Canadian Citizen Married to US Citizen

M

Missingh

Registered Users (C)
Hi.

I am new to this site and I have looked though the archives to see if my question has been anwered previously. I did not see anything of this sort. I actually have a lot of questions. I hope someone here will be able to help me out.

First I was married to a US citizen for 5 yrs and am now divorced. I was living in the US for that 5 yrs illegally. I am now engaged (to someone else) and am planning on getting married in April04. The person I am engaged to is a US citizen. Here are my questions....

Is there going to be a problem when my husband-to-be files my papers?

What papers will he have to file?

When he does file the appropriate papers is it best that I am in the US or here in Canada?

If I remain in Canada will we still be able to visit each other? I usually see him once a month. Either he will come or I will go there.

He lives in NY what is the processing time to be able to be there permanently and legally?

Is there somewhere else that I can get information like this other then the USCIS website? They are a little to technical for me :)

Is it best to hire a lawyer to take care of all these forms?

Also while I was living in the US my ex had a lot of things in my name. Ex apartment bank acct etc but I was unaware and I later found out that he left the apartment without paying rent and it went to eviction and lawyers and there is probably a record at the court house stating that I owe rent. He also overdrew on several bank accts. Is this going to effect me in the long run? If so what can I do about this?

I have travelled back and forth from Canada to the US many times in the past year and a half and have never had any problems. Is this a good sign?

Sorry if my questions see strange but these are things that I am beginning to worry about because I have read so many horror stories regarding sponsorship and immigration interviews.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank-you
Miss Singh
 
(Is there going to be a problem when my husband-to-be files my papers?)

Actually I dont think you will have any problems as long as when you originally entered the country you were legal. Also since you were married to a US citizen and can prove it you would thus be considered legal. Being married to a US citizen gives you a legal status.

(What papers will he have to file?)

the exact details are on the web at uscis.gov and you can download all the forms from them. be sure and also file for the work permit and the advanced parole document

it is very important that you check and make sure there is nothing against you legally and that you take care of all judgements against you. check your credit report.

I know canadiens are special in that they can come and go as they please, but for now do not set foot outside this great country of ours until you get that advanced parole in your hand. File all paperwork here.

I hope I answered all your questions
 
Credit Check

Hi Thank you for your help. I checked out my credit. I only got a credit report from Experian. It looks like I have a lot of money gone to collections but it says the account is closed.

I have never had any problems crossing the border between Canada and the US so I figure everything is alright. I am not sure what else I can do.


Again thank you for your help. If anyone else has any input please post it.

Melanie
 
yes I am aware of that

a lot of canadien citizens post here and never once did any of them have a problem crossing the boarder. that is because there is no visa required for canadiens of all they want to do is visit.

I have gotten into several arguements over this with people.

It is technically illegal to go back and forth over the boarder while having a pending aos application and no advanced parole.

I just don't want to see anyone get into some trouble if at some point the US decides to start cracking down on canadiens crossing over.

I would rather have people get the advanced parole just for a little peace of mind.
 
Hmmm

I'm a Cdn and my wife is An American. I have my CR-1 and now residing in USA!! I would personally see an immigration attorney!! just because you are married to a USA citizen, doesnt automatically make it legal to be in the USA. Not sure why people think that. If you were here illegally, you could have some serious big time problems that one will most likely need to see a competent immigration lawyer. Ona complex course as urs, i wouldnt just go on what people "think" Find the facts, you may not like the true answers, but could save you a lot of hassle down the road. Best of luck
 
Time wise

You have a few different options For Visas. I guess it al depends where you are now?? If your in the States (not sure how this works if ur there illegally) but since ur there you can file for adjustment of status. (AOS) If your back in Canada, one can file a K1 Visa (fiance visa) They can take anywhere form 3 -months or much longer to get depending on processing centre. Once you get the visa, you have 6 months to enter the USA, and once you enter the USA, you have 90 days to get married, then more paperwork to file. But since you were in the USA illegally, I would see a lawyer. Take your time and find a good one, lots of shady ones out there. Cheers Another good site is http://www.visajourney.com
 
I am sorry but this is true

once you are married to a us citizen you no longer become technically illegal. However you do have to prove that you came here legally but you don't have to stay legal.

if you did come here illegally the easiest thing to do is to go back and return with the proper visa.
 
I actually spoke to an INS officer about this

if you have no status but you are married to us citizen you literally put on the application under status type "married to US citizen"
 
Thank you very much for all your insite. I have contacted a lawyer that has that first consultation free. We will see how it goes once I give him all the details.

Thank you again and wish me luck =)
 
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