Legal Question in Immigration Law in Maryland

Canadian Attorney on TN-1 Marrying American
I am a Canadian citizen. I attended ungrad and law school in the US. I worked here for a year after law school on OPT and am now working on a TN-1 visa. I am in TN and my boyfriend is in MD. I am moving to MD in December and will be taking the February 2004 bar exam. This is my question. My boyfriend and I are going to be getting engaged within the next two months and I know there is a lot for us to think about in regards to how I will work when we should get married for immigration purposes. After I take the bar, if I start to work on a TN-1 but we are not yet married, will that be viewed negatively by the INS once we are married and I am applying for a green card? What is my best bet, timeline so I can work as soon as possible? Once we are married, how long until I will receive temporary work authorization. I am looking for several different opinions. Thank you.

Asked on 8/12/03, 3:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Myron Morales Lee Lane Smith LLP

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Re: Canadian Attorney on TN-1 Marrying American

You can get married at any time, as it will not affect your immigration status. You can begin working on the TN, but will need to file a change of employer petition. Once you marry, you can file to change your status to permanent resident. At that time, you will be issued an EAD, which will allow you to work. You will also get an advance parole with which to travel.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

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Answered on 8/12/03, 7:31 pm

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