If marriage is not an option... plz help

[vivien]

I'm a Canadian citizen, and I recently accepted a job offer from USA. My employer will sponsor me in applying for the H-1B visa, but I wish for my boyfriend (also a Canadian citizen) to come to USA with me. If marriage is not an option for us right now, what are our alternatives?

[vivien]

I'm a Canadian citizen, and I recently accepted a job offer from USA. My employer will sponsor me in applying for the H-1B visa, but I wish for my boyfriend (also a Canadian citizen) to come to USA with me. If marriage is not an option for us right now, what are our alternatives?

[vivien]

Thank you in advance for any answer.

[AliBA]

He'll have to try to get his own visa. You have no basis to sponsor him.

[vivien]

Thanks AliBA.

If we get married, can I sponsor him based on my H-1B visa? Do we have to marry before I apply for the H-1B?

[AliBA]

If you marry, you can sponsor him for an H-4 visa under H1-B. Be aware, however, that H-4 will NOT allow him to work in any capacity. He'll need his own H1-B for that. He may be able to attend school under an H-4, but I'm not sure about that.

[NYCImmParalegal]

There are no visa categories for boy/girlfriends and significant others. Hence, they can either come to visit or they have to procure their own visas on their own merits.

[vivien]

Thank you, AliBA and MYCImmParalegal.

One more question...

If I decide to sponsor my boyfriend for an H-4 visa under H1-B (i.e. get married), do we have to be married at the time when my employer sponsors me for my H1-B? Can I sponsor him a few months after I get my H1-B? Thanks.

[vivien]

Sorry, I spelled your name wrong, NYCImmParalegal.

[Lucy]

I believe that Canadian citizen also can work in the States by using TN visa, why don't you look it up?