Question regarding US citizen marrying Canadian

[grrl77]

Hi there.

Couple questions that I'm hoping someone can help out with. If I am a US Citizen, and I marry someone from Canada, am I allowed to live with him immediately and process whatever paperwork from within Canada? I'm wanting to be able to be with him immediately after marriage, obviously.

We've talked about either my moving to Canada, or him moving the US. I wasn't sure which would be easier. He's got more of a professional position with his job (computer programmer) than I, but I wasn't sure if Canada was a bit more lenient than the US.

Just wasn't sure what the route to take would be. I obviously don't want to marry my newfound husband, only to have to live apart for paperwork's sake. Hope someone has some good news out there.

 

[rgvinson777]

I am a US citizen and have married a Canadian. I am currently in the process of immigrating to Canada. There is a lot to know about immigration rules so I suggest that you visit the official website for Canadian immigration. You can live in Canada with your husband and apply by way of an "inland" application until your permanent resident application is approved. However, there are some catches. You will not be permitted to work until late in the process. That process will probably take a little over one year. If you apply through an "outland" application, it takes about 6 months and you can work as soon as you get your visa and move to Canada. You can learn a lot by reading this blog but this blog serves best only as a supplamental help to the official website. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp.

Best wishes!

 

[gozer]

Is it true that when using the faster "outside Canada" process, you can still settle to Canada before the residency is granted? It's just that the U.S. person will technically be just visiting? I'm thinking of the scenario where you are both living in the U.S., the house sells faster than expected, and the visa paperwork in not finished processing. With a job offer in Canada, the sponsor may want to go get settled early.

Are there any dangers in doing this? Both parties are free to cross the border at will when using the "outside Canada" method right?

 

[rgvinson777]

Generally speaking, yes, an American citizen can come and go across the Canadian & US border and remain as a visitor for up to 6 months. However, you cannot "settle" until you officially land with your permanent resident visa. There are many specifics that one should consider before choosing how one shall go about immigrating to Canada. "The devil is in the details."

Start here >> http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

Enjoy!!!