james_merch@... (james) wrote in message news:...
>
> I'm a Canadian citizen and I'm contemplating looking for work
> In the US by getting a temporary work permit (TN/H1).
I don't know anything about TN. My comments are based on H-1.
> As I understand, when I'll find a job and get the visa, my wife
> will Not be able to work there for an unlimited time
She won't be able to work while her status in the USA derives
from your H-1 (she'd be H-4). She can try to get another status
that allows her to work, just like any other non-citizen.
> (Until I get Green Card ? who knows how much time it will take?).
She'll be able to work once the last stage of processing for
your employment-based Green Card has started. It currently
takes from about 2 to 6 years to get a Green Card through
employment if nothing goes wrong along the way. It's usually
nearer 6 than 2.
> For me it will be very hard to save money or to have good standard
> of living because we will be having only One breadwinner and I don't
> think that I can finance university studies For my wife in this
> period.
> My wife can try and work illegally, but as I said:
> - It's illegal ? its wrong
> - You cant make a career/advance yourself from illegal work
> And the last thing - if the employer fires me , I have to leave
> the country immidiately.
You have to leave, or maintain your status. You could apply to
change status to 'visitor' for a couple of months, and look
for another H-1 job during this period.
> To summarize it, I never been in that situation, but it seems
> very bad position. Am I exaggerating?
Your facts are right. "very bad position" depends on your
viewpoint.
> Does it look better when you get there?
No.
> Are there any people working on this visa,
I don't know the number, but I would wildly guess there are
somewhere around 300,000 people working on H-1B at the moment.
I've no idea about TN.
> and what is there Experience? Any advice if its worthwhile?
Many people find it so. |