How to join my partner in the US if he gets a job there?

[DorothyElizabeth 0]

My (male) partner and I (female) are both Canadians (with passports). We've been together a year. We are soon to be married - we are flexible about timing, as it will be an entirely private affair. He is in the process of seeking work in the United States. The job in California he is about to interview for - if he gets it - would involve him either getting a Green Card via the employer, or possibly an L-1 Visa.

Neither of us particularly wants to become American citizens in the long term - this just looks like a good job for him for the next couple years - but we would both like to be able to live together and work in the US while we are there, so all the breadwinning of the household doesn't fall on him. I have two Bachelors degrees and a Masters Degree, I am qualified to work as a high school teacher, a sessional university instructor, or run training programs for corporations in Canada (in the humanities). I am currently working full time as a Theatre Publicist, but my contract is coming to an end.

1) if we are married (in Canada) before he gets permanent residency status (ie green card), will I be able to join him and live with him more or less right away? what kind of timeframe might I be looking at for being able to work legally in some capacity in the US?

2) if we are married (presumably in Canada?) after he gets permanent residency status, under what circumstances might I be able to come live with him full time? - even if I am not allowed to work. Are there any?

3) I am happy to also apply for work visa for the US under my own qualifications/skill set - but am I allowed to do that while in the US as the wife of a permanent resident (i.e. if I am able to be there legally as a result of my partner, can I go through the waiting process while living there with him, but not working? And would I be allowed to apply for work (and seek a work visa) while visiting, if I were visiting for a six month period?

Thanks for any information you might be able to provide!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

He won't get a Greencard before moving to the US. He'll move on a visa, then his employer may file for a GC for him later. He wouldn't even be eligible for citizenship for 5 years after he gets his GC, so you shouldn't worry about that.

The L-1 visa allows for dependents (an L-2 visa), and those dependents can apply for employment authorization (an EAD - employment Authorization Document).

This is all very simple if you are married.

If you are not married, then you can seek your own visa, it is allowed...