I (TN-1) am giving up an awesome job offer because my spouse can’t work with a T-D visa 😑
I am a Canadian citizen and my spouse is a Chinese citizen with Canadian permanent residence (PR). I recently got a job offer (TC$620k) that requires me to relocate to the US. We were all happy until HR explained to us that, while my spouse will obtain a TD visa to move South together using my TN-1 visa, they won’t be able to work at all, only study. The US has such a stupid immigration system. Apparently TN-1 visas are only good for young and/or single people, or at least people without children willing to make some compromises.
How many physical days still needed for your spouse for Canadian Citizenship? If it’s less than 1 years you can leave him here and you take the opportunity. Is he working in Canada?
Is it possible for your spouse to switch to a different visa later on? What about staying somewhere close to the border so they can continue their current role? P.S. Chuckled at how some commenters assumed your spouse is the wife
Based on cursory searches, spouse could use the T-D visa to go back to school on F-1 status, then get a post-graduation work permit for 1 year called OPT, and in that time try to apply for jobs that could sponsor an H-1B visa. Alternatively, I could try to convince the new company to temporarily hire me in Canada for one year, then transfer to the US on L-1. As an L-2 dependent, my spouse can get an EAD card that will allow them to work. Finally, ask the company to sponsor my Green Card after 5 years.
FYI for your spouse to get to H1B they'd have to go through a lottery system, which can be a hit or a miss. There are certain jobs that are cap-exempt (like working with non-profits, universities, etc) that don't have to go through the lottery. Alternatively, would the company be willing to sponsor you for H1B in the future? Once you are on H1B, your spouse can get H4EAD. Or are there other avenues for you getting a green card, perhaps through EB1C?
Without children?
No children yet but I’m not getting any younger so I would like us to get pregnant in the next 2-3 years, which makes our timeline a bit complicated. I guess having a house husband is an option too.
Change spouse? As a Canadian in the US, I'd sooner get rid of my SO than go back to Canada.
Exact same situation. We just do long distance until I can finish PERM and she can get h4 ead . I was on TN for 3 years before getting my h1b. Depending on current TC, it’s worth it. We even had a kid in the mean time
It sucks, but I stayed 4 years without work authorization for my husband’s work opportunity. We decided to have children during this time, but it looks like it will not work for you. Yes, immigration system doesn’t make much sense.
What’s the problem? With 620k USD TC your wife won’t need to work. You should be grateful we are even letting you guys in our country. Try obtaining green card or permanent residency in China. Near impossible.
Grateful, LOL … taxes. Also, I’m the wife.
@pin is sexist 😮😮