Immigration Options

[acidrain 325]

I think it all depends on one's situation whether to do the CR1 vs K1. If the both of you are okay with long distance then CR1 sounds like your best option.

 

Just make sure after you start the immigration process to bring a copy of your paperwork when you travel. It's unlikely you will ever be questioned at the border but if you are you can show you are going through the process legally. US customs officials at YVR have been fantastic with me but you may be asked more details if you say you are going to visit your husband.

 

Keep in mind the CR1 process takes about a year to complete whereas the K1 takes anywhere from 6-8 months (I can't say for certain but this according to VJ). As others have pointed out once you arrive on CR1 you can legally work and come and go and it is apparently cheaper in cost too. K1 seems okay for those who don't have to work or don't have to leave the US regularly.

 

Lucky for you should you require a medical for your CR1 the doctor is based out of Surrey. It's unfortunate Vancouver does not process immigrant Visa's as people such as you and me would greatly benefit from not having to travel across the country. But that's a grievance for another thread. At least your boyfriend or perhaps future husband will not have far to travel for the interview.

Edited December 15, 2017 by acidrain

[AshleyJ 0]

My boyfriend and I talked about it, I think he was shocked by how much information I had for him, so he told me he trusted me to pick which route I thought was best for us and he would be on board for either option. So I've decided the CR1 fits into our needs a lot more. We would get married tomorrow if we could, but work is a thing and we live quite far at the moment. We do have a scheduled visit in February over here in Canada 

 

Everyone has to do a medical exam, don't they? I think I read somewhere on her about someone have to get a blood test done, which makes me a little nervous as the last time I had blood drawn I almost fainted. But it is very good to know I can go to Surrey for it! It is unfortunate I need to go to Montreal, I'm not opposed to travelling, just the costs of such. Does your spouse have to go to the interview with you? 

 

I really do appreciate all the information and thoughts on this! This community has already been a big help and has made things more clear for me and lessen my nerves. (Although definitely still some nerves.) Thank you! 

[acidrain 325]

This site is an invaluable resource and many long time posters know more than immigration lawyers.

 

For the CR1 you will have to do a medical exam and there is a doctor (Dr. Cheema) off Scott Road you can go to. For the medical you have to ensure you have all your vaccinations and a flu shot depending on the time of year, xrays and a medical exam. If you google Dr. Cheema he has a website outlining everything to expect from the process, the costs, what he will be looking for.

 

Keep in mind the CR1 process you first complete a i130 (this can take 5-9 months). Once that is approved you go to the National Visa Center. At that point you submit most of your documents like the financials, RCMP check, application for the visa. Then once your case is completed it gets sent to Montreal where you attend the interview. One thing they look at is his US taxes for the past year and up to 3 years total. If he uses a joint sponsor they will also require that information from them too.

 

Most of us did the process on our own and never hired a lawyer. It's actually not as scary as you might fear. Ensure when traveling to the US to have your ties back to Canada. So things like when you return to work, lease or home ownership, return ticket. US customs can get weird when you are dating a US citizen and the more serious you are the more they might ask. It's really no problem to visit but they get paranoid you will go to the US and try to immigrate illegally.

[NikLR 13,227]

Spouses don't need to go to the interview.  They're not forbidden like they are in other countries, but it's certainly not necessary.  Hubs and I decided to save the money and I went alone.  I was there for a week since I was living in AB at the time.   I had planned to visit Vancouver with my mom but she was like "oh I forgot about this cruise I had booked..."  /facepalm

 

 

[AshleyJ 0]

Do we have to get married in Canada, or is it possible for us to get married in the states for the CR1? 

[geowrian 22,337]

3 minutes ago, AshleyJ said:

Do we have to get married in Canada, or is it possible for us to get married in the states for the CR1? 

You can marry anywhere, then file the I-130.

[Dashinka 24,521]

On 12/15/2017 at 12:11 PM, AshleyJ said:

Do we have to get married in Canada, or is it possible for us to get married in the states for the CR1? 

Wherever you decide to marry where it is convenient for you and your families is fine.  One thing to keep in mind, if you decide to get married in the US, you and any family coming to the wedding will have to prove your ties to Canada when you attempt to enter.

 

Good Luck!

[AshleyJ 0]

Well our plan was when he comes to visit that we'd drive down to Washington and do it, since it's a lot quicker to get a marriage licence down there and we can both do it in person. In order to get one here in British Columbia, Canada I would need to be able to show his birth certificate and wait three months to obtain the licence. Which if I were to get it now, I possibly wouldn't get it in time for his visit. So neither of us live in Washington and would be going back together that same day. I'm sorry that was lengthy, but would I still have to prove ties then? Since neither of us live there? I feel like this is a stupid question. 

[Dashinka 24,521]

On 12/20/2017 at 3:08 PM, AshleyJ said:

Well our plan was when he comes to visit that we'd drive down to Washington and do it, since it's a lot quicker to get a marriage licence down there and we can both do it in person. In order to get one here in British Columbia, Canada I would need to be able to show his birth certificate and wait three months to obtain the licence. Which if I were to get it now, I possibly wouldn't get it in time for his visit. So neither of us live in Washington and would be going back together that same day. I'm sorry that was lengthy, but would I still have to prove ties then? Since neither of us live there? I feel like this is a stupid question. 

The proving ties thing is for the CBP officers when you attempt to enter the US.  Even if neither of you live in Washington they will want to see ties that you will return to BC since it is very easy (relatively speaking) to get from Washington to anywhere else in the US.  That being said, it is always a good idea to have proof of solid ties to ones home country every time someone attempts to enter the US regardless of POE.

 

Good Luck!

[NikLR 13,227]

On 12/20/2017 at 1:08 PM, AshleyJ said:

Well our plan was when he comes to visit that we'd drive down to Washington and do it, since it's a lot quicker to get a marriage licence down there and we can both do it in person. In order to get one here in British Columbia, Canada I would need to be able to show his birth certificate and wait three months to obtain the licence. Which if I were to get it now, I possibly wouldn't get it in time for his visit. So neither of us live in Washington and would be going back together that same day. I'm sorry that was lengthy, but would I still have to prove ties then? Since neither of us live there? I feel like this is a stupid question. 

It doesnt take that long to get the license in bc.  You get it same day.  At least in 2012 you did. (I married in BC May 2012 in the Okanagan.)  It takes about 1-3 months to get the certificate after marriage though. 

 

The Canadian, you, would bring proof that you would return to Canada to give to the CBP if they ask when you go through customs.  Ie: a letter from your employer stating when you're due back for work, a copy of your lease or rental agreement, copies of monthly bills or any other leases/payments.  

Edited December 23, 2017 by NikLR

[AshleyJ 0]

The problem I face right now is that I'm currently job searching. I recently graduated from university and I haven't found much yet. (I'm also living at home with my parents.) So I'm hoping to have a job before he comes to visit, but if he doesn't then I feel like I'm strapped for proving I have ties here in Canada. 

 

I'll have to get a hold of someone from the services center to confirm the time wait it takes. Maybe they have it worded weird on the site or I can't comprehend it the way it was intended to sound. 

 

On a side note, I bet your wedding was beautiful! The Okanagan is such a stunning area!