Read the general life across the border overview
A relative may provide financial support without being eligible to immigrate through the applicant’s case. Keep the funding record separate from the household’s relationship, age and status assessment.
Create two lists with different purposes
Hypothetical example: a parent gives investment funds while the principal hopes to relocate with a spouse and children. The donor belongs in the source-of-funds history; that financial role does not make the parent a derivative. Record the actual proposed applicants, relationship documents, birth dates and marital status without equating financial dependence with immigration eligibility.
Check the activity permitted by each status
TD does not authorize work, including remote employment physically performed in the United States. Qualifying E and L spouses have employment authorization incident to valid qualifying spousal status with appropriate evidence; dependent children do not receive that benefit. Temporary dependent children ordinarily must be unmarried and under 21, and study does not extend those limits.
Treat immigrant timing separately
An eligible immigrant derivative spouse or child follows the applicable family rules, with any child-age protection assessed on the actual case and procedural dates. It is not a universal extension of temporary child status. Derivatives entering on immigrant visas cannot precede the principal. A parent or adult sibling needing another route should have an individual assessment before the household makes shared commitments.
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.