How do i become a resident of california when i'm already in the states

[UnderCanada]

:cool:

Hi, I came to the united states about a year ago from canada on vacation and i decided to stay longer. I want to start going to school but i think i need to become a resident first. Does anyone know how i can become a legal resident when i'm already in the states?

~ Thanks for your time! ~

[slubberry]

You don't need to be a resident of California in order to go to school, you will probably pay higher tuition if you are applying for a state school though. If you want to become a resident of California, you must first be a legal resident of the U.S.. In order to do that, you will have to petition U.S. immigrations. Even if you want to go to school as a Canadian, you must still be approved for a student visa.

[USnoiva]

Maybe you could also go back to Canada and apply for a student visa to go to school. Assuming that you do not get "the bar".

[UnderCanada]

"you must first be a legal resident of the U.S.. In order to do that, you will have to petition U.S. immigrations."

Ok, what exactly do i need to do? Could you tell me the steps and i'll research the best way to do them. Also, Is there anybody out there that has immigrated from Canada that has a story for me :innocent: ? Thanks again!

[kenaly]

My husband is from Toronto, and I petitioned for him to become a permanant US resident. He has been here in the US since 2005 with his green card.

[kitkat1]

"you must first be a legal resident of the U.S.. In order to do that, you will have to petition U.S. immigrations."

Ok, what exactly do i need to do? Could you tell me the steps and i'll research the best way to do them. Also, Is there anybody out there that has immigrated from Canada that has a story for me :innocent: ? Thanks again!

Start by reading the visa options on the US department of state website. http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
I would also consider consulting with an attorney since you have a previous overstay and potentially illegal presence and may need a waiver.

[Coventrated]

"you must first be a legal resident of the U.S.. In order to do that, you will have to petition U.S. immigrations."

Ok, what exactly do i need to do? Could you tell me the steps and i'll research the best way to do them. Also, Is there anybody out there that has immigrated from Canada that has a story for me :innocent: ? Thanks again!

Marry a US Citizen.
or
Be sponsored by a US immediate family member.

[UnderCanada]

My husband is from Toronto, and I petitioned for him to become a permanant US resident. He has been here in the US since 2005 with his green card.

What do you mean by petition? Is that a I-601 waiver? Sorry for the obvious.
Thanks!

[kenaly]

What do you mean by petition? Is that a I-601 waiver? Sorry for the obvious.
Thanks!

"petition" is the term used when the application forms are filled out and submitted. Not the waiver, just the spousal/fiancee paperwork.

[kitkat1]

What do you mean by petition? Is that a I-601 waiver? Sorry for the obvious.
Thanks!

Start by reading the link posted. You must first have a relationship with a US Citizen or be applying for a special type of visa i.e. work visa, student visa, etc.

A petition is an application. You provide information on the forms, pay fees, and it is adjudicated, meaning reviewed and then determined if you meet the criteria to be allowed to have the priviledge of interviewing for a visa at the appropriate consulate location.

A 601 waiver is a required when someone has a visa ineligibility. Waiver submission and the corresponding documentation and evidence are submitted after a denial at a consular interview. Then it is also adjudicated to determine if the waiver is going to be approved and if the person will ultimately receive a visa.

If you don't have a qualifying relative i.e. US Citizen fiance or spouse, you should begin by investigating other visa options. Also keep in mind that it does not appear you are not currently legal in the country and therefore are deportable.

[UnderCanada]

OK Thank You Everyone!

I really appreciate all the wonderful advice. I'm sure i will have more questions somewhere down the road. Talk to you all soon!