Read the general life across the border overview
A household may plan to divide paid work around a part-time professional assignment. The principal’s schedule does not determine a spouse’s employment permission.
Identify the actual category and activities
TD does not authorize employment, including remote work performed 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. The household’s preferred division of income does not change these rules.
Keep time available separate from permission
Hypothetical example: a spouse plans to work during hours when the principal is free. A workable family schedule is not an immigration authorization. Assess the spouse’s actual status and proposed activity before relying on employment, including work for a family business.
Track study and individual status conditions
Study while maintaining qualifying TD, E or L status does not extend authorized stay. Children generally must remain unmarried and under 21 in these temporary dependent categories. Immigrant age protection requires individual assessment and does not freeze the temporary dependent age limit. Keep each person’s dates and records visible.
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.