Engaged to a US citizen.... Where do I start

[rmkulak]

Hay everyone just looking for tips and advice. We got engaged Christmas Eve now we're starting the process. We are doing the long distance thing since sept. Any tips or suggestions? The whole process seems over whelming.

I have an immigration consultant but just want to know what to expect. Will we be able to get back in after the wedding? Can we travel outside Canada? How long will it take?

Is there a better option to apply for this early or do we wait?

Can we chance her last name to mine once we are married? What about on her passport? Can she be added to my bank account as a joint holder even as a US citizen? How about house title?

Any idea on how income taxes work? When does she get access to healthcare(we're in Alberta)? Ugh so much stuff it's over whelming.

Mark

 

[Ponga]

Congratulations!

You really can't start the process until you are married, or have been living together for 1 full year to qualify as Common-Law. If you have a straightforward application, meaning no `red flags' for her regarding criminality issues, for example, you probably don't even need the immigration consultant. If you feel more comfortable using them, by all means do so!

Outland applications, for most Americans, are taking ~ 5-6 months. Your wife would be able to `visit' you in Canada while she waits, but would need to maintain her visitor status while the application is being processed (if she gets less than the typical 6 month visitor stay and/or the application takes longer than that). She would not be allowed to work, or study until she becomes a PR.

She can certainly change her name and may be able to be added to your bank account. Scotia and TD Bank seem easier to deal with regarding this.

As a U.S. citizen, she will need to report her worldwide income to the IRS. Canada and the U.S. have a tax treaty, so she would not be taxed twice, but adding her to your mortgage could be a bit tricky. It's better to talk with a tax expert that deals with cross border issues.

Good luck!

 

[blueangel371115]

First of all, I wouldn't use a consultant. They've been known to give misinformation and basically just take your money. Since you are US I wouldn't apply inland even though your consultant probably will tell you to (people have reported they have). There is very little benefit for a US applicant to apply inland ( outland applicants have been done in 6-8 months or less while inland just the first stage takes a year).

I was married in the states and I got back in ( I'm US , hubby's Canadian ) . I made it clear I was applying right off. Also that I knew the rules that I was visiting. Never imply that your wife is staying or living with you until her PR is done as at this time she doesn't have a right to. She's visiting you. if she's going to leave Canada ( which in outland you can, inland you can't), it's best to have at least the fees paid with a receipt to show your intent to apply. A CBSA officer advised me to do so.

If she's going to change her name, I'd do it before she applies, many people have said it causes a big hassle if it's done later. As more than likely she'll change her name on her passport as well. Also wait until after you're married and have gathered your proofs to apply as you only qualify if you are married or have lived together for a year ( since US is visa-exempt you wouldn't qualify for conjugal).

I am on a bank account with my husband through CIBC, all they required was 2 forms of ID ( they can be US) I even have my own through them that processes US funds into Canadian or vice versa all without a SIN.

As far as the Alberta stuff I went through Quebec so I don't know. Hope this helps.

 

[rmkulak]

Thanks everyone. The bank information is good to know. I guess from what I'am reading the best thing to do is really nothing at this point until we are married. In our situation her not being able to work is fine at this point, were planning on her being a stay at home mum anyway,

 

[canadianwoman]

What you should be doing while waiting to get married is gather proof of your relationship - proof of communication, any visits, photos, etc. Look at the forms and see what kinds of things they ask for, though not all will apply to an American-Canadian couple.

 

[rmkulak]

I've got all kinds of photos, letters, screen shots etc all ready saved up.

 

[rmkulak]

Ok so another question. We get married and she comes to Canada to visit. Do we go through customs together? Do We ask for a visitors visa and than before 6 monthes is up are we able to appeal it or get it lengthened? Or would we need to drive into Montana and go back 24 hrs later?

 

[canadianwoman]

She can come to visit either with you or not. With you might be easier. She should prepare proof of her intent to return to the USA, such as a return ticket if flying/by bus/by train, her apartment lease, proof of a job, proof of savings, whatever she has. She may not get asked for this, but it is best to be prepared. If you come with her, you can show proof you will be supporting her during her visit, so proof of your job, apartment lease, bank accounts, etc. may help. Again, they might not ask for them. Having some proof you have applied or will apply for PR is good, such as the fee receipt. She doesn't get a visitor visa, but she can ask for a visitor record. Usually they will be for 6 months, but the border agent might give one for less time. You can apply to extend it one month before it expires online. Even if she does not ask for a visitor record, she can still apply to extend her stay - Americans are given 6 months unless the border agent specifies less.

 

[rhcohen2014]

She doesn't get a visitor visa, but she can ask for a visitor record. Usually they will be for 6 months, but the border agent might give one for less time. You can apply to extend it one month before it expires online. Even if she does not ask for a visitor record, she can still apply to extend her stay - Americans are given 6 months unless the border agent specifies less.

there is absolutely NO need to ASK for a visitor's record. a visitor's record is what CBSA uses to track people's stay they are suspcious about. there is no need to draw attention to yourself. let the cbsa officer decide whether it's necessary. DO NOT go chasing after a visitor's record. it is NOT necessary when visa exempt applicants are entitled to be visitor's canada, provided they know they are "visitors" and can provide proof of ties to their home country.