Canadian marrying American, Moving to States

[SylviaJ]

I am Canadian female marrying USA citizen male. We hoped for August 2013. However, upon reviewing visa options, it seems there is no simple solution? I am confused about wording that makes it look like you must remain separated after marriage (one living in Canada / one living in States) while paperwork is processed. Seriously?!
On the other hand, the fiance visa (K-1) puts the Canadian into the States earlier but does this mean the wedding MUST be in the States? Then the honeymoon and married Canadian must remain in the States until all paperwork is processed?
In any of these application processes, do they actually take your passport? You are unable to travel while the process is underway?

Please help with any advice asap. Do I need to go the US Consulate in my area in person to ask questions or is there somewhere to phone?

Thank you.

 

[Jackolantern]

I am Canadian female marrying USA citizen male. We hoped for August 2013. However, upon reviewing visa options, it seems there is no simple solution? I am confused about wording that makes it look like you must remain separated after marriage (one living in Canada / one living in States) while paperwork is processed. Seriously?!

Yes. Seriously. And you have it easy. Other family immigration categories have people waiting outside the US for over 10 years.

On the other hand, the fiance visa (K-1) puts the Canadian into the States earlier but does this mean the wedding MUST be in the States?

Yes. You are free to have an unofficial ceremony outside the US, but the K1 to green card process requires the official marriage to be in the US.

In any of these application processes, do they actually take your passport? You are unable to travel while the process is underway?

They don't take your passport, and it's not illegal for you to leave the US. However, leaving the US before Advance Parole (or the green card itself) is approved would result in denial of the green card and likely refusal of entry upon trying to reenter the US. That would mean you'd be stuck outside the US for the next 6-12 months pursuing the green card via a consulate in Canada.