Read the general life across the border overview
A shared address, surname or business account does not itself establish a qualifying spouse or child relationship. Prepare the actual civil and identity evidence and assess the proposed category for each person.
Describe the relationship accurately
Identify the actual relationship and records rather than assuming every partner arrangement has the same immigration treatment. Where recognition is uncertain, obtain an assessment of the applicable rules and facts. Do not change a relationship label merely to fit a dependent category.
Distinguish spouse and child work rules
TD does not authorize employment, including remote work while physically in the United States. A qualifying E or L spouse may work incident to valid status with appropriate evidence; dependent children do not receive that spousal benefit. A family business role or shared ownership does not itself establish work permission.
Track eligibility beyond the relationship document
Children in the temporary dependent categories generally must be unmarried and under 21, and each person must maintain status. Study does not extend an admission period. Immigrant age-protection rules need individual assessment and do not freeze TD, E or L dependent age limits. Keep actual dates and intended activities distinct from a household’s preferred timetable.
Respect the order of immigrant entry
For an immigrant-visa family, the principal applicant must enter before or together with derivative family members. A preferred staggered move should be planned around that rule and each person’s actual documentation, not treated as an unrestricted choice of arrival order.
What else is on your mind?
Is a matching job title enough for TN?Can years of experience replace a degree for TN?Can my own U.S. company employ me under TN?Can my spouse work if I hold TN status?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.