work visa for spouses in the States

[canadianexpat96]

There is a possibility that my husband may be hired to work for a German company in the States in an executive role. Is there any type of visa that I would be able to apply for as his spouse so I can work for any employer during that time? I thought that there was an L type visa that allowed the spouses to work for any employer in the States.

[Duncan_BC]

You can check with INS, but I don't think the spouse of L status can work yet. You would have to get your own permit. TN or H1-B which usually means you need a degree.

[angiedairou]

Hi,
If your spouse has an L1 visa, you can get an L2 and yes, you can get temporary authorization for employment. First you have to get the temporary authorization from homeland (INS), then you get a Social Security number from US Social Security. It takes about 3 months for part one and about one month for part two.

[nishant]

If you are spouse of L1 (L1A for 7 years and L1B for 5 years) visa holder, you can apply for employment authorization and when received, you can work for any employer. It is renewable and valid as long as L1 visa is valid.
For application, you will need copy of L1 visa, marriage certificate and I-94 which you need to ask while entering border specifically ( Canadian entering US as tourist for short period do not not need I-94)

If you are not L visa holder but have profession with specified NAFTA schedule, you may try TN visa which you can just get at the border by showing employment offer. It is valid for one year and renewable indefinitely.