How to visit USA for 1 year for common-law status?

[ChaCol927]

How would my Canadian girlfriend visit the United States for 1 year and live with me to meet the requirements for common-law?

She lives in Alberta, Canada. I'm assuming she can just come visit for 6 months being visa exempt and then extend her stay for another 6 months.

How does this process work and what things should we be aware of? Does it have to start in a new calendar year since she already visit for 2 months this year? Will she be granted 6 months or is there something special that needs to be filled out?

What is the process of extending her stay for 1 year?

 

[ImABule]

How would my Canadian girlfriend visit the United States for 1 year and live with me to meet the requirements for common-law?

She lives in Alberta, Canada. I'm assuming she can just come visit for 6 months being visa exempt and then extend her stay for another 6 months.

How does this process work and what things should we be aware of? Does it have to start in a new calendar year since she already visit for 2 months this year? Will she be granted 6 months or is there something special that needs to be filled out?

What is the process of extending her stay for 1 year?

It doesn't need to be a new calendar year. You must reside together for 12 continuous months to become common law.

As for the American visa questions, they would be more suitable to be asked on an American immigration forum.

 

[sjs124]

Hi there -
I'm fairly familiar with US immigration as I grew up there as a Canadian citizen.

ANYWAYS - She can enter the country on a B-2 visitors visa. This is good for 6 months upon entry. It is then possible to apply for an extension of 6 more months, however, it is unlikely to be approved. They usually only approve them for emergency or medical reasons (i.e. in country for surgery etc.)

Two other options would be a student visa or a working holiday visa. Student visas require you to be a full-time student, while working holiday visas require you to be a recent student/graduate.

If she has an education, my recommendation would be a working holiday visa, as she will then get a social security number and you guys can get shared bank accounts etc.

 

[Bcboundboy]

How would my Canadian girlfriend visit the United States for 1 year and live with me to meet the requirements for common-law?

She lives in Alberta, Canada. I'm assuming she can just come visit for 6 months being visa exempt and then extend her stay for another 6 months.

How does this process work and what things should we be aware of? Does it have to start in a new calendar year since she already visit for 2 months this year? Will she be granted 6 months or is there something special that needs to be filled out?

What is the process of extending her stay for 1 year?

This forum will have much more experience going the other way. One thing that is worth noting if you're explicitly trying to meet the requirements for spousal sponsorship (and are in a genuine relationship) is that the USA has a concept of a fiancee visa, which Canada does not, which allows people in expressly to marry a native. You could get married (with a simple, civil ceremony if you're thinking common law to avoid that), and apply much sooner than the year Canadian Common-law requires.