Read the general life across the border overview
One spouse has an offer and expects to apply for TN. The other does not want to move without the ability to work and is asking whether a TN of their own is possible. That is a second, independent assessment — their citizenship, their profession, their credentials, their U.S. employer — and not a share of the first applicant's qualification.
Assess the second person on their own facts
A TN rests on the individual's Canadian or Mexican citizenship, a profession on the listed set, the credentials that profession specifically requires, prearranged professional employment with a U.S. employer, and genuinely temporary entry. None of these transfer from a spouse. Prepare a separate record for that person: passport, degree or licence, the offer or engagement letter, and a plain description of the duties. Hypothetical example: a couple in Brossard both hold Canadian citizenship, but only one holds a degree in a field matching a listed profession. Each application is decided on its own documents, so build two files rather than one with an appendix.
Keep TD limits distinct from what E and L spouses may do
TD status covers a spouse and unmarried children under 21, permits study, and does not authorize employment. An unmarried partner is not qualified merely by living together. Do not import what you have read about other categories: qualifying E and L dependent spouses are employment-authorized incident to their valid status, with proper I-94 evidence, and children are not covered by that same rule. Whether a particular unpaid activity is compatible with TD is a specific question to raise about that specific activity, rather than something a blanket assumption about volunteering settles.
Watch who would own the U.S. employer
If the second spouse's U.S. work would be for a company they own or would help start, raise it at the outset. Self-employment is a problem for TN, and the concern reaches sole ownership and controlling ownership of the U.S. entity receiving the services — control can exist below a majority stake, and adding a supervisor or a board does not cure it. Record actual ownership percentages, voting rights and who can direct the entity. Also list the start dates each person is hoping for, since two applications may be decided on different days and housing or school commitments should not assume a single outcome.
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.