I am a Canadian citizen, and I entered the US (legally) two weeks ago. My girlfriend has a GC, but should be receiving her US citizenship in a few months (her N-400 was originally processed in late January).
I simply want to know what the best strategy is for us to stay together (in the US), and for me to be able to obtain a work permit. So, my first question is, should we wait until she receives her citizenship before getting married? Or, how would applying for a Green Card through a GC holding spouse differ?
Second, I assume the best course of action is to get married in the US during my stay (I have at least 5 more months that I'm legally allowed to be here) and before we file any paperwork. Is that true?
My final question would be, if we get married and then file the paperwork, and my 6 months visitor visa expires, am I now residing illegally in the country? Or, am I simply a legal resident waiting on official status?
Basically, I've been reading a lot about the CR-1 and K1 visa, but since I'm already here, I'd rather not leave the country and then have to wait 9 months to come back.
I simply want to know what the best strategy is for us to stay together (in the US), and for me to be able to obtain a work permit. So, my first question is, should we wait until she receives her citizenship before getting married? Or, how would applying for a Green Card through a GC holding spouse differ?
Second, I assume the best course of action is to get married in the US during my stay (I have at least 5 more months that I'm legally allowed to be here) and before we file any paperwork. Is that true?
My final question would be, if we get married and then file the paperwork, and my 6 months visitor visa expires, am I now residing illegally in the country? Or, am I simply a legal resident waiting on official status?
Basically, I've been reading a lot about the CR-1 and K1 visa, but since I'm already here, I'd rather not leave the country and then have to wait 9 months to come back.