Student visa or K1

[wwkayaker 0]

Hello all,

I have been reading the forum for months now but just joined. My girlfriend and I have been dating for 3.5 years. She lives in Boise, ID and I am a Canadian living in Alberta.

I am in the process of completing my application to study engineering at Boise State University-on Tuesday, I will submit the last document required. My advisor is certain I will be admitted. If admitted to the university, the registrar does the legwork to provide me with a study visa.

My gf and I have talked about marriage and I plan to ask her to marry me.

So, what is the best route for a visa? I have done quite a lot of reading but am confused. I can be in the USA with the student visa and apply for a change of status if we were to get married from what I understand. Or we could file a k-1 application, marry and then apply for status change. Currently, my gf has two years of nursing school left and, as a result, doesn't work full time so she may not qualify for the income requirements of the k-1.

Thanks!

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to What Visa Do I Need Forum~

~Inquiry family visas~

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Be prepared for higher tuition costs attending school in the USA. However I would say go the student visa route, let her finish school and then get married.

[Boiler 45,557]

When does your school start.

[wwkayaker 0]

Yes, the school expenses will be quite high; the university has an international scholarship which may reduce my expenses to those of an in-state student. If I am accepted, school will begin in September 2015.

Obviously, my girlfriend hasn't said yes to marriage nor have we gone into depth marriage plans but we have talked about getting married. I plan to propose during the Xmas season. That leads me to thinking about a k-1 visa and a quicker marriage. This could be beneficial in gaining entry to the USA and getting cheaper school fees. Just saying this sounds shallow but neither of us want debt and this would definitely help.

Edited November 24, 2014 by wwkayaker

[Transborderwife 4,666]

She's going to have to prove 125% of the poverty line to support you unless you have a joint sponsor. First off for the k1 which will take about a year, then again for the aos. It's not a cheap process either. About 2k start to green card, not including relocation fees.

[lkerky 25]

Student Visa. Then marry and adjust status if the relationship works out past long distance.

[Boiler 45,557]

Agree

[wwkayaker 0]

Student Visa. Then marry and adjust status if the relationship works out past long distance.

During the time we have been dating, Ashley spent 11 months living with me in Canada. I spend my summers, 2 weeks each Christmas, and 2 weeks each Easter living with her. Also, we get a couple of weekends together throughout the year. So, although it is a long distance relationship, we are very comfortable living together.

[Pheebs1201 269]

I agree, student visa then adjusting later if the relationship is still doing well would make more sense.

Good luck!

[lkerky 25]

During the time we have been dating, Ashley spent 11 months living with me in Canada. I spend my summers, 2 weeks each Christmas, and 2 weeks each Easter living with her. Also, we get a couple of weekends together throughout the year. So, although it is a long distance relationship, we are very comfortable living together.

Believe me, I understand. I lived with my fiancé in college and then moved back to Canada. Adjusting to living together again can be difficult. A student Visa is much more affordable. You may only have to pay one semester as an international student. The filing fees for a K-1 may initially look less expensive but considering all the little things that add up. Especially considering you have a flight to Vancouver for the interview. The processing time took us nine months from the time we filed to the time we were together. If I was you I would wait until September as a Student, marry then adjust. Just my personal opinion!

[wwkayaker 0]

I am appreciative of all of the advice. I am planning to go through with study visa, propose and see how the relationship goes while we are back on cohabitation, and then look at adjustment of status once we get married.

Any tips on the adjustment of status process?

[Mena28 35]

Do not propose until you are in the country and a student! - we were facing the same choice, and it turns out that entering the us as a student and then marrying shortly after is frowned upon (i.e. they dont want you to do it). Part of the student visa is, that you have to convice them that you will go back to you country after you finish school.

We chose the k-1 route, even though i was already accepted at school (which i now have to postpone until fall, instead of starting in january) because we were already engaged when we realized that. And i decided i would rather have it this way than be found out through some freak mistake or slip on my part and be in trouble. (Also we are lucky enough to have had the choice, money, work and living arrangement wise.)

But if you can truthfully say you do not intend to get married at this time, havent proposed etc... Then i agree with what the others said.

Time wise, if you end up at TSC you will be in the US late summer either way ;-)

Good luck whichever way you do it and fingers crossed you get into the school!

[wwkayaker 0]

Well, I received notice today that I have been accepted into the engineering program at Boise State University. I am very excited and nervous about the changes.

Today, the university started work on my study visa so that is the route I am going. So much taking place and taking place quickly.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Well, I received notice today that I have been accepted into the engineering program at Boise State University. I am very excited and nervous about the changes.

Today, the university started work on my study visa so that is the route I am going. So much taking place and taking place quickly.

Congratulations!