TN-1 Visa, Spousal Work Permit?

[ma2graha]

My wife and I are both Canadian citizens. I recently relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina and am working for a high tech company. I have a TN (NAFTA) Visa, with an H1-b pending.

My wife is a school teacher (elementary/high school) and would like to teach once she joins me in NC. Is there such a thing as a "spousal" work permit which would allow her to work in the US (NC) based on my status? Or does she need to get a Visa based on her own job prospects (offer?) and qualifications (she holds two bachelor's degrees).

If she in fact does need her own work permit, what type of Visa is best for her situation? H1-b? Some sort of teacher/cultural exchange visa that I'm not aware of?

Thanks for any info that anyone can provide.

-Matt

PS - If you are a Canadian who has moved to the US and you were in a similar situation, please e-mail me, I would be interested in speaking with you further about any number of moving issues that come up.

 

[darkpaw]

re: TN-1 Visa, Spousal Work Permit

Your wife cannot work while you are still on a TN.
When you get transferred to H1-b, you can get her in
on an H4. A spouse can work on an H4 as long as they
are able to produce evidence of:
1. a degree
2. at least four years working in a specific field,
in Canada

This is speaking from my own experience, as I am
Canadian, and have gone through the same thing.

If you are able to get sponsored for a Green Card,
that would eliminate all the problems with the Visa.

Cheers.