Hi there, new to the forum. Marriage and immigration questions...

[allieireland]

Sorry guys, I've been looking for a while now and I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the threads.

I live in United States of America, and am a citizen here.

My story is pretty simple, my fiancee and I are getting married very soon. We've been together for 2 years and some change. Have a lot of records of our relationship (photos, receipts, Skype calls, KiK messages, and friends and family who can account for us).

My biggest question is... where do I start? I've read that trying for permanent residency after I get married is my best bet. I don't have any skills right now, but I want to go to school after we've settled in. We'll be staying in his father's house until we have a sizeable down-payment. He has a job.

Second biggest question is this: How do I bring my stuff to Canada? I don't have much, some book shelves, books and what nots like that... my clothing, my fan... probably would want a U-Haul.

What documents will I need to prove I'll be staying in Canada while waiting? The border can be quite pushy as is with just my clothes and stuff. I have NO criminal record (minor speeding tickets only).

Anyway, thank you so much... if you have any questions, let me know and I'll answer them as clearly and concisely as possible!

 

[scylla]

I would recommend you join the Family Sponsorship section of the forum.

The first thing you should know is that you can't actually "move" to Canada until you have PR. For now, all you can do is visit. If you show up at the border looking like you're moving, this is a great way to get refused entry (or even a ban). You'll need to leave your book shelves, books, fan, etc. behind. Only bring what a tourist would bring. And definitely don't come in a U-Haul. Take what you need in a couple of suitcases and leave the rest in storage. You'll be able to bring the rest once you have been approved for PR.

In order for your fiancee to sponsor you, you must either be married or common law. Common law means you have physically lived together at the same address for a minimum of one full year and can prove it. Once you are ready to apply (after you are married), make sure you apply using the outland route (not inland). Outland is typically very fast for Americans.

If you want to go to school before you have PR, you will need to apply for a study permit. Note that you will also need to pay International Student fees which are substantially higher than domestic student fees.