Hi there, I have a question concerning immigration to the US from Canada. I currently live in British Columbia, Canada and my fiancé lives and works in Ohio. I am planning on moving there this fall and I am unsure of the best route to take. I know there are a few options like via marriage or a job but I just want to know what is the simplest way to move to Ohio to live and to also be able to work there.

I would appreciate any help with this.

Thank you so much

Well, going through this myself, I can tell you that if you show up at the border and tell US customs you are coming to live in the US and apply for a citizenship they will turn you away, I almost got sent home. He has to file your immigration papers before you move there as a sponsored family member (spouse).

Once these papers are accepted you will get a green card and the right to work. Unlike Canada they do not allow a married spouse into the country who has not yet applied for a legal status.

Of course you can always go in as a visitor and file while your there, but you can't declare that this is your intention... isn't government great

Thank you for your quick reply although I am still a little confused. We did not plan on marrying before I moved there, so then how does that work? Or would it be best to be married before we start this process? Is it better to go the sponsored family member route versus finding a job there and immigrating that way?
I have a sister who married a man from the US and they live in California. Is there any way that I can be sponsored by her as well?
I am also unclear of your comment of entering as a visitor and then filing... could you possible explain this further.

Thank you so much

Sure, if you go to the border and try to enter the US without a legal status and declare that you do not intend to ever move back to Canada they will refuse your entry.

Yes your sister should be able to sponsor you to move there though, and if you could get a US company to hire you then you could enter as a worker.

Your boyfriend cannot sponsor you to come to the US, you would have to be married and then file the application before you leave Canada. But you can enter the US as a visitor, say your going back whenever and then get married and file once your in the US. It's not the best way as you wouldn't have the right to work until the papers get approved though.

Hmmmmm, well thank you for your insight... I have heard of a fiance/fiancee visa... how would that apply in our situation?

Thanks