What happens if an American marries a Canadian?

Asked by: Dr. Melany Ernser  |  Last update: September 7, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)

An American who marries a Canadian citizen or permanent resident is eligible to become a permanent resident of Canada. Obtaining permanent residency in Canada via marriage is accomplished via the family sponsorship immigration route.

Can I live in Canada if I marry an American?

Marriage Green Card for Canadians Applying for Permanent Residency Through Marriage to an American Citizen. A Canadian citizen who is married to a U.S. citizen can apply for permanent residency – also known as a green card.

Can I live in Canada if I marry a Canadian?

Do I get permanent residence if I marry a Canadian? No. Simply marrying a Canadian does not automatically give the spouse Canadian permanent residence. Once you are married or in a common-law relationship, you can then apply for a spousal sponsorship.

Will marrying a Canadian give me citizenship?

Marrying a Canadian citizen doesn't give you citizenship. If you want to become a Canadian citizen, you must follow the same steps as everyone else. There isn't a special process for spouses of Canadian citizens.

How long can a Canadian stay in the US if married to a U.S. citizen?

According to the U.S. Immigration Act, followed by the USCIS, a Canadian resident who is not a U.S. citizen, nor a green card holder, can stay in the U.S. for no more than 180 days a year.

Canada Spousal Sponsorship: How Long Does It Take? - Canadian Immigration Lawyer

15 related questions found

Do you automatically get a green card if you marry a U.S. citizen?

After marrying a US citizen you will not immediately become eligible to apply for US citizenship. However, as the spouse of a US citizen, you will be classed as an “immediate relative” and, accordingly, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence, or what is commonly known as a green card.

Can I live in Canada if I am a U.S. citizen?

3) Can I live in Canada as an American citizen? Yes, if you are an American citizen, you may live in Canada. If your stay exceeds 180 days, you will most likely need a visa. You will also need a visa or work permit if you intend to work in Canada.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Before thinking about citizenship, you must find out whether you qualify to immigrate to either the United States or Canada in the first place. Both Canada and the United States allow dual citizenship. No special application is required; you must simply be, or become, a citizen of both countries.

How long does it take for a Canadian married to a U.S. citizen to get a green card?

If you are a U.S. citizen, your new spouse becomes your "immediate relative," and may receive a green card as soon as the two of you make it through the application process. This can take six months to a year, or even longer.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay in Canada?

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.

Can an American marry a Canadian in Canada?

Yes, it is possible to get married in Canada as a visitor or on a temporary resident visa. You don't need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You will still need to meet the requirements of the province you choose to get married. Each province has its own requirements.

Can my American wife move to Canada?

If you're eligible, you can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. If you do, you must be able to: support them financially. make sure they don't need social assistance from the government.

Can I move to Canada if I get married?

An American who marries a Canadian citizen or permanent resident is eligible to become a permanent resident of Canada. Obtaining permanent residency in Canada via marriage is accomplished via the family sponsorship immigration route. Spousal sponsorship is one of the available family sponsorship pathways.

What happens after marrying a U.S. citizen?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www. uscis.

What are the benefits of marrying a U.S. citizen?

Foreign persons married to U.S. citizens qualify for immigrant visas, if necessary, to gain entry to the U.S. This enables you to apply for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. This is all accessible via the Immediate Relative category, which has no annual numerical limits when it comes to the ...

What does a Canadian need to marry an American?

Fiancé (K) visas are issued to non-U.S. citizens for the purpose of traveling to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen. A K visa will allow a Canadian citizen (or citizens of other countries with status in Canada) to remain in the U.S. and apply for permanent resident status following the marriage.

Can my wife stay in the US while waiting for green card?

In general, yes, it is possible to visit your spouse in the United States while your marriage-based green card application is pending. Depending on which country you're from, you would need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa first.

What is the fastest way to bring my spouse to US?

If you are a U. S. citizen, you must file Form I-130 and your partner, if eligible, will apply for the K-3 non-immigrant visa. With this visa, your spouse will have the right to work and live in the United States while you wait for your visa application to be pending.

Will I lose U.S. citizenship if I become Canadian?

U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities). A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.

Is dual Canadian U.S. citizenship worth it?

Benefits of Dual Citizenship (Canada & USA)

Possessing two passports can make border-crossing go more smoothly. You can vote in either country. You can move freely between and live in either of the two countries.

Do I lose my citizenship if I become a U.S. citizen?

Yes, the U.S. allows dual citizenship by default. The government does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to give up their citizenship in their country of origin.

How do I become a Canadian citizen if I am American?

What are the requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen?
  1. be a permanent resident.
  2. have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years.
  3. have filed your taxes, if you need to.
  4. pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada.
  5. prove your language skills.

Can an American buy property in Canada?

For real estate investors, looking to Canada can diversify one's portfolio of properties and generate an alternative source of rental income. U.S. residents can own property in Canada without becoming a resident of Canada, but must report income or proceeds from a sale to both country's taxing authorities.

Can a U.S. citizen move to Canada and still collect Social Security?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.

How fast can I get a green card if I marry a U.S. citizen?

Typically, the marriage green card interview occurs 7-15 months after applying. If the interviewing office approves your application, the immigrant spouse will receive a green card within 2-3 weeks. If you are married for less than two years, the immigrant spouse will receive a conditional marriage green card.