i married a canadian citzen in america. i am american born and native born citizen. she is with me now. i can't find anything on how to begin legally starting the immigration process. again.....1) married a canadian while she was visiting here...2) she is living with me now.............3)i can't afford the $7,000 attorney fees to have someone do this for me..........4)HELP!
Dear Perplexed, (sounds like I'm Abby) - First, get an attorney.
Second, if your wife 's visa has not expired, get her back to Canada IMMEDIATELY.
Third, if your wife's visa has expired; well, as someone so eloquently said: "u in some deep s*&^ Boy!" $7k is going to be cheap; if you can get it done at all.
I myself am Canadian and I travel to the U.S. frequently. First of all, there is no such thing as a visa for a canadian citizen entering the U.S. Technically speaking, I believe she could stay in the country indefinitely and never be an American citizen, she won't be able to work or have access the healhtcare or any service. As for the immigration process, you should first apply for permanent residence. There is a nice little thing called the free trade agreement and that also means any Canadian who has a bachelor degree (or a college degree in certain field) can get a green card in a very short period of time providing they find an american employer. I fact I read once that it can be delivered by border patrol officers if you have proof of your diploma and that you were hired by an american company (although I doubt that is frequent). Once you have a green card and a job, its pretty easy to get residence (unless she's middle eastern).
But get a lawyer's advice nonetheless but I really doubt it will cost you 7k...