Beginning the marriage process - CR1 (25 M American & 27 M Canadian)

[yoshiboy123 0]

Hi folks,

My partner (25 M from New Jersey) and I (27 M from Canada) are about to embark on the marriage and legal process of me moving to the USA.

Context: We met during undergrad in NYC and started dating our senior year (2018). We decided we were too young to get married while I was on OPT, so we stayed together long distance while I was in Toronto and he stayed in NYC. We both have BFA degrees and he is a performer in a well-known company in NYC and I've been working many different jobs living in Toronto. I was issued a temporary SSN for my OPT period, but that has not been used since the period ended in August 2019. We are not married yet, and would likely apply for a CR1 visa. It's easier for me to visit him, and we have more of a "life" together in NYC, so we're planning on getting married in the states. What does travel look like for me during the application process? 

We hope to gather as much information before hiring lawyers and making any moves that would make the process longer or more difficult. If anyone has advice on where to start, it would be greatly appreciated! I've been browsing visajourney and Reddit, which have been very helpful to start. As most people, we would love to process to be as efficient as possible so I can move back to NYC and eventually begin working.

Thanks!

[yoshiboy123 0]

Additionally, I have been considering grad school for quite some time. Would it be easier to adjust from an F1 visa to CR1 if we got married while I was in school rather than a visitor visa?

[Boiler 45,549]

First point read the guides. Very few people need to use a Lawyer, if you want to well your money and your call.

 

CR1 is a visa you obtain in Canada to enter the US, at which point you become a permanent resident.

 

Marry in the US, or Canada, that is your call.

 

[Mike E 11,739]

Your ssn is not temporary.  You will use this ssn for life.

[yoshiboy123 0]

2 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Your ssn is not temporary.  You will use this ssn for life.

Thanks for clarifying! 

[carmel34 3,635]

Get married and start the CR-1 visa process.  It will take from 1-2 years before you get the visa assuming that all goes well.  During that time you can travel to the US for short visits, but entry will always be at the discretion of the CBP officer.  Always be truthful when questioned about the purpose of your visit.  Both you and your USC partner should carefully read and study the guides here on VJ for CR-1, also read and study the forms and instructions on the USCIS website, and you should be able to do it yourself.  Patience will be your friend in this long process.  Good luck!