Read the general life across the border overview
An employer may extend relocation assistance or change its family benefits after the principal’s role changes. Those private arrangements do not determine a spouse’s work permission, a child’s age eligibility or anyone’s admission period.
Read each temporary dependent’s current record
A qualifying spouse or unmarried child under 21 may fit the relevant temporary dependent category. TD does not authorize work, including services performed from the United States for a foreign employer. Qualifying E and L spouses may work incident to valid status with appropriate evidence; an EAD is not universally required. Children do not receive that spousal benefit.
Do not let a school or housing extension replace the status dates
Study may be permitted while maintaining the applicable TD, E or L status, but enrollment does not extend it or freeze the temporary dependent age limit. A housing allowance has the same limitation: it is a private benefit, not permission to remain. Review the actual person’s proposed activities and status before relying on the employer’s revised package.
Use the correct family rules for investor residence
Eligible EB-5 derivatives need no extra principal investment merely to accompany; any CSPA protection depends on the actual dates and visa availability. For immigrant entry, the principal arrives before or together with derivative family. Gold Card states US$15,000 nonrefundable processing and a US$1 million gift for each eligible joining spouse or unmarried child under 21, including corporate cases; initial inclusion is recommended. A revised benefits roster cannot waive those individual conditions.
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: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.