So, you want to move to the States eh?

[byddi]

Hi, I currently live and teach in Northern Ireland. My husband has a green card and I have a Canadian passport (By birth). We want to move to the USA and I would like to know if I go there without a job lined up can I look for one when I'm there and then apply for the TN visa?

[Reba]

Are you planning to show up at the US point of entry and just move in and start looking for a job?

What do you plan to say to the border official when they ask the purpose of your visit?

They may deny your entry all together. And if your husband has been out of the US for more than 12 months, his green card is likely no longer valid. Does he have a re-entry permit?

[byddi]

His green card is definitely still valid but does that allow me to say that the purpose of my visit it to accompany him? Do I have any such rights as his wife?

Is it better then to have a job offer before I go?

[flames9]

Do you have a "right" as his wife to come into the USA? Nope, you do not have a right. You may have a few more hassles since he isn't a citizen of the USA, only a permanent resident. I married a USA citizen, and I had no "right" to come to the usa. One just come into the USA and stay without the proper visa, even if married to a citizen. I'm sure other will chime in and give you some helpful info.

[Reba]

No, you will not have derivative status in the US off your husband's green card. Either he will have to sponsor you (and as spouse of a PR, the wait is about 3 years or so I think), or you'll have to find a job to sponsor you *before* you move there. As a Canadian you would apply for a TN at a Canadian border crossing, not from within the US, and not from an international POE.

If your husband is eligible to apply for US citizenship, he could go ahead and start that process at the same time as he send in an I-130 petition for you. Once he has citizenship, he can change the petition for you and it'll speed it up about a year or so. Maybe, depending how long his citizenship application would take, or if he's eligible. Depending how long he's been out of the country, I think they will factor that time away.

During the wait time for your petition, you'd have to live somewhere other than the US, away from your husband. Canada being the most likely as then you and he could more easily travel back and forth for visits.

[455olds]

I hope this post is in the right section but here goes. My wife and I are looking into moving to Florida but we don't have an employer yet. We own our house and I have an auto mechanics licence and a teaching certificate from Ontario. Do we have a hope in heck of qualifying for one of the many visa's I am seeing? (overwhelming) thank you for any insight.

[Reba]

See the information about the TN Visa I don't think mechanic or Teacher's certificate (unless she also has a degree to go with it) qualify.

[vancitymiss]

>>.also to remember, as Canadians we can visit the US for up to 6 months at a time, or per calendar year, whichever comes first. During that time, you are considered a Visitor, and not eligible to work. At all. Not even telecommute to a Canadian job over the internet. You cannot work in the US unless you have a work permit. Even for a foreign employer.


Thank you for this site, and all the helpful information.

I have not been able to find a post pertaining to my specific situation, but your information up there has me concerned.

I am a freelancer, with a primary contract in Canada, at a Canadian affiliate of an American company. While I am a writer, and do write for profit, this contract is as an Editor. I am paid in Cdn funds (for 2 years I was paid in US funds, but thankfully, given the dollar, this has changed).

My question is this: What kind of visa would I need if I were to take a temporary sublet in the US (or housesitting gig)? I would need to continue working as an Editor and since I telecommute already it is possible to do this anywhere there's high-speed Internet. But I would also prefer to keep working on my novel and other freelance writing projects. In Canada, I seek both Cdn and US writing gigs, so it seems strange I'd not be able to continue, but if it's illegal, I of course wouldn't tempt the gods.

I've freelanced for this company for over 2 years, and have no intention of seeking permanent employment in the US, nor do I intend to move there. I'd sublet my place and keep all my Cdn bank accounts.

Can anyone offer advice on how to go about putting such a plan in motion?

Thank you in advance.

T