TN Permit - Spousal Employment

Hi everyone,

If someone could please help me shed some light on this problem we are facing. I have recently accepted a position with an employer in the states on a TN and I am getting married in July to a canadian and she will be moving down on TD status.

Now, I realize she cannot work on TD, but she is planning go to school for her masters in teaching to teach in washington. We called all the boards and they told us that they do not hire non-resident teachers as they have to prove a shortage of teachers which is not the case. So potentially, my wife will be unemployed in USA as long as we do not have a green card?

Also, how long does it take myself and my dependants to go from a TN - H1B - Green Card? . because that is what my employer is suggesting and how does it work for my TD dependants? .

Are there any other options? . I have already resigned my position but if she will be unemployed in teaching, it makes no sense to move? . Your help and insight is truly appreciated.

If a lawyer or teacher is reading this, please advise!

Thank you.

C

Hi there,

I was thinking, would her going on a TD first and then changing status to J1 make it easier for her to get academic training time 12 months after the program? And that would make the gap of green card smaller?

Please help!

Thanks
C

Teachers who are teaching at the college/university level are able to get a TN Visa. This is a valid NAFTA Occupation.

Also, the TN Visa does not require the employer to show that there is a shortage of qualified americans in that field.

Another thing to consider is that it will take your wife 2years to complete her masters, it may take you 3-4 years to obtain the green card - so is it really a huge time difference given that you will be in the U.S. for the rest of your life.

Good Luck!

Thank you for your response. More problems, I was born in India, so unless there is a huge immigration reform, I can forget about getting an EAD because to get to the I-485 stage it will take 5-6 years. what now, I guess our best bet is for her to find an employer for an H1B.

Right?

Teachers who are teaching at the college/university level are able to get a TN Visa. This is a valid NAFTA Occupation.

Also, the TN Visa does not require the employer to show that there is a shortage of qualified americans in that field.

Another thing to consider is that it will take your wife 2years to complete her masters, it may take you 3-4 years to obtain the green card - so is it really a huge time difference given that you will be in the U.S. for the rest of your life.

Good Luck!