Ask the Spouse of an Long-Distance Immigration Case

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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Hi everyone,

I just thought I’d share that my long-distance relationship with my Canadian wife has finally paid off. Her immigration case was completed a few days ago and we await our interview date which is likely to be in late August or early September.

I made a thread several years ago asking for advice, etc. as her parents were a huge roadblock. I’m not going to go into great detail but the moral of the story is that we persevered and everything is full steam ahead.

I bought a home in December of 2012 in order for her transition to be smooth. I can’t wait until the day that she “comes home”. :slight_smile:

Nobody probably remembers my original thread and I can’t be arsed to produce it but I just thought I’d update with a positive ending.

That being said, my advice to anyone pursuing a relationship with someone in another country that wishes them to immigrate to the US: think long and hard about it. This entire experience what with the bureaucratic red tape and family issues has really tested our patience and committment. From start to finish, this entire thing has lasted about 3 and half years. From time of marriage to green card receipt, it will be roughly 13 months.

The title is awkward, but feel free to ask me any questions or relate any of your own stories throughout the process. After our interview, I’ll definitely be enjoying a stiff drink.

EDIT: I also forget if “ask the” threads belong here or in IMHO, so feel free to move if I messed up.

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My daughter got married first and sought immigration help later (husband in the US illegally at the time of the marriage). I’m once removed from the hassle, but I’ll second your thoughts about it being a difficult process.

Was your wife really not allowed to live in the US prior to the process being completed?

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That’s correct.

She was allowed to visit and was even allowed “extended stay” visitor visas, but our attorney advised against it. We didn’t want to cause any waves as any denial of entry at the border will show up throughout the application process and raise all kinds of red flags, so we chose to just lay low.

I visited her almost exclusively after the application process began, but she was legally permitted to stay for short periods if she so desired.

We went the I-130 route (spousal) and not the K-1 route (fiance). The latter allows the potential immigrant to live with their partner while the visa is processing. After approval, you have something like 90 days to get married. I think while you wait, the immigrant is allowed to live with his or her partner but I’m not positive as we didn’t go that route.