I am a Canadian citizen, romanian nationality - I hold a Canadian passport and I am considering moving to the US through marriage to my girlfriend who is a US citizen. I have been reading through the posts and am concerned about the I-94 form (arrival departure record?). In the last 2 years I have been making frequent trips to NY - always staying about 5-6 weeks at a time and never had a problem crossing the border, although I would always state I was going for only 2 or 3 weeks. However, my last border crossing I was pulled over and taken to customs office inside where they proceeded to ask me general questions, where are you going, what do you do, how long, when is the last time you were in the US. And then they fingerprinted me - and told me it was just procedure. Why would they do this if I am a Canadian citizen - is it because of my nationality, do they not look at me as a Canadian but rather a foreigner? They did let me go and didn't question me too too much but now I am worried about future trips to the US.
So far this year I have been in the US for about 7 weeks total and am aware that I should not stay for longer than a total of 6 months throughout the year. I have never been given an I-94 record. Should I ask for this next time I cross? Is there something wrong with taking frequent trips and staying for 4-8 weeks at a time? I do not want to risk being denied entry since I have so many ties to the US. I am self employed and have a lot of flexibility and want to be able to visit friends and family. But last time I crossed - they made me sort of feel like a criminal. I am also worried that if I do go through with the marriage and I come back for the fiance visa - I may be given a hard time crossing the border.
How long does it take to get the fiance visa if I come back to Montreal and apply for it here? And should I worry about having stayed illegally in the US in the past, before I received my Canadian citizenship, about 6 years ago. Will they ask about this on the fiance visa questionaire or interview? Could that pose a problem? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
So far this year I have been in the US for about 7 weeks total and am aware that I should not stay for longer than a total of 6 months throughout the year. I have never been given an I-94 record. Should I ask for this next time I cross? Is there something wrong with taking frequent trips and staying for 4-8 weeks at a time? I do not want to risk being denied entry since I have so many ties to the US. I am self employed and have a lot of flexibility and want to be able to visit friends and family. But last time I crossed - they made me sort of feel like a criminal. I am also worried that if I do go through with the marriage and I come back for the fiance visa - I may be given a hard time crossing the border.
How long does it take to get the fiance visa if I come back to Montreal and apply for it here? And should I worry about having stayed illegally in the US in the past, before I received my Canadian citizenship, about 6 years ago. Will they ask about this on the fiance visa questionaire or interview? Could that pose a problem? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.