If you live in Canada and want to marry an American how do you go about doing this?

Answer 1

Easiest way is to have him, in the US, apply for a K-1 Fiance visa. (Petition for Alien Fiance Form I-129F) That form will get you started and tell you what you need to do. It's quick, likely 4 or 5 months. You can come across on this "K-1 Fiance Visa", then have to get married within 3 months. You can expect to have to fill out several forms as your part of the Fiance visa application. You will need original documents for any divorces, any children, original long form birth certificate for yourself, criminal record check etc. You will both be able to submit info to prove you are financially capable of supporting yourselves. Actually, it's more on his shoulders. He has to swear to support you for ten years. You will not be able to collect social benefits. You also have to submit proof of relationship, so hold on to pictures, cards, phone records etc.

After you are here, as soon as you are married, apply for your permanent residency(Form I-485)takes 2 or 3 years). You can get a work permit (I-765)right away. If you want to leave the US to return to visit Canada, you will need "Advance Parole". Another form (Form I131)and another approximately $125 and it will take several months to get that. I just went through all of this. Lots of paper, but quick.