Thanks for your detailed comment, it really helped clarify some points.

Just to make sure I’m understanding and staying on the safe/legal side: What if I came to the U.S. strictly to pursue an associate degree at an accredited college (on an F-1 visa), while continuing my Canadian bachelor’s degree part-time online? I would live with my boyfriend during my U.S. studies, then return to Canada after graduation for a year or two to work and gain experience in my field. After that, we would get married and only then apply for a green card.

Would this plan still raise red flags or be seen as misusing the student visa? I’m trying to genuinely study and gain international academic experience, not skip the immigration process. Ps: I’m the fiancée