I would double check this - assuming your wife will be going over on an H1B or L1 visa (edit: correction: L1 can get you an L2 as a spouse), as a spouse you would not be allowed to work in the US.
If Princeton probably O1
which would mean no work permit for a spouse
+1 having gone through the US immigration system, it doesn't quite work as a reasonable immigrant would think. Before you move, make sure to talk to a US immigration lawyer. The process will be long and painful unless she's moving to a university or for a religious job where some exceptions apply.
You might find yourself in a spot where you're not allowed to work, even for European clients legally
Thanks, yes this is something I need to determine ASAP - even though the move should realistically take place next year, so I should have some time to figure things out, visa-wise
My wife job is for a European company, no UNI or religious context.
As the spouse of L1 you get an L2 which lets you work for any employer including yourself as long as the L1 is active. With the L2 you get an EAD on arrival and do not have to wait for months to get it.
Ah yes correct, thanks. I have updated my comment.
A friend of mine moved to US on L1, with his wife. It took them 5 years before the wife got EAD (work permit). It is possible that they fucked the process up, and it can be done faster, just wanted to mention it here.
And if that's 'at will' employment you may well end up finding out what it is like to be without a safety net if the spouse should get fired.
But in this event, we could move back to Europe, no?
Moving isn't free. I've done it, twice. And every time it feels like starting all over again.