Miss Starlette

getting married or applying? I want to move to Canada to live with my fiance, but don't want to get married immediately. Do I have to apply for citizenship or a visa before going? We would probably get married within 6 months of my being there.

MadLibs

Not sure, but will you let us know how you like their Universal Healthcare??

Poor Fish

Maybe you could be sponsored by your fiance under the conjugal partner class: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/spouse.asp

Remember that Americans can stay in Canada up to 6 months on a visit and no visa is required. I would just be careful about revealing at the border that you want to immigrate and get married. All visitors need to show no intent to immigrate at that time.

I think what would be easier is to go to Canada for a visit, get married and then apply within Canada for permanent residency. You can apply from within Canada, once you are married. See the section under the heading Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada here:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp

Smart Guy

You need to go through immigration .Here`s the link to immigration Canada.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

Francesca Thomas

you can enter Canada as an american - but after 6 months, you will be required to EXTEND your visitor status in order to be allowed to stay. while you are VISITING, you CANNOT work or study, your fiance will be required to support you - unless you have enough money to support yourself.

IF you need health care you will be treated for anything urgent, and then you may be BE BILLED (depending on which province you are living in). You will not be eligible for the free health care until after you become a PR. After you are married then you can apply for permanent residency.

You cannot apply for citizenship until at least 2 years, maybe 3 after you become a permanent resident.

Lauryn

Check out the following website: http://travel.state.gov/ Be sure to search around a bit. I'm sure it can give you your answer. Good luck.

Congrats on the engagement, by the way!