That depends on the present authorization and the effective result of the chosen procedure. Obtain a specific transition plan before filing or travelling. Do not infer continued employment permission merely because an application is pending or an old card remains unexpired.
Confirm the effective transition
Record the event that changes status and what the spouse may do immediately afterward. Share the relevant work instructions with the employer when appropriate. Recheck the actual decision and status record before acting on a plan drafted while the outcome was uncertain.
TN requires the professional activity to be prearranged, and official guidance permits that fact to be shown by a detailed employment letter or a contract stating the activities, purpose, anticipated stay, qualifications and remuneration. Before submission or travel, reconcile the final passport with the letter, degree and any name-link documents, and confirm that the document will be valid for the request. Recheck the classification rather than assuming only the numbers changed: TN requires a Canadian or Mexican citizen performing prearranged work in a listed USMCA profession, with that profession’s own qualifications and no self-employment. For a Canadian, a fresh port-of-entry presentation may be appropriate, or an employer may use Form I-129; neither permits altered work before authorization. Preserve the final offer and any change analysis so the work start rests on the correct authorization.