You said the magic words, "Canadian RBC Account". I deal with RBC and lived / worked in the USA for 1½ years recently, and RBC's system was easy to use.
Basically, RBC has a US subsidiary orignially aimed at snow hirds, so its physical facilities are in the US Southeast. They used to be called RBC Centura, but I think they've been renamed and just called RBC now. Contact the RBC here in CAnada now and get all the details.
Basically, because I had a long history with RBC here, their US subsidiary was relatively quick to set up a new checking account there for me. Of course, they will want a mailing address, etc. They even solved the problem of credit cards for me. I wanted a new USA VISA account and no other US bank would talk to me because I had NO Credit Rating score at all in the USA, and they would not look at Canadian ratings. But the Centura people were happy to use my RBC info as the basis for creating a new VISA account with them.
I did all my banking with them on line. Pay was done direct deposit to them. I had a VISA Debit card from them (works similar to Debit Card here, but with a VISA logo on it) to use for cash machines. I actually had a checking account also opened in a local bank and would simply write myself a cheque drawn on the Centura bank and deposit it to the local account just for simpler access to cash machines, but you may not need that. I did on-line bill paying for most things, cheques for rent. I had ab line of credit established also (as opposed to pre-arranged overdraft protection) but never actually used it.
The handiest part for me was that you can easily expand your existing RBC (Canada) on-line banking pages to include your USA accounts (after they exist, of course) on a new tab. Then with one sign-in you have access to accounts in both branches of the bank, and can easily transfer funds on-line either way. Of course, you can also make payments on your VISA account by on-line transfer of money.
As far as right to live and work in the USA, one of the simplest systems is a TN Visa or Permit. It is available only for a specified list of professions, and is part of the NAFTA agreement between Canada and the USA. Basically, IF you have a job offer which requires professional qualifications in the specified list, and you can prove you have those qualifications, you can get a TN Permit from any border entry point. It is good for only one year, but can be renewed yearly without limit provided you still have a job requiring those qualifications. Check the US Immigration websites for TN Visa information. But be aware that, although the websites talk about TN Visa and the application process by mail, and longer waits, etc, I found out only from the nearest border entry point that they could handle the whole thing over the counter. So for sure contact them, be sure you know what they need, and even offer to send it to them early so they can look it over and be sure you have everything required. That's all ONLY if your fiancé qualifies for TN Permit treatment.
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