Can a US citizen marry a Canadian citizen and reside in Canada?

Question

I am a US citizen, looking to marry a Canadian man and reside in Canada. What I've come across tells me this is almost impossible. How would I get a visa to stay there, and what is needed in order to do such? It's all very stressing as I've tried to pull up as much information as I possibly could. Though getting absolutely no where with that. I had to wonder if anyone else has come across the same dilemma. Any helpful information is appreciated.

Answer 1

This is not so much an answer as a similar question. I have the exact same problem... I am visiting my fiance in vancouver B.C. and we have hit a real rough patch financially.  I want to get a work permit but I guess its impossible!!  I am not a skilled worker with a prior job offer who is immigrating to work a specific job.  I am just trying to be with my future wife and get us through this financial period.  I have 4 months left on my temporary visitor visa to Canada.  If I marry her now, will I be able to legally move here? Will I be able to get a work permit? If I can't work here legally and getting an under the table job is a bad idea if I were to get caught (not to mention, I wouldn't know where to get one), then what am I to do other than moving back home and bringing my fiance with me? I have been looking online for days trying to find out what to do.  I am almost hopeless at this point... :(  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 2

yes its possible, if you marry a canadian citizen you are automatically allowed to stay google Canadian immigration and you will come across the official Canadian govt. website info.. Im from LA and im working my way to work up there if you have any more questions let me know

Answer 3

It is no problem at all, but it can be a bit difficult to find the exact information you need on the site.  

If you have been in a common law relationship for one year you can begin the process for permanent resident status immediately.  Or if you are married you can begin the process immediately.  

Here is an answer I did earlier today to almost the exact same question, except that it was a Canadian woman marrying an American man and he was coming with her to Canada.  (I will change the pronouns to make it clearer for you :)

You will have to go through an immigration process and he will have to sponsor you to get your permanent resident status. In other words he has to agree to support you financially, pay for any medical bills, etc. until you get a work permit or permanent resident status. Because you will be married to a Canadian citizen, the immigration process is somewhat faster and a little easier. However, you cannot work in Canada until you have acquired either a work permit or your permanent resident status. And it is very important that you not accept work "under the table" during this waiting time, as it would seriously jeopardize your chances of becoming a permanent resident. Canadian immigration is very serious about that. Be prepared for it to take months for you to be able to work in Canada.

Others have already given you the link to the Canadian immigration site. Read it carefully. It has lots of information. When you get to Canada go to one of the organizations for new Canadians or to an immigration office and get a copy of the book that is published by Canadian Immigration about the process - it is much easier to find the information you need in the book than on the site.

Best of luck with it.

Answer 4

I believe you still need to go through the immigration process.  See sites below.

Answer 5

Assuming you can prove that it is not a "marriage of convenience" then you should not have any trouble residing in Canada after you are married.  Since the US is not a country with strict visa requirements then there should not be any problems.  Your husband would have to sponsor you and you would be granted landed immigrant status here in Canada.  Once you have completed these requirements you would then apply for Canadian Citizenship.  I know several couples that started this way with the husband/wife marrying a Canadian spouse and living here prior to becoming a citizen.  If you have any questions contact the nearest Canadian Consulate and they can give you the necessary forms to be filled out by both of you.