DCV/K3/H1B/TN: What to do?

[matmac 0]

Hi there,

My wife and I got marrried in April. We live in Bermuda. I just got a job in the US and I am trying to figure out the fastest way to get into the US with authorization to work. Should I ask my employer to file an H1B priority processing and then apply for a change of status? I have Canadian citizenship, so could I use the TN visa? Or could I come in as a visitor and start working?

Any tips on the fastest way to get into the US legally?

Thanks for your help.

[Darnell 8,478]

Is your wife a USCitizen, with residence in Bermuda for 6 months prior to today? IF SO, she qualifies to file an I-130 in Bermuda, US Embassy, culminating in a IR-1/CR-1 visa. Figure about a 3 month to 4 month turn around, from initial filing, to 'granting visa'. Usually, an IR-1/CR-1 visa holder can work about 2 weeks after arrival, must muck about and get a SSN from the SSA. (I assume this is what you mean when you write 'DCV' - we call if 'DCF' here)

K-3 visa holders have no 'automatic work authorization'.

'fastest' IMO, would be the TN, but not sure about the exact process.

I'd forget about the H1-B, there are yearly caps, different than the TN.

*** for wider exposure, moving to IR-1/CR-1 visa forum, for now ***

[matmac 0]

Hi yes my wife is a US citizen. I am Canadian/Bermudian. We have been in Bermuda over 6 months, but she is still waiting to get a police clearance letter to file for SOB papers. Will that prevent us from going to fast route at the consulate?

Is your wife a USCitizen, with residence in Bermuda for 6 months prior to today? IF SO, she qualifies to file an I-130 in Bermuda, US Embassy, culminating in a IR-1/CR-1 visa. Figure about a 3 month to 4 month turn around, from initial filing, to 'granting visa'. Usually, an IR-1/CR-1 visa holder can work about 2 weeks after arrival, must muck about and get a SSN from the SSA. (I assume this is what you mean when you write 'DCV' - we call if 'DCF' here)

K-3 visa holders have no 'automatic work authorization'.

'fastest' IMO, would be the TN, but not sure about the exact process.

I'd forget about the H1-B, there are yearly caps, different than the TN.

*** for wider exposure, moving to IR-1/CR-1 visa forum, for now ***

[Darnell 8,478]

I suggest you pursue the TN, as it's the fastest way for a Canadien to work, in the USA.

Once you are in USA, if you and yer wife wish it, you can file AOS case,

or

even file a CR-1 case to the lockbox in Chicago, have interview in Bermuda about 11 months later.

If you plan it right, is good 'vacation time' in Bermuda whilst working in USA.

Edited October 7, 2010 by Darnell