it's just hard to not get ahead of myself out of excitement, lol!

[alibekah 4]

Thanks!! I'll definitely have to check out the book.

As for where in Florida I'll be going, Nick is a PhD student at FIT, so we'll be in that area at least as long as he's there. After that, we're not quite sure... Nick is quite fond of Canada politically and socially, but he's not too fond of the snow we tend to get. But, there's still a lot of time before we get there, it's just hard to not get ahead of myself out of excitement, lol!

That is a very pretty area, he has to take you to Daytona Beach for the insanity that is Bike Week. I live about 2 - 3 hours south of where FIT is.

I know what you mean about planning ahead! My man has never seen a beach before(like a real beach, not a lakeside "beach") so I am already planning snorkeling, kayaking, boating and "swamping" excursions! He cannot swim but I already have an instructor lined up for him. You cannot live in Florida and not know how to swim!! We both are very outdoorsy and it will be great to have a partner to share the experience with.

I hope you find Florida to your liking as long as you are here. Good luck to the both of you! Remember to enjoy the journey and when the hard times come, talk it out! Communication is A+ especially in a long distance relationship! Send me a message anytime if you ever want to gripe or just chat. All of us are in the same boat.

Rebekah

[jkelly07 120]

from the cold to the heat florida is nice,welcome to vj .

[Jocelyne P 1]

Well... we're officially engaged now!!

I just got back from Florida on Tuesday after a week down there, and it was INCREDIBLE!! If I had any doubts about us being made for each other, this trip definitely got rid of them. He and I have amazing chemistry, I fit in with his family, and I really felt like I belonged. Not to mention the weather was perfect the entire time. Made it very hard to leave, that's for sure.

So, we're getting the documents together now, and should be filing for the K-1 Visa early next week.

This site is a LIFESAVER!!