Chroniverous said:I just read like you had suggested and I now have a better understanding. I appreciate the help and I realize this is just a big waiting game.
Would this at all be a lot easier if we were to get married?
Easier? Well, yes, because you wouldn't have the burden of providing proof of cohabiting for a year prior to applying.
If marriage was an option before, you might consider it sooner than later.
If it's any consolation, yours is a very common and straightforward story...unless she has inadmissibility concerns (criminality).
Good luck!