Read the general life across the border overview
A family may plan to share work, study and business responsibilities in the United States. Identify who will perform each activity and which actual status could permit it rather than relying on the principal’s plan for everyone.
Allocate the proposed activities to real people
Temporary dependents generally need to be a qualifying spouse or unmarried child under 21. TD gives no employment authorization, including remote work performed in the United States for a foreign employer. A qualifying E or L spouse may work incident to valid status with appropriate evidence; an EAD is not universally required. Children do not receive that spousal benefit.
Do not use a shared timetable as proof of permission
Each person’s actual status period matters. Study may be permitted while maintaining the applicable TD, E or L status, but enrollment does not extend it or freeze a temporary dependent age limit. A principal’s project extension or a spouse’s private work offer likewise does not update the household’s immigration records automatically.
Separate derivative residence from Gold Card family payments
Eligible EB-5 derivatives do not need an additional principal investment merely to accompany; CSPA protection depends on the actual dates and visa availability. For immigrant entry, the principal arrives before or with derivative family members. 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 joint household budget cannot erase those different rules.
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.