TD Documents Required

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la_canadienne

New Member
My husband and I are Canadians who were married last week. There is a 3 month waiting period in Canada before we can apply for a marriage certificate, plus an additional 6-12 weeks for processing time, which means we wouldn't get the certificate until January 2008. Unfortunately, my husband starts his job in the United States in mid-September (and he is applying for TN status).

We have our Ontario Record of Solemnization, and a photocopy of our marriage licence. Is there any chance that this would be enough for me to get TD status? Should I even bother trying without the marriage certificate?

If not, do I have any options? I've been told that if I am denied TD status I can still stay in the US for up to 6 months as a visitor, but I don't know if in my situation that would be a good thing to do. I do not want to do anything that would jeopardize his TN status.

Thanks
 
Without the marriage certificate, other have successfully used the paperwork that you get at the ceremony, and some have even used photos, the inviation, etc.

You should be fine.

If the marrigae was years ago, they would expect more 'official' proof.
 
find out what is the marriage laws in the state your husband is going to work. most states' marriage regulations are easier than Canadian laws (i got married in Texas in a matter of 3 days). you can marry here in US and then go back with the marriage certificate and a copy of his I-94, passport and get your TD. check with your lawyer, this should work. :p
 
Did you get married by "the church". If so then you should have received a marriage certificate right then. We did when we got married. That's all we have ever used to show the relationship. I've never heard of the the three month waiting period.
 
For temp use the paper issued at the ceremony is sufficient.

But for future immigration purposes, you might want to get the civil certificate.

My parents, married 45 years just went through this to get my British passport. The church issued certificate, the only onr=e they ever had was not good enough.

Any going for GC should be getting the state-issued cert to be safe.
 
nelsona,

Never knew that. We too, have only ever had the one issue by the church but have only used it for TN and H1B purposes. Good information to know (about getting the provincial issued one) for GC purposes.
 
I was not married by the church. As I mentioned above, I received my Record of Solemnization, and a copy of my marriage license application at the ceremony. Marriage certificates are not available at civil ceremonies.

I should've been more specific regarding the 3 month waiting period - as per here, it takes 10-16 weeks for a new marriage to be registered in Ontario, then up to another 12 weeks to receive the actual certificate. As such, it would take me up to 6 months to receive the official certificate, hence why I was wondering whether I could get TN status without it.
 
la canadienne,

Not married in the church? What blasphemy! JUST KIDDING ::) I figured from your handle it would have been a big to-do in a Basilica like mine.

Anyhow here's the deal.....Anytime my wife and I have gone to the border, all they have ever asked is to show a relationship between the two of us whether it be a marriage certificate or something else. Does the record of solemnization refer to maiden names and then indicate something on it like "married this day, 18, August....etc?".

One time, we drove to the border, and my wife was so mad at me for something she didn't talk to me for the whole drive. When we got to the border I told him about her being angry and not talking to me and asked him if that was proof enough :D

From everything you've described you should be fine. Don't sweat it, just go and see what happens. Like you said, you could possibly go as a B status visitor and then apply for an adjustment of status through the mail while you are in the U.S. once your marriage certificate shows up.
 
As I said, some have use photos of the reception to get TD... it's not a big deal.

Don't enter on B; this requires too much proof of CDn ties and is not the best for tax status.
 
B is for tourists, which maintain Cdn residence. TD id for those who LIVE in US with their TN spouses.
 
Believe it or not, I only have a handful of pictures of the ceremony, and I wasn't wearing a white dress and it took place in someone's home, so I don't think the few pictures I have would be too convincing!

We are going next week to apply for TN/TD status, so I will let you all know then if they accept the Record of Solemnization. Thanks for your help!
 
You're way over thinking this. It will be fine. I'm sure you'll have enough information. Stop worrying about it. Which border are you going to?
 
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