I am in China now and my wife is Chinese and got a work visa for the US, can we go to the US and then apply for a green card after we arrive?

Question

I am in China now and my wife is Chinese and got a work visa for the US, can we go to the US and then apply for a green card after we arrive?

Answer

Which work visa did your wife obtain?

In general, it's possible to apply for an adjustment of status in the United States based on marriage to a US citizen, keeping in mind the points mentioned here:

http://www.msclaw.com/adjustment-of-status-30-60-90-day-rule

If you have a dual intent visa such as the H-1B, then the above may not be relevant.

Answer

I would need to know what type of "work visa" you are referring to; H-1B?

In short, NO. You/your wife would need a petitioner in order to apply for U.S. permanent residency through employment. Therefore, if your wife is in H-1B status now, she should speak with her employer about petitioning her for a "greencard".

Answer

You need to determine if the work visa is a dual intent visa. Because if it is not, then even your posting here online could be grounds for denial of your entry to the USA as a violation of the immigration laws.