American & Canadian Newbie

[pawfectchis 0]

Hello everyone. I am a newbie here and just signed up yesterday. I work for the Canadian Forces on Vancouver Island, my fiance is American Forces in the US. I don't understand alot of this stuff and am having a hard time to figure all this out. We have been together for two years now (long distance relationship). As he just signed for another two years with his military we have decided I will be the one to leave and move to the US with him. From what I have found on the internet it looks like it is an easier process to get married in Canada then for him to have me and my son brought to the US. We also don't know if using the fiance road is quicker and less expensive or using the spouse route. All we want is to be together and do it the least expensive way. I also read that file fees are less if you actually go to a consulate and walk in or make apts than to send things to an immigration office. Not sure if I am understanding it correctly but that is what I get out of it. So many questions. It is really discouraging to see some of the timelines that are posted. I want to be able to just pack up and be there tomorrow. I know that is unreal but if I had the powers that is what I would want. Anyways I just wanted to say hello to everyone and I am inspired by reading some of your stories and how you have all gotten through this process. Any suggestions are great appreciated. Good luck to everyone.

[payxibka 10,045]

Direct consulate filed for spouse visa (IR(CR)1) is typically quickest but requires the USC to have residence in the foreign consulate district

K-1 for fiance is typically second quickest because you can file now and not wait for a marriage to occur

K-3 for spouse should be next quickets (but isn't always)

IR(CR)-1 petition (I-130) filed in the USA is typically slowest

Edited October 11, 2007 by fwaguy

[Jaseball 0]

Fastest would be for him to go to Canada as you mentioned.

To come to the US there is no real difference between K1 visa and get married here vs., getting married and then bringing over a wife based on speed, although some feel the K1 fiancee route is faster.

The way I see it you can at least enter the US and visit, which isn't the case for many folks on this website.

[Dylan'sWife 2]

Fastest would be for him to go to Canada as you mentioned.

To come to the US there is no real difference between K1 visa and get married here vs., getting married and then bringing over a wife based on speed, although some feel the K1 fiancee route is faster.

The way I see it you can at least enter the US and visit, which isn't the case for many folks on this website.

Generally for DCF, they would need to be married and live together for about a year, so the time that it would take would be less than waiting for a I-129 to be approved. He would also need to apply for PR status in Canada which will also add time. Not to mention that if they go the K-1 route via the I-129 she can be interviewed in Vancouver in a matter of a month, rather than the now 6-8 month wait in Montreal if they go for the CR-1.

If I could do it again, I would do the K-1.

[pawfectchis 0]

We both have jobs with our Govt and there is also my house to be sold before we can move to Utah. I am thinking that he comes here on a vist, we get married. He goes back home, we go on with our separte lives. I put my house up for sale........he starts the paper work in the US to bring us over. I am more concerned with filing the K1 and not being able to see each other on that visa and being turned away at the airport.

[ThaiStyleUSA 1]

Hi and Welcome..

[msu17 0]

On K1, you CAN visit. My fiance came over 2 times from the UK while we had K1 going. Somewhere on the site is discussion on visiting during K1 and what to bring etc. Not sure on the rules for visitng when you have a K3 processing.

[gwenneh 7]

On K1, you CAN visit. My fiance came over 2 times from the UK while we had K1 going. Somewhere on the site is discussion on visiting during K1 and what to bring etc. Not sure on the rules for visitng when you have a K3 processing.

The rules are very much the same. You can visit, you may or may not be questioned, so be prepared to show your ties to your country of residence if necessary.