Hi Chris,
A Canadian immigration consultancy operates this forum, so I don't know that I can help you with everything you want to know, but I will try.
Will we have problem getting married in the US?
I don't believe so. Marriage is usually not tied to immigration. The best thing to do would be to inquire in the jurisdiction you're intending on marrying in. But I don't see why a marriage between two people would be rejected because of immigration status.
Can she travel here and get married in Canada instead?
Yes, but this does depend on her status. If she's an American citizen (I don't believe she is) then she can come here easily. However, if she's not, she may need a visa (depending on her citizenship). But once here, you two can marry wherever you want to.
Can she move to Canada after we get married and after her contract at her current job (while the paper work is in process)?
This is where it gets complicated. If your intention is to sponsor her for permanent residence (and I'm guessing you do), there are two options:
- inland sponsorship
- outland sponsorship
Inland sponsorship: You marry in Canada. After you marry, you submit the sponsorship application (and a work permit application, if she wants to work during the process) from within Canada. This takes longer than the other option, and there are no options to appeal a rejection, but you'll be together.
Outland sponsorship: You marry in the States (or, in theory, you marry in Canada and she returns to the States) and you sponsor her from Canada while she stays in the US. She cannot come to Canada permanently during this time, she can only visit you. But the processing time should be shorter, and you can appeal any rejection.
It's worth noting that, if the company she is employed by has offices in Canada, if she could get a contract extension and a posting in Canada, you might not need to sponsor her for you to at least begin living together. Just an FYI.
We were thinking of getting married sooner (rather than later) - so this will allow the paper work to process while she finish her 1yr job contract - possible?
In this case, it's "outland" I think you want.
That depends. The process is complicated but it's certainly one you could do yourselves if you feel up for it. Think of it like doing your taxes: If you enjoy handling all that paperwork, hiring an accountant makes no sense. If it's an awful or confusing experience, hiring an accountant makes sense.
Though I'm biased (as I work for consultants), I would recommend a consultant over a lawyer. The difference: lawyers charge more and, more often than not, you are paying for the lawyer but getting a legal assistant, whereas you pay for the consultant you get the consultant, and consultants have no other specialties beyond immigration. IMMIgroup's specialty is sponsorships. If you're interested in a consultation (CAD$84.75), let me know, or email us at
[email protected] or call us at 1-866-760-2623.
Can someone also please provide me a link of documents/forms I need to fill out
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/spouse-apply-how.asp
Hope this helps!