I don’t see why that’s an issue. I’m from Canada and you can stay in the US 6 months out the year for pleasure. Be sure to bring the invitation with you and perhaps a booking at a salon for ur hair/makeup for the wedding. If the officer brings it up just tell him the truth. I’m from Vancouver and we got married in NY, just did a change of status while in NY and even during that time say my paperwork took over 6 months… I would have still been under status due to pending paperwork.

So, short version is yes, it could be a problem, but you can *probably* get by without too much difficulty. When you enter the United States, the CBP officer will be able to see your pending visa application. The key then is to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent, i.e., that you intend to return to Canada at the end of your trip. The officer could also be worried about you performing now without the visa. All you can do is show proof that you're going back to the great white north, e.g., lease agreements, presence of family, a job that's waiting for you, etc. But really, as long as you present yourself well, you shouldn't expect much difficulty, other than maybe being stuck at immigration for a while. Good luck!

also sorry I should mention you can call border patrol from Canada and ask them directly. I’m sorry I don’t have the # directly atm but I had a car bought and registered in Canada and needed it registered in the US. I had to prove when it was brought over the border etc and they were super helpful. This was about 3 years ago

I’m in a similar boat - waiting on green card approval and frequently flying from Toronto to the US to see my wife. Our lawyers advised us that the key is to do travel from an airport that has pre-clearance, and not from a land crossing or an airport that would require you to go through Immigration stateside after landing. That way, the worst that can happen is that you just withdraw your intent to enter the United States and go home, if the CBP officers don’t believe you. If you ran into trouble *after* landing in the United States and trying to go through immigration there, you could face denial of entry or arrest.

so your all saying I could go to the US to visit my fiance through a land border, and they might let across. my i 129f has been approved already. i would just have to show them my paperwork so far?? someone please advise. thanks

Yes, that's the gist of it. So long as you can show evidence that you're not going to overstay you'll more than likely be fine.

^^ That’s right, if you can show paperwork that your application is processing, proof of return travel, and have evidence (usually bank statements, utility bills, a lease or a mortgage) that you maintain ties to Canada (or your home country), you PROBABLY won’t encounter any issues. BUT the SAFEST way to do this is to not travel across a land border or through an airport that doesn’t have preclearance, since then you would already be on American soil when going through Immigration, and you risk denial of entry, deportation, or arrest.

yikes. that would be serious.

Fortunately Canada is full of airports with preclearance. Includes Toronto Pearson, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, plus a couple others.

yes but i was looking to cross a land border. a lot cheapet

cheaper

Thanks so much everyone!!! I am flying out from vancouver so I think I will go through preclearance. i'll also book my flight back to Canada on Oct 18 so i'll show that as evidence as well. 🙏🏻

In the end that's up to you. Jesse was right in saying that preclearance is the safer option, but if the increased cost of air travel isn't worth the mitigated risk to you, go with the land option. As mentioned, you'd likely be fine going that route so long as you can present proper evidence, but just know that it's never a sure thing.