What process/visa is best suited?

[oceanshores 0]

Hello Forum members,

I am new here, just found your forum while searching for information on immigration options to US and Canada

My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for the past 2 years and are exploring the options to being together on a permanent basis (currently distance US-Canada). We are looking at options on him emigrating to Canada or me emigrating to US. At this point in time, based on our educational/work background, skills, etc, It seems less viable for me to apply for a work visa to US as it is quite restricted (LMarket, job offer, etc), so if we go the way of me emigrating to US via family visa with him, is it better to:

1- get a K1(fiance) visa, get married in those 90 days and process the work/PR applic? how long does a fiance visa take? and can I travel to the US to visit while my k fiance visa is processing in Vancouver, BC?

2- if we get married without the k visa in the US, do i have to wait for the immigrant/spouse process while in Canada, or can i wait for that while in the US after we married?

we are trying to determine what process is best when it comes to processing times and being together while waiting for it. Do the fiance visas processed in BC Canada take longer, less, or same as any other place? I have seen/heard people say it takes about 6-9 months and that i cannot visit while waiting for it.

Thank you for your replies in advance.

Marcia

[Inky 1,110]

This website is for immigration to the USA only. IF you want to ask about immigration to Canada you should visit the " roadtocanada" immigration website.

Please see the comparison charts - its been lined out pretty clearly in them about the two types of visas. http://www.visajourn...content/compare

You can visit during the K-1 or the CR-1 process but would likely have to bring proof of ties to Canada showing you are returning after your vacation as the CBP can get picky sometimes.

The petitions are filed for and worked on in the USA and not in Canada, they do not reach Canada until they are approved by which time you do your medical and interview in Canada. It is a very long slow process either way you choose ( k-1 or CR-1 ).

Also - moved from bringing family members of US citizens to general immigration as this isn't a question about bringing a parent/child to the USA but a general question on fiance or spousal immigration.

Also - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/93-canada/ Canada regional forums for canada specific questions/chat

Edited February 25, 2013 by Inky

[oceanshores 0]

Thank you for the reply. The mention about Canada was as a matter of background. Sorry I posted here but was not sure where to post. :-)

[NikLR 13,227]

Right now the processing times for cr1 visas seems to be faster. There are some definite advantages and disadvantages to both. Sometimes it depends on location. Cr1 visas have to interview in Montreal so the cost of that may outweigh the cost of the AOS for a fiance. But you can't work or travel outside the USA for quite some time on a fiance visa. With a spousal visa you can work within the month of arriving and can travel immediately. But you can't live together right after marriage.

It's best if you two sit down and discuss the pros and cons for the two of you. That includes wedding plans.

We decided to go the CR1 route (or the married to Canada had his career not come along when it did.)