Confused about US Citizen sponsoring spouse

[mikesuch 0]

I'm currently living with my wife in Canada, and we've been married for 2.5 years. I'm a Canadian Citizen and she's a US Citizen and she recently got a job offer in the US and will be moving there next month.

 

What's the fastest way for me to come to the US to live with her? Seems like the guides I've read say up to a year to be able to move to the US? Is it possible to go to the US as a visitor and change my status from there or do I have to wait in Canada?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Edited January 5, 2020 by mikesuch

[Ryan H 3,834]

11 minutes ago, mikesuch said:

Is it possible to go to the US as a visitor and change my status from there

 

No

 

12 minutes ago, mikesuch said:

or do I have to wait in Canada?

 

Yes but you can visit each other in either country at any time while during the process.

 

 

The words "fastest way" and "US Immigration" do not go hand in hand; once your wife files the I-130, expect a minimum of 10-12 months from the time it is filed to the time an interview at the Consulate takes place and count your blessings if it takes less time than that.  The first step needs to be taken is to read the instructions for the I-130 form which can be found here:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

 

Once you review those, gather the required documentation as soon as possible and then have your wife file as soon as it is ready for submission.

 

If there is something in the instructions you do not understand, feel free to ask questions about it.

[mikesuch 0]

Thank you for the info.

 

How about work permits, is it possible to work at any time during the process or only after?

 

For example, my wife applied for a Canadian PR when she arrived inside of Canada, and had a work permit in 6 weeks while the application was processing. Is there anything like that in the US?

 

Thanks.

[payxibka 10,047]

1 hour ago, mikesuch said:

Thank you for the info.

 

How about work permits, is it possible to work at any time during the process or only after?

 

For example, my wife applied for a Canadian PR when she arrived inside of Canada, and had a work permit in 6 weeks while the application was processing. Is there anything like that in the US?

 

Thanks.

Depends.  However,  no work authorization available for someone on a visitor entry 

[Nitas_man 3,100]

3 hours ago, mikesuch said:

Thank you for the info.

 

How about work permits, is it possible to work at any time during the process or only after?

 

For example, my wife applied for a Canadian PR when she arrived inside of Canada, and had a work permit in 6 weeks while the application was processing. Is there anything like that in the US?

 

Thanks.

No

 

Work is allowed after you enter on the immigrant visa.

[designguy 1,179]

Work visa will require a US employer to sponsor (there are a few exceptions, most wont qualify)

 

Spousal visa will take around a year to a year and a half. Earliest you will be able to work in the US will be after January 2021.

 

You can visit but you cant go to visit and then adjust status

[little immigrant 801]

19 hours ago, mikesuch said:

she recently got a job offer in the US and will be moving there next month.

FYI you won't be able to join next month

[HRQX 4,145]

21 hours ago, mikesuch said:

Is it possible to go to the US as a visitor and change my status from there or do I have to wait in Canada?

No; preconceived intent to Adjust Status from visitor is illegal.

21 hours ago, mikesuch said:

Seems like the guides I've read say up to a year to be able to move to the US?

That's correct. Yet, there have been rare cases where DCF was allowed:

 

Edited January 6, 2020 by HRQX

[ykowalski 11]

What's your wife's status in Canada? We're planning on starting our application soon. 

[NikLR 13,232]

21 hours ago, ykowalski said:

What's your wife's status in Canada? We're planning on starting our application soon. 

Sounds like his wife is a PR.