Ask Me Help Desk - Wanting To Get Married In the USA

Hello,

I met my current boyfriend 3 years ago through a friend and long story short, we decided to be together and go through this long distance together. I have visited him as often as I can for the past 3 years of my relationship. For the past year, I've been really depressed because I am away from him for so long, so on September 15 of this year I decided to move down to North Carolina(I am a Canadian citizen).

I have been searching of ways so that I can live and be in the USA legally and I have thought about marriage. I called the court clerk and she told me the information to obtain a marriage license. I have also read on the internet that once we are marriage, he'll have to apply to change my status but it'll require him to prove that he can support me 125% or more above the poverty level for the household size.

1. My question is what is 125% above poverty level?
2. Also, if we do decide on getting married, can I get deported after my 6 months stay?
3. Has anyone been in my stiuation before? And how did it go.
4. Know the fastest way to live and work in the USA legally

Thank you so so much for answering my question.

I believe the poverty level varies state to state, in the application you will receive it should state the exact amount he has to make per month. In any case no you won't get deported if you stay in the US for longer than 6 months but it will look bad when they go to review your application.

Every 6 months you should leave the US and go back to Canada for at least a few days before returning so you are not considered illegal, that is until you get a final decision or a K-3 visa.

Basically there is no way to speed up the process, once your married he needs to file an I-130 ( http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-130.pdf ) and you can apply for a K-3 visa ( Nonimmigrant Visa for a Spouse (K-3) ) which will let you live in the US until there is a final decision

The poverty level varies by state, and is set by the government, in general it is fairly low, you can contact your local welfare (social services) dept for an exact number.

There is no fast track to this, but having an immigration attorney representing you will help it go easier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowtax4eva

I beleive the poverty level varies state to state, in the application you will receive it should state the exact ammount he has to make per month. In any case no you wont get deported if you stay in the US for longer than 6 months but it will look bad when they go to review your application.

Every 6 months you should leave the US and go back to Canada for at least a few days before returning so you are not considered illegal, that is until you get a final decision or a K-3 visa.

Basically there is no way to speed up the process, once your married he needs to file an I-130 ( http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-130.pdf ) and you can apply for a K-3 visa ( Nonimmigrant Visa for a Spouse (K-3) ) which will let you live in the US until there is a final decision

Thank you so much for answering my question. I am still a bit confused about the whole 125%. So when I find out what the poverty level is, would I have to add 125% to that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clam6

Hello,

I met my current boyfriend 3 years ago through a friend and long story short, we decided to be together and go through this long distance together. I have visited him as often as I can for the past 3 years of my relationship. For the past year, I've been really depressed because I am away from him for so long, so on September 15 of this year I decided to go ahead and move down to North Carolina(I am a Canadian citizen).

I have been searching of ways so that I can live and be in the USA legally and I have thought about marriage. I called the court clerk and she told me the information to obtain a marriage license. I have also read on the internet that once we are marriage, he'll have to apply to change my status but it'll require him to prove that he can support me 125% or more above the poverty level for the household size.

1. My question is what is 125% above poverty level?
2. Also, if we do decide on getting married, can I get deported after my 6 months stay?
3. Has anyone been in my stiuation before? And how did it go.
4. Know the fastest way to live and work in the USA legally

Thank you so so much for answering my question.

May I ask how long you have been a Canadian citizen and what is your Birth country?

Quote:

Originally Posted by besideherself

May I ask how long you have been a Canadian citizen and what is your Birth country?

Born and raised in Canada :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clam6

Thank you so much for answering my question. I am still a bit confused about the whole 125%. So when I find out what the poverty level is, would I have to add 125% to that?

These are made up numbers... but for example... if the government says poverty level where you live is $25,000 per year then you would take $25,000 x 1.25 = $31,250(this is the amount he'd have to make per year to support you 125% above poverty level)

Thank you everyone for answering my question. I really appreciate your help.

I don't think marriage would be any good because my boyfriend is a full-time student and he doesn't make enough to support me. I was wondering, can I get sponsored with a waitress position?