TN Visa or full GC status?

My husband and I are looking to relocate to Houston, Tx. He currently works in the Oil & Gas industry as a piping designer and is able to transfer his current position down there. We are not in a hurry to relocate, so I am wondering what the best approach to take would be. I know that it can take up to 3 1/2 years to get a GC, but is it worth waiting for, or should we just go the TN route? We have 2 small children so I am a little reluctant to go on a temporary visa as it seems a little uncertain.

Anybody have any advice they can offer? We have just started this process so are a little confused.

Well, the employer has to sponsor you for LPR status, not many employers will hold onto a job that long. Generally people enter in some other category and apply for change of status, but TN-1 is not "dual-intent".

I agree with you, work permits have two big disadvantages: they relate to a specific job, and as the name implies they are temporary.

If he's working for the same company and has worked for them at least a year, the better option is probably L-1B - intracompany transfer. That is dual-intent so applying for LPR status is much easier and plus unlike TN-1 you do not have to show "bona-find non-immigrant intent" so it's less hassle when you enter the US.

If you check out L-1B on the web bear in mind that Canadians do not need a visa for L-1B, although there is an application fee of $820 at the POE plus the supporting paperwork. Dependents enter in L-2 status.