Read the general life across the border overview
A household from Calixa-Lavallée may want to visit the United States before deciding on a move. Keep that visit distinct from a later work or dependent-status plan. The intended activities and each person’s actual admission matter more than calling a trip an informal trial. A useful first review produces a person-by-person activity chart: visitor activity, principal work, spouse’s intended work or study, each child’s age and the admission record needed for each plan. No family member should begin employment from a visitor admission. Hypothetical example: a bassoon-reed maker plans a U.S. visit with a spouse who expects to accept paid workshop work and a 20-year-old child considering a college programme. The decision is which status may support each activity; a short visit, a TD category and an E or L derivative category have different consequences, and the I-94 records settle what was actually granted.
Explain what each person intends to do
Identify sightseeing, meetings, school enquiries or proposed work accurately and have the appropriate entry category assessed. Do not assume every activity is allowed because the visit is brief or the household is paid in Canada. A job start needs its own authorization analysis. Write down the purpose of the trip before travel and distinguish observation, meetings, enrollment enquiries, paid services and a job start. The same family trip can include activities requiring different analysis. If an employer expects productive work, identify the authorization required before scheduling it rather than assuming payment from Canada changes the answer.
Distinguish the later dependent categories
A qualifying spouse or unmarried child under 21 may be eligible for the applicable TD, E or L derivative category. TD can permit study while status is maintained but does not permit employment. An E/L spouse’s work benefit depends on their own qualifying valid status and evidence; it is not a benefit shared by unmarried dependent children under 21. Match each intended activity to the actual derivative status and supporting documents. TD may permit study but does not authorize employment; a qualifying E or L spouse’s work benefit depends on that spouse’s valid status and evidence. Children do not inherit a spouse’s work permission, so age, marital status and independent work plans must be reviewed separately.
Check the record after admission
Review each person’s admission classification and authorized period, including the appropriate spouse-specific I-94 where relevant to E/L work permission. A principal’s application does not automatically change relatives’ existing admission. Resolve questions before relying on a family member’s expected future category. Save a copy of each I-94 and check its classification, expiration and any spouse-specific annotation immediately after admission. Do not infer a relative’s status from the principal’s record. The decision to enroll, accept work or remain after a date should be made from the record actually issued, with questions resolved before the planned activity begins.
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.