Who can get TD status
TD is for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a TN professional. Family members usually apply at the same time and place as the TN applicant, and their TD status generally runs for the same period.
Can a TD spouse work?
No. TD status doesn’t authorize employment in the United States. This is the rule that catches families by surprise, so plan for it. A spouse who wants to work needs their own work authorization, for example their own TN if they’re a Canadian professional with a U.S. job offer.
Can TD family members study?
Yes. TD spouses and children may study in the United States.
What to bring
- A valid passport for each person.
- Proof of the relationship: a marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificates naming you as the parent for children.
- A copy of the TN applicant’s documents (letter and I-94) if they travel separately.
Family members who aren’t Canadian
A spouse or child who isn’t a Canadian citizen may need a TD visa from a U.S. consulate before travelling, unless they’re from a visa-exempt country. Check the U.S. State Department’s guidance for their nationality.
Fees
There’s no TN fee for TD family members under the regulation. At land crossings, the I-94 fee (US$30 per person since September 30, 2025) applies to each person issued an I-94.
Add your family to your packet
Tell the builder who’s coming and your PDF guide adds their documents and a TD section.
Common questions
Can a TD spouse get a work permit?
TD status doesn’t authorize employment, and there’s no TD work permit. A spouse would need their own work status.
Can children on TD attend school?
Yes. TD children may attend school in the U.S.
Does TD status end when TN ends?
TD depends on the TN professional’s status, so it generally ends at the same time.
Will TNPath tell me whether I qualify?
No. TNPath is a document-assembly tool. It organizes the facts you provide into templates and gives general information. It doesn’t make eligibility determinations or recommend case-specific strategy. Only U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether to admit you.
Sources
- 8 CFR 214.6: Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking TN status (Cornell LII)
- U.S. Department of State: Visas for Canadian and Mexican USMCA professional workers
- CBP Help: I-94 payment process
Last reviewed September 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with official sources before you travel.