Can my wife look for work before she arrives in the US?

[sn0skier 0]

Can my wife legally look for work before she arrives in the US after she *fingers crossed* receives approval at the interview? Or does she have to wait till she actually comes to the US?

[Boiler 43,433]

She can, now whether it will be worthwhile is another issue.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Can my wife legally look for work before she arrives in the US after she *fingers crossed* receives approval at the interview? Or does she have to wait till she actually comes to the US?

Once she enters the US her CR-1/IR-1 visa will be stamped and becomes an I-551 which is an GC. Now whether the employer accepts this or understands this is a whole different can of worms. I had one employer insist that I HAD to show them my SSC with my DL and I was showing them my US passport which is an A list item for the I-9 form they must complete. She will need a SSN at some point and that also takes time and dealing with another government agency with poorly trained employees based on experiences reported here on VJ. Technically, and legally, she can start working the day she enters the US, but practically......

Dave

[Ms Hogan 295]

Well, your question makes no sense. Both common use of the language and common sense are paramount to living in America. Anyone can look for work any time they want. The question, as you pose it, is ridiculous, because she can look for work all she wants. The issue is that nobody will hire her without legal documents allowing her to work as an immigrant. So, why was everyone's time and effort? Simply get an idea of what's around and then once papers are in-hand in in the US then start looking and applying. Phrase things properly.

Your points are valid and can be constructive if PHRASED properly... there is no need to scold the OP for the way they phrased their particular question.

To the OP... TraumaDoc is accurate in their response so I can't disagree. Of course anyone can look for work. But your fiance isn't eligible to work yet so it is a bit of a waste of his/her time and I would consider it a bit disrespectful to the person doing the hiring to lead them to believe this is someone who is available to start work immediately for a posted job when that is not the case at all. I know I would be quite angry to receive an application for a position I'm hiring to only find out that person can't even work any time soon. I would say it is a good idea to start exploring what is available but certainly not to apply for anything. Just as TramaDoc said.

[mallafri76 1,012]

She can always send CVs to prospective employers for future opportunities, making them aware the she will be allowed to work based on her marriage to a USC. Likewise, towards the end of the process, once she's had a positive interview, she can most definitely start real job applications.

[sn0skier 0]

It is illegal to look for work while in the US on a tourist visa. So it is not true that " Anyone can look for work any time they want." Also, I think that you are the one who needs to work on your phrasing and common sense.

[sn0skier 0]

Also, plenty of jobs are posted before they are available, and employers often work with people who have clearly stated that they are not available to work until a specific date. We may be thinking about a different class of job.

My question was answered in the first response and no one since then has had anything useful to add. If there is a moderator please feel free to close this thread.

[mallafri76 1,012]

It is illegal to look for work while in the US on a tourist visa. So it is not true that " Anyone can look for work any time they want." Also, I think that you are the one who needs to work on your phrasing and common sense.

It's illegal to look for work while on a tourist visa or VWP IF the intent is to start working as soon as you have a job offer. But if your intent is to look for work in the sense of sending CVs and meeting recruiters with the intent to start working once you have your green card, then that is perfectly legal. You can even send CVs and apply for jobs from your own country, with the intent of starting work once you enter the US with your green card.

[CowBoE 429]

Well, your question makes no sense. Both common use of the language and common sense are paramount to living in America. Anyone can look for work any time they want. The question, as you pose it, is ridiculous, because she can look for work all she wants. The issue is that nobody will hire her without legal documents allowing her to work as an immigrant. So, why was everyone's time and effort? Simply get an idea of what's around and then once papers are in-hand in in the US then start looking and applying. Phrase things properly.

TraumaDoc,

Why such harsh remarks for a legit question?

My neighbor just married a Taiwanese women, who is a symphony level musician,

that went got PhD (from US) in music therapy and was offered a job by our own US government

during their fiancee visa processing with the deferred start date that was pending her

coming to US and getting EAD.

They were able to expedite the EAD with the job offer on hand

and she just started working her "dream" job.

To OP,

The value of early job search all depends on her education, job position, and industry

she is after. Those jobs that are high in demand or require special skills could potentially

get job offers before they arrive to US. My co-worker, a PhD in Oil & Gas engineering industry

from Korea received a job offer during their spouse visa processing also.

However, for non-specialized jobs, if companies do not have too much difficulty filling that

position with US resident, they are very unlikely to even offer a job interview.

But I think there is some merit to "test" the job market...even if she doesn't apply,

she can start to research "how to get employed in US"...in terms of finding best job sites,

learning about US style resume format, interview process/techniques,

and required education/certification/license/experience, etc.

[Pitaya 2,576]

~3 posts removed - argumentative, demeaning, non-contributory to the thread topic~

~Do not post if you cannot positively contribute to the thread~

[BaronB 42]

Can my wife legally look for work before she arrives in the US after she *fingers crossed* receives approval at the interview? Or does she have to wait till she actually comes to the US?

Yes there is nothing to stop her from looking for a job. If the employer is willing to wait for her work clearance there is nothing that says you cannot look for a job. Don't let people tell you you are wasting your time, not everyone here has only a high school diploma.

[Boiler 43,433]

Of course you can look for work on a tourist visa, you can not accept a job.

[TBoneTX 43,058]

My question was answered in the first response and no one since then has had anything useful to add. If there is a moderator please feel free to close this thread.

Thread closed at OP's request.