Crazy_bastard

I hope someone can help! I'm a Canadian citizen living with my fiance
in the U.S. We are getting married this summer, but in the meantime I
would like to work in the States, cause I don't have a car. If I got a
job in Canada I would have to find a way to get to and from work.
Anyways, I have a few questions...hope someone can help.
1. Is there any way I can legally work in the States NOW? I know about
the fiance visa, but I am already in the States. I crossed the border
saying I was just visiting. I'm not sure if I will cross the border
again before we are married, but probably not.

2. Is it going to be harder for us to get me a green card once we are
married, due to the fact that I am already living here?

3. How seriously in crap am I gonna be once we apply for my green card
after the wedding? Can I be deported even if I'm married?

4.Is it easier to get a green card if you're a Canadian? Most of the
websites I've been to do not specificaly deal with Canadian citizens.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Sapphyre

I'm Canadian, so it's possible I have some answers... Some things to
clarify, you say you're living there illegally? If you're not working,
what are you doing that's illegal?

Are you there for more than 180 days?
Do you have State ID you're not supposed to have?
Did you previously work there illegally? (You will be forgiven for
that once you marry and adjust status, illegal work is forgiven for
spouse of US Citizen)
Are you claiming to be a US Citizen or Legal Resident when you are
not?

If you aren't doing any of those things, then you are technically
still "just visiting". You are allowed to "just visit" for 180 days as
a Canadian Citizen.

For what it's worth... before I got Canadian Citizenship, I travelled
to the US four times and had a "US Address" (so to speak) where I
received mail, took up residence temporarily and stayed, for less than
two months each time (I returned to the same address each summer,
Immigration knew where I was going because they asked). I would not
have considered my behaviour "illegal" since I did not attempt to get
an SSN, State ID, Driver's License, open bank accounts or obtain
credit, tell anyone I was a permanent resident or citizen, work, or do
any other "non visitor" activities. I obtained a library card and
discount cards for the grocery store, and received mail. If that sums
up what you're doing (except you may have been there longer), I
wouldn't be calling it illegal. From what you posted, I'm assuming the
worst you've done is overstayed, and if you have, and are planning to
marry and adjust status, I wouldn't be leaving the US until you do
that. You're right, the websites don't deal with US Citizens. When my
ex-fiance wanted to get married, I was still travelling on the VWP and
not a Canadian, so I don't know if that would have changed the process
any.

If you need to work, you have two legal options... Forego the work,
marry, adjust status and work legally. Or return to Canada, get a job,
and then file paperwork for getting a K-1. Even if illegal work is
forgiven later on once you marry and adjust status, if you are found
out before that, you will be subject to deportation.

S.

On Feb 12, 9:06 pm, "crazy_bastard" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I hope someone can help! I'm a Canadian citizen living with my fiance
> in the U.S. We are getting married this summer, but in the meantime I
> would like to work in the States, cause I don't have a car. If I got a
> job in Canada I would have to find a way to get to and from work.
> Anyways, I have a few questions...hope someone can help.
> 1. Is there any way I can legally work in the States NOW? I know about
> the fiance visa, but I am already in the States. I crossed the border
> saying I was just visiting. I'm not sure if I will cross the border
> again before we are married, but probably not.
>
> 2. Is it going to be harder for us to get me a green card once we are
> married, due to the fact that I am already living here?
>
> 3. How seriously in crap am I gonna be once we apply for my green card
> after the wedding? Can I be deported even if I'm married?
>
> 4.Is it easier to get a green card if you're a Canadian? Most of the
> websites I've been to do not specificaly deal with Canadian citizens.
>
> Any feedback will be appreciated.

Crazy_bastard

On Feb 12, 10:11 pm, "Sapphyre" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm Canadian, so it's possible I have some answers... Some things to
> clarify, you say you're living there illegally? If you're not working,
> what are you doing that's illegal?
>
> Are you there for more than 180 days?
> Do you have State ID you're not supposed to have?
> Did you previously work there illegally? (You will be forgiven for
> that once you marry and adjust status, illegal work is forgiven for
> spouse of US Citizen)
> Are you claiming to be a US Citizen or Legal Resident when you are
> not?
>
> If you aren't doing any of those things, then you are technically
> still "just visiting". You are allowed to "just visit" for 180 days as
> a Canadian Citizen.
>
> For what it's worth... before I got Canadian Citizenship, I travelled
> to the US four times and had a "US Address" (so to speak) where I
> received mail, took up residence temporarily and stayed, for less than
> two months each time (I returned to the same address each summer,
> Immigration knew where I was going because they asked). I would not
> have considered my behaviour "illegal" since I did not attempt to get
> an SSN, State ID, Driver's License, open bank accounts or obtain
> credit, tell anyone I was a permanent resident or citizen, work, or do
> any other "non visitor" activities. I obtained a library card and
> discount cards for the grocery store, and received mail. If that sums
> up what you're doing (except you may have been there longer), I
> wouldn't be calling it illegal. From what you posted, I'm assuming the
> worst you've done is overstayed, and if you have, and are planning to
> marry and adjust status, I wouldn't be leaving the US until you do
> that. You're right, the websites don't deal with US Citizens. When my
> ex-fiance wanted to get married, I was still travelling on the VWP and
> not a Canadian, so I don't know if that would have changed the process
> any.
>
> If you need to work, you have two legal options... Forego the work,
> marry, adjust status and work legally. Or return to Canada, get a job,
> and then file paperwork for getting a K-1. Even if illegal work is
> forgiven later on once you marry and adjust status, if you are found
> out before that, you will be subject to deportation.
>
> S.
>
> On Feb 12, 9:06 pm, "crazy_bastard" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > I hope someone can help! I'm a Canadian citizen living with my fiance
> > in the U.S. We are getting married this summer, but in the meantime I
> > would like to work in the States, cause I don't have a car. If I got a
> > job in Canada I would have to find a way to get to and from work.
> > Anyways, I have a few questions...hope someone can help.
> > 1. Is there any way I can legally work in the States NOW? I know about
> > the fiance visa, but I am already in the States. I crossed the border
> > saying I was just visiting. I'm not sure if I will cross the border
> > again before we are married, but probably not.
>
> > 2. Is it going to be harder for us to get me a green card once we are
> > married, due to the fact that I am already living here?
>
> > 3. How seriously in crap am I gonna be once we apply for my green card
> > after the wedding? Can I be deported even if I'm married?
>
> > 4.Is it easier to get a green card if you're a Canadian? Most of the
> > websites I've been to do not specificaly deal with Canadian citizens.
>
> > Any feedback will be appreciated.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks for the info so far. I haven't been here for too long, less
than 180 days (some websites I've been to state I can stay for only 90
days, not sure) I have been looking for work in both Canada and the US
(I live close to the border) but obviously any work in the US would be
illegal. I really don't want to move back to Canada after we are
married. I am using my mom's address for both my mail and my "alibi".
My mom is willing to pretend I live there if I get any calls. I guess
if I absolutely have to, I can live there. But my fiance and I want to
do whatever is possible to avoid that outcome. It doesn't sound like I
have much choice! Damn bureaucracy!
How long do I need to stay in Canada after my three months is up? What
are the repercussions if they find out I was working here illegally?
We have another option, I still live here, but work in Canada and just
cross the border after work every day. My mom even suggested that I
stay with her for a few nights a week, so the Guards don't get
suspicious....
Another thing I've been wondering, do the guards keep track of visits
via land bridges?

Sapphyre

On Feb 12, 11:43 pm, "crazy_bastard" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Thanks for the info so far. I haven't been here for too long, less
> than 180 days (some websites I've been to state I can stay for only 90
> days, not sure) I have been looking for work in both Canada and the US

90 days is for VWP (which is what I was, before I was Canadian).
Canadians get 180 days.

> (I live close to the border) but obviously any work in the US would be
> illegal. I really don't want to move back to Canada after we are
> married. I am using my mom's address for both my mail and my "alibi".

After you're married you can get a K-3 visa if you want to commute
back and forth between Canada, or you can stay in the US and adjust
status, and wait out the process for a Greencard.

People live in the US and work in Canada all the time, that's allowed.
But what red tape you need to go through, I'm not sure on that. It's
actually normal for people in the Niagara Falls area, Detroit-Windsor
area, and Buffalo-Ft Erie area to be working on one side, and living
on the other. You might want to apply for a Nexus card.

> My mom is willing to pretend I live there if I get any calls. I guess
> if I absolutely have to, I can live there. But my fiance and I want to
> do whatever is possible to avoid that outcome. It doesn't sound like I
> have much choice! Damn bureaucracy!

So you technically live with your mom, but you're staying with your
fiance for less than 180 days as a visitor.

> How long do I need to stay in Canada after my three months is up? What
> are the repercussions if they find out I was working here illegally?

You don't need to stay in Canada any specific period of time, but if
you keep crossing (assuming you aren't up front about staying with him
and working in Canada), they will think you're re-entering the US for
the purpose of hiding the fact that you're trying to live there. One
day you'll meet an officer who wants proof that you've been living a
life in Canada (a job that you get paid for there, proof that you've
spent a significant amount of time there, etc.)

> We have another option, I still live here, but work in Canada and just
> cross the border after work every day. My mom even suggested that I
> stay with her for a few nights a week, so the Guards don't get
> suspicious....

I don't think you'd have to do that, since I know of people who live
in the US and have jobs in Canada. I just don't know them well enough
to ask them how it is they're able to do that, but it happens quite
frequently in some areas along the border. You wouldn't have to stay
with your mom if your residence is in the US. And you should have a
Nexus card if you're a frequent traveler.

> Another thing I've been wondering, do the guards keep track of visits
> via land bridges?- Hide quoted text -

The US guards will scan your passport when you enter, but they don't
necessarily do it ever time... most times. They don't have any clue
when it is you left the US, because you're Canadian. Canada might not
have any clue when you returned either, it's very random. I've entered
Canada twice this past year where my ID wasn't even looked at, they
know the car is Canadian, but it's not registered to me at all. So
they don't know that I'm the driver of the car because they didn't ask
for ID.

Research Nexus on the Canada Customs website. I've never lived on one
side and worked on the other, so I don't know the red tape... I just
know it happens a lot.

S.

Crazy_bastard

On Feb 13, 8:52 am, "Sapphyre" <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Feb 12, 11:43 pm, "crazy_bastard" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the info so far. I haven't been here for too long, less
> > than 180 days (some websites I've been to state I can stay for only 90
> > days, not sure) I have been looking for work in both Canada and the US
>
> 90 days is for VWP (which is what I was, before I was Canadian).
> Canadians get 180 days.
>
> > (I live close to the border) but obviously any work in the US would be
> > illegal. I really don't want to move back to Canada after we are
> > married. I am using my mom's address for both my mail and my "alibi".
>
> After you're married you can get a K-3 visa if you want to commute
> back and forth between Canada, or you can stay in the US and adjust
> status, and wait out the process for a Greencard.
>
> People live in the US and work in Canada all the time, that's allowed.
> But what red tape you need to go through, I'm not sure on that. It's
> actually normal for people in the Niagara Falls area, Detroit-Windsor
> area, and Buffalo-Ft Erie area to be working on one side, and living
> on the other. You might want to apply for a Nexus card.
>
> > My mom is willing to pretend I live there if I get any calls. I guess
> > if I absolutely have to, I can live there. But my fiance and I want to
> > do whatever is possible to avoid that outcome. It doesn't sound like I
> > have much choice! Damn bureaucracy!
>
> So you technically live with your mom, but you're staying with your
> fiance for less than 180 days as a visitor.
>
> > How long do I need to stay in Canada after my three months is up? What
> > are the repercussions if they find out I was working here illegally?
>
> You don't need to stay in Canada any specific period of time, but if
> you keep crossing (assuming you aren't up front about staying with him
> and working in Canada), they will think you're re-entering the US for
> the purpose of hiding the fact that you're trying to live there. One
> day you'll meet an officer who wants proof that you've been living a
> life in Canada (a job that you get paid for there, proof that you've
> spent a significant amount of time there, etc.)
>
> > We have another option, I still live here, but work in Canada and just
> > cross the border after work every day. My mom even suggested that I
> > stay with her for a few nights a week, so the Guards don't get
> > suspicious....
>
> I don't think you'd have to do that, since I know of people who live
> in the US and have jobs in Canada. I just don't know them well enough
> to ask them how it is they're able to do that, but it happens quite
> frequently in some areas along the border. You wouldn't have to stay
> with your mom if your residence is in the US. And you should have a
> Nexus card if you're a frequent traveler.
>
> > Another thing I've been wondering, do the guards keep track of visits
> > via land bridges?- Hide quoted text -
>
> The US guards will scan your passport when you enter, but they don't
> necessarily do it ever time... most times. They don't have any clue
> when it is you left the US, because you're Canadian. Canada might not
> have any clue when you returned either, it's very random. I've entered
> Canada twice this past year where my ID wasn't even looked at, they
> know the car is Canadian, but it's not registered to me at all. So
> they don't know that I'm the driver of the car because they didn't ask
> for ID.
>
> Research Nexus on the Canada Customs website. I've never lived on one
> side and worked on the other, so I don't know the red tape... I just
> know it happens a lot.
>
> S.

Yeah I notice when we cross the border, the Canadian side rarely looks
at our I.D. Thanks for the info, you know I wasn't sure if they kept
track of visits. As a Canadian, since I cross via a land bridge, I
don't need a passport...yet. Maybe sometime next year. I guess I'll
need to figure out ways to show that I have a life in Canada, and
spent some time there, etc. I could easily prove that I have a job by
bringing pay stubs and such.
Funny story, our car was searched one time, we were detained for an
hour. I told the guards the usual story, in fact my fiance and I
always agree on a date when I'm "leaving the U.S." so we keep our
story straight. Anyways, I had left my resume in the car, but
fortuantely it had my mom's address printed on them! Thank God for
small things like that.
Thanks for the Nexus info. I've heard of it, but haven't done much
research on it. Hope that works! Your info and comments are MUCH
appreciated! Maybe you can come to our wedding if this all works out!

Sapphyre

Okay, so what you need to do is check into the law about living in the
US (as a legal resident) while working in Canada. Not everyone who
does this is living with a US citizen, some people are just buying
cheaper property or something like that. I knew a lady from Windsor
who was in that situation (and used Nexus), but there's more to the
story than she let on, like she had a visa or both citizenships or
something, since she told me she lived in Canada and worked in the US.
She seemed to think Canadians can do that, and no information I've
ever read has suggested that someone living on the border has the
"right" to work on the other side. I know customers who have relatives
living in the NY area and working in Canada, they have a Nexus card
and use the Whirlpool bridge.

Yes, small things add up to very big things. Since I know that now,
I'm not stupid enough to volunteer anything because it's too
contrived. Now I just pack things in random pockets so they will be
found if I'm searched. I know it sounds bad, but I know what they like
to find and look at, and I don't want to be plunking a file folder
full of proof down on the counter when I'm passing through inspection.
In Detroit I was not searched at all (which is abnormal, usually I am
when I cross on Greyhound, me and everyone else actually). That time
the guy asked specifically what I did for work, he didn't believe me,
and asked for proof of the job. Then asked questions about my title
"what does this mean" so to speak. I gave him a pay stub too, but
those are way too easy to fake. I'm not an expert at photoshop, but my
skills are what got me hired at my new job next week (graphics,
computer skills and sales skills). So given that I formerly majored in
graphic arts, I don't want to be accussed of anything. i got a letter
on letterhead from my company along with phone numbers, and a few
things from work that I copied in case they wanted to "call around" to
get information. I was a manager, it's not hard for them to call and
ask who's in charge, it's well networked that way. Normally they wont'
do this, but my Immigration contact tells me she makes calls around
when she suspects someone is entering for the purpose of working
(under the guise of holiday).

So on the last trip, I decided to store my Visa and Mastercard bill
from this summer in my purse (for easy finding) to prove I paid for
the goods I had in the US (in Canada, that would matter, the US
doesn't care I don't think because of free trade... in Canada we
aren't dutied, we are taxed, so proving taxes are paid already is
important). I didn't volunteer it, I just told the officer I had a
receipt for some of the goods. He didn't care about that. He did care
when he looked in my handbag (because for some reason when I got out
of the car I took it with me and put it on the table beside the box he
was searching, I don't know why, I thought I might need something in
it). He said when I did that, "I want to look in there too". I just
said, "okay". He looked in my bag and at the papers (the credit card
bills), not to see what I spent money on or check the origin of my
goods, but to check the NAME. I'm married, and my passport is not
updated. he noticed my mail was all addressed under my married name,
and he was concerned I had duplicate sets of IDs. He asked point blank
if all my credit cards and ID was issued under the same name, and I
said, "yes, I never changed to my married name, I'm just using it in
my return address." I guess he didn't find the pocket with my ID,
because I don't remember him looking there, but he did compare my
passport to my credit card statements, and look at the address.

For what it's worth, things were pretty smooth, and he was doing his
job. The last time an officer noticed I and both US and canadian bank
accounts they were suspicious, but this guy didn't even seem to notice
or care the Mastercard is based out of the US, he just looked at my
name and address. Legal name, in Canada. Good enough, no need for him
to ask why I need credit or bank account in both countries. The
Mastercard is a debit card anyway, so it only works when I put money
in it.

If you find anything out about living in the US and working in Canada,
please share, because lots of people want to know, but I don't think
too many readers here have experience with that.

S.

On Feb 13, 9:54 am, "crazy_bastard" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Yeah I notice when we cross the border, the Canadian side rarely looks
> at our I.D. Thanks for the info, you know I wasn't sure if they kept
> track of visits. As a Canadian, since I cross via a land bridge, I
> don't need a passport...yet. Maybe sometime next year. I guess I'll
> need to figure out ways to show that I have a life in Canada, and
> spent some time there, etc. I could easily prove that I have a job by
> bringing pay stubs and such.
> Funny story, our car was searched one time, we were detained for an
> hour. I told the guards the usual story, in fact my fiance and I
> always agree on a date when I'm "leaving the U.S." so we keep our
> story straight. Anyways, I had left my resume in the car, but
> fortuantely it had my mom's address printed on them! Thank God for
> small things like that.
> Thanks for the Nexus info. I've heard of it, but haven't done much
> research on it. Hope that works! Your info and comments are MUCH
> appreciated! Maybe you can come to our wedding if this all works out!

Crazy_bastard

On Feb 13, 7:29 pm, "Sapphyre" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Okay, so what you need to do is check into the law about living in the
> US (as a legal resident) while working in Canada. Not everyone who
> does this is living with a US citizen, some people are just buying
> cheaper property or something like that. I knew a lady from Windsor
> who was in that situation (and used Nexus), but there's more to the
> story than she let on, like she had a visa or both citizenships or
> something, since she told me she lived in Canada and worked in the US.
> She seemed to think Canadians can do that, and no information I've
> ever read has suggested that someone living on the border has the
> "right" to work on the other side. I know customers who have relatives
> living in the NY area and working in Canada, they have a Nexus card
> and use the Whirlpool bridge.
>
> Yes, small things add up to very big things. Since I know that now,
> I'm not stupid enough to volunteer anything because it's too
> contrived. Now I just pack things in random pockets so they will be
> found if I'm searched. I know it sounds bad, but I know what they like
> to find and look at, and I don't want to be plunking a file folder
> full of proof down on the counter when I'm passing through inspection.
> In Detroit I was not searched at all (which is abnormal, usually I am
> when I cross on Greyhound, me and everyone else actually). That time
> the guy asked specifically what I did for work, he didn't believe me,
> and asked for proof of the job. Then asked questions about my title
> "what does this mean" so to speak. I gave him a pay stub too, but
> those are way too easy to fake. I'm not an expert at photoshop, but my
> skills are what got me hired at my new job next week (graphics,
> computer skills and sales skills). So given that I formerly majored in
> graphic arts, I don't want to be accussed of anything. i got a letter
> on letterhead from my company along with phone numbers, and a few
> things from work that I copied in case they wanted to "call around" to
> get information. I was a manager, it's not hard for them to call and
> ask who's in charge, it's well networked that way. Normally they wont'
> do this, but my Immigration contact tells me she makes calls around
> when she suspects someone is entering for the purpose of working
> (under the guise of holiday).
>
> So on the last trip, I decided to store my Visa and Mastercard bill
> from this summer in my purse (for easy finding) to prove I paid for
> the goods I had in the US (in Canada, that would matter, the US
> doesn't care I don't think because of free trade... in Canada we
> aren't dutied, we are taxed, so proving taxes are paid already is
> important). I didn't volunteer it, I just told the officer I had a
> receipt for some of the goods. He didn't care about that. He did care
> when he looked in my handbag (because for some reason when I got out
> of the car I took it with me and put it on the table beside the box he
> was searching, I don't know why, I thought I might need something in
> it). He said when I did that, "I want to look in there too". I just
> said, "okay". He looked in my bag and at the papers (the credit card
> bills), not to see what I spent money on or check the origin of my
> goods, but to check the NAME. I'm married, and my passport is not
> updated. he noticed my mail was all addressed under my married name,
> and he was concerned I had duplicate sets of IDs. He asked point blank
> if all my credit cards and ID was issued under the same name, and I
> said, "yes, I never changed to my married name, I'm just using it in
> my return address." I guess he didn't find the pocket with my ID,
> because I don't remember him looking there, but he did compare my
> passport to my credit card statements, and look at the address.
>
> For what it's worth, things were pretty smooth, and he was doing his
> job. The last time an officer noticed I and both US and canadian bank
> accounts they were suspicious, but this guy didn't even seem to notice
> or care the Mastercard is based out of the US, he just looked at my
> name and address. Legal name, in Canada. Good enough, no need for him
> to ask why I need credit or bank account in both countries. The
> Mastercard is a debit card anyway, so it only works when I put money
> in it.
>
> If you find anything out about living in the US and working in Canada,
> please share, because lots of people want to know, but I don't think
> too many readers here have experience with that.
>
> S.
>
> On Feb 13, 9:54 am, "crazy_bastard" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Yeah I notice when we cross the border, the Canadian side rarely looks
> > at our I.D. Thanks for the info, you know I wasn't sure if they kept
> > track of visits. As a Canadian, since I cross via a land bridge, I
> > don't need a passport...yet. Maybe sometime next year. I guess I'll
> > need to figure out ways to show that I have a life in Canada, and
> > spent some time there, etc. I could easily prove that I have a job by
> > bringing pay stubs and such.
> > Funny story, our car was searched one time, we were detained for an
> > hour. I told the guards the usual story, in fact my fiance and I
> > always agree on a date when I'm "leaving the U.S." so we keep our
> > story straight. Anyways, I had left my resume in the car, but
> > fortuantely it had my mom's address printed on them! Thank God for
> > small things like that.
> > Thanks for the Nexus info. I've heard of it, but haven't done much
> > research on it. Hope that works! Your info and comments are MUCH
> > appreciated! Maybe you can come to our wedding if this all works out!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I made a few posts on other groups, mostly about why it might be
easier for me to cross the border since I'm Canadian. Anyways, I'm not
gonna risk getting mail sent to my fiance's place. I just go get any
mail when I visit my mom. I'm not gonna risk it. But thanks for all
this help. Since I am only staying "for a few days" on the U.S. side,
I tend to bring small items over the border with me. I'm sure that
helps. The guards don't seem too interestedin me anyways, but it
always helps to be cautious. It sucks cause I can only cross via the
one bridge (Peace Bridge) so I tend to see the same guards a lot.
I'm sure I don't have too much to worry about, and I will definitely
keep posting!