U.S. Citizen Live With Canadian Spouse During..?

Question

Hi guys :)

I'm planning to get married to my Canadian girlfriend of over a year this coming June. As of now, I'm still in the U.S. and she's in Canada. We were hoping that I could stay there with her after getting married. Now, I know I can't work, need to apply to immigrate, and all of those things, but with her being my spouse, can I legally stay with her while /waiting/ for the applications to be processed and approved?

I wouldn't need a visa, would I, since I'm a U.S. citizen?

Would I just be able to stay for six months? If so, could I stay for 6 months, come back to visit family for a week, and then head back for another six months?

Our plans really rely on me moving to Canada to be with her, after almost two years we'd like to finally live together! And after being married, it seems somehow we should be able to do this. I checked all of the usual immigration websites but didn't really see the answers I'm looking for, so any help and answers would be amazing.

Answer 1

No you ownly need a passport to go into canada. Hey good luck.

Answer 2

The quick answer is yes, you can.  I will add more details shortly when I find the very similar question I answered yesterday.   Here it is ...

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

You will have to go through an immigration process and she will have to sponsor you to get your permanent resident status. In other words she 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.

Here is 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.