Dress up and talk like you came from south of the border instead north of it, and nobody will question you.

 

well first you cant be a liberal

 

Here are the main differences. She could immigrate up there, however, depending on her status (family member, single, etc.) will dictate the process she goes through.

If you were to get married, she could live with you during the paperwork process. However, she can not work or go to school there. This is the route I took, and it took me 3 years to get my landed status.

I've been told it's quicker to get landed status if you stay in the US, and apply that way. Don't know. Can't speak from experience on that one.

Now.. Here's the kicker.. If she were to apply for landed status in Canada, she can travel back and forth from Canada to the US. If you were to apply here in the US, you're stuck. You can NOT leave until your green card is approved and issued. This may have changed, but the last time I checked (5 years ago), this was the way it was.

No easy answers and it's something the two of you will have to site down and discuss. Dr Evil gave some good advice. Find an immigration lawyer who can answer your questions.

 

It is a shame that the hottest topic that is on American's minds now is immigration and yet, to do it legal is near impossible if not extremely difficult. The problem is not this gentleman that wants to become an American, it is the illegals that come in constantly. Looks like the country needs to review how the difficulty factor plays out so that legal immigration can take place for those who want to do things right and legal. If it is in fact that difficult to immigrate to the US, that is a large factor in the illegal immigration.

 

You don't want to make it so easy that anyone can legally immigrate. The illegal issue alone has shown that it isn't good for the economy. On the other hand, in weeding out the bad ones, and trying to keep the immigrants who'll make a useful contribution to society, you're going to end up playing the waiting game. There's no easy answer to that issue, either.

The problem is so bad in Canada that you can show up at the airport, declare yourself a refugee, and they'll pretty much hand you everything right then and there, with a promise from you that you'll show up at a hearing to be determined at a later date. Many of those individuals disappear, never to be seen or heard from again.

 

I know very little about immigration, but will add this. Possibly you can check on it due to the fact that you are going to marry an American.

In the 70's on Long Island, most of the Diners were owned by Greek nationals who were citizens of America. There was more or less a standing offer circulated around that you would be paid $5000 to marry a Greek citizen so that they could immigrate to the US. Later a divorce would be done, but the marriage would somehow allow the immigration.

Judging from this there must be advantages to being married to an American citizen.

 

Ooooooo. If they catch ya doin' that, they'll ship you right back to where you came from. **chuckle** That was a huge scam some years ago, and they'll pretty much null and void your status if that's found to be true.

 

This is true, but in this case, he is marrying an American for real. May be an advantage there.

 

Thanks for all the help guys , we talked about it for a long while last night , so we are both on the same track , but we have not made a solid decision as of yet.

I must say , i REALLY appreciate all the help , i knew when i asked this here i would get some useful responses.

Where would i start looking for an immigration lawyer?

 

slightly off topic, but where are you currently in school?

 

I'm going to NBCC in moncton NB.

 

That is correct, once the paperwork is done and your application is in the queue, you CANNOT leave until you actually receive your Green Card (even on compassionate grounds). My brother and his girlfriend are in this situation right now.

As for an Attorney, you will probably want one that is close to you and is on the American side of the border. Make some calls and talk to a number of lawyers because this can get very expensive. The guy in the link I gave you is very good.....and he doesnt come cheap either.

 

now i am back to thinking about a work permit , is it possible to just get a permit to work for like 2 years? i have done so much reading on this i am confused.

 

NO....what exactly do you mean by a "work permit"? You dont qualify. I thought we had established that. You just cannot find a job and go NOR can you go there and then find a job.....you must go through the correct channels.

By far, the easiest way is through marriage.

OR you could fly to Cuba and take a boat ride


You will find some answers here:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

" i have done so much reading on this i am confused." - You havent even BEGUN.

 

Try this web site and do a search on Google for US Canadian immigration.

http://www.grasmick.com/canimfaq.htm

This is a clip from the site...

Work permits are easier for Canadians. This entire Web site covers this premise. For example, Canadians can get the L-1 and TN work permits right at the border---without long waits for approval of mailed applications.