Get married in U.S. or Canada ?

[winnebag]

I am a Canadian citizen. My fiance is a U.S. citizen. I would like to immigrate to the U.S. For the sake of quicker immigration processing, would it be better for us to get a civil marriage in Canada or in the U.S. ?

[Cosmopol]

...For the sake of quicker immigration processing...

If that means start living together in the US (with work rights for you), it may be quicker done via coming to the US, marrying and applying for adjustment of status. You get full right to work in 90 days after the application, however, it may take around 2 years 'till your residency interview.

If you mean Green Card ASAP, you may opt to apply for an immigrant spouse visa via a US consulate - this way you become resident (albeit conditional for 2 years) when you cross the border. Check with your local US consulate for processing times.

[winnebag]

Thank you for your reply. It was very helpful.

[Yinkuze]

Dear Moderators,

I am in the same situation as winniebag

my fiancee is in the US, an american, i am planning to visit (visit visa)

on getting therer we plan to get married and i can then apply for adjustment of status

how feasible do u see this

and whats the duration of a visit visa, 6 months or higher? can i do this under 6 months

[Kayalami]

It is always best to enter the US on a K1 fiance/ee visa then adjust status post marriage accordingly. Entry as a visitor then adjusting status on the basis of marriage leads to complications where issues pertaining to misrepresention/ prior immigrant intent and marriage fraud are raised. Expect a rough ride from USCIS under such including a lengthy adjustment process (up to 3yrs) and multiple interviews of a very intrusive nature.