Key Takeaways
• TD visa allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 of TN visa holders to live and study in the U.S.
• Canadian dependents apply for TD status at U.S. border; Mexican dependents must obtain TD visas at consulates.
• TD visa holders cannot work; they must obtain their own work visa to do so.
The TN visa program is a key pathway for professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Many TN visa holders want to bring their families with them, so it’s important to understand the rules and procedures for spouses and children. This guide explains who qualifies, what documents are needed, how to apply, and what rights and restrictions apply to family members of TN visa holders. It also covers practical issues, real-life scenarios, and official resources to help families plan their move and stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Is the TN Visa and Who Can Use It?
The TN visa is a special work visa for certain professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽. It was first created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and is now part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The TN visa lets people in specific jobs—like engineers, teachers, scientists, and accountants—work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a U.S. employer.
But what about their families? The U.S. government created the TD visa for the spouses and children of TN visa holders. This allows families to stay together while the main visa holder works in the United States 🇺🇸.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent for the TD Visa?
Spouses and children of TN visa holders may qualify for the TD visa. The rules are clear:
- Spouses: Only legally married partners are eligible. Common-law partners or fiancés do not qualify.
- Children: Only unmarried children under the age of 21 can get TD status. Once a child turns 21 or gets married, they are no longer eligible for the TD visa.
To qualify, the family member must show a real, legal relationship to the TN visa holder. This usually means providing marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children.
What Rights Do TD Visa Holders Have?
TD visa holders have some important rights, but also some limits:
- They can live in the United States 🇺🇸 for as long as the TN visa holder’s status is valid.
- They can study at schools, colleges, or universities in the United States 🇺🇸.
- They cannot work in the United States 🇺🇸. This is a strict rule. If a TD visa holder wants to work, they must qualify for their own work visa.
Key Point: The TD visa is only for living and studying—not for working.
How Long Can Spouses and Children Stay?
The length of stay for TD visa holders matches the TN visa holder’s stay. If the TN visa is valid for three years, the TD visa is also valid for three years. If the TN visa is extended, the TD visa can be extended too.
If the TN visa holder loses their job or their visa expires, the TD status for spouses and children also ends. Families should always keep track of visa expiration dates and plan ahead for renewals.
Step-by-Step Application Process for TD Visas
The process for getting a TD visa depends on whether the family is from Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. Here’s a breakdown for each:
For Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens have a simpler process:
- No visa needed in advance: Canadian spouses and children do not need to apply for a TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.
- Apply at the border: When entering the United States 🇺🇸, family members can ask for TD status at the port of entry (like an airport or land border).
- Documents to bring:
- Valid, unexpired passport for each family member.
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children).
- Proof of the TN visa holder’s status (such as a copy of the TN approval notice or employment letter).
- For children under 16 entering by land or sea, a birth certificate or Canadian Citizenship Card can be used instead of a passport.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review the documents and, if everything is in order, grant TD status on the spot.
For Mexican Citizens
Mexican citizens must follow a different process:
- Apply for a TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽 before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Documents to prepare:
- Valid, unexpired passport for each family member.
- Proof of relationship to the TN visa holder (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Proof of the TN visa holder’s status (such as a copy of the TN visa or approval notice).
- Attend a visa interview: Each applicant must go to the U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview.
- Receive the TD visa: If approved, the TD visa is placed in the passport. Family members can then travel to the United States 🇺🇸 and request entry as TD dependents.
Important: Mexican citizens cannot get TD status at the border without first getting a TD visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Inside the United States: Changing or Extending Status
If the TN visa holder is already in the United States 🇺🇸 and wants to bring family members or extend their stay, they can file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form used for this is Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
- Extension: If the TN visa holder applies to extend their stay, eligible TD family members can apply for an extension at the same time.
- Change of status: If a family member is already in the United States 🇺🇸 on a different visa, they can apply to change to TD status using Form I-539.
What Documents Are Needed?
Whether applying at the border, at a consulate, or through USCIS, families should prepare:
- Passports: Valid for all family members.
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children.
- Proof of TN status: Copy of the TN visa holder’s approval notice, visa, or employment letter.
- Form I-539: If applying inside the United States 🇺🇸, use Form I-539.
Tip: Always bring original documents and clear copies. If documents are not in English, include a certified translation.
What Happens If the TN Visa Holder Extends or Changes Jobs?
If the TN visa holder extends their stay, the TD visa holders can also extend their status. This is done by filing Form I-539 for each dependent.
If the TN visa holder changes jobs and gets a new TN visa, the family’s TD status must be updated to match the new job and visa period.
If a Mexican TD dependent travels outside the United States 🇺🇸 after an extension, they must apply for a new TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning.
What Are the Main Restrictions for TD Visa Holders?
- No work allowed: TD visa holders cannot work in the United States 🇺🇸. This includes both paid and unpaid work.
- Study is allowed: TD visa holders can attend school, college, or university.
- No Social Security Number (SSN): Since TD visa holders cannot work, they are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
If a TD visa holder wants to work, they must qualify for their own work visa, such as the TN visa (if eligible), H-1B, or another category.
Real-World Example: The Garcia Family
Let’s look at a real-life scenario:
- Mr. Garcia is a Mexican engineer who gets a TN visa to work in Texas.
- His wife and 15-year-old daughter want to join him.
- They apply for TD visas at the U.S. consulate in Monterrey, Mexico 🇲🇽, bringing their passports, marriage certificate, and daughter’s birth certificate.
- After the interview, they receive TD visas and travel to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Mrs. Garcia cannot work, but she enrolls in an English language class. Their daughter attends high school.
- When Mr. Garcia’s TN visa is extended, the family files Form I-539 to extend their TD status.
- Later, Mrs. Garcia wants to work. She applies for her own TN visa as a qualified accountant. Once approved, she switches from TD to TN status.
This example shows how the process works and what options are available for family members.
Practical Implications for Families
The TD visa program helps keep families together, but it also brings challenges:
- Family unity: Spouses and children can live with the TN visa holder in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Education: Children and spouses can study, which is helpful for personal growth and future opportunities.
- Financial impact: Since TD visa holders cannot work, families may have to rely on the TN visa holder’s income alone. This can be difficult, especially in expensive cities.
- Frequent renewals: Families must keep track of visa expiration dates and renew on time to avoid losing status.
- Aging out: Children lose TD status when they turn 21 or get married. They must find another visa option if they want to stay.
How Does the TD Visa Compare to Other Dependent Visas?
The TD visa is similar to other dependent visas, like the H-4 (for H-1B workers) or L-2 (for L-1 workers), but there are some key differences:
- Work rights: H-4 and L-2 spouses can sometimes get work permits, but TD spouses cannot work at all.
- Study rights: All these visas allow dependents to study.
- Length of stay: All dependent visas are tied to the main visa holder’s status.
Families should consider these differences when planning their move.
What Happens If the TN Visa Holder Loses Their Job?
If the TN visa holder loses their job or their visa expires, the TD status for spouses and children also ends. There is no grace period for TD visa holders. Families must leave the United States 🇺🇸 or change to another legal status.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check official government websites:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): www.uscis.gov – Information on TN and TD visas, forms, and instructions.
- U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov – Guidance on visa applications and requirements.
If you have questions or face problems, you can contact USCIS or speak with an immigration attorney who knows about TN and TD visas.
Expert Advice and Common Questions
Immigration attorneys stress the importance of keeping all documents up to date and following the rules closely. Mistakes or missing paperwork can cause delays or denials.
Government officials remind families to keep proof of their relationship and to never work without the right visa.
Families often ask about work options for spouses. Unfortunately, the only way for a TD spouse to work is to qualify for their own work visa.
Future Outlook
As of June 2025, there are no announced changes to the TN or TD visa rules. However, immigration policies can change, so it’s smart to check official sources regularly.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of TN visa holders can get TD status to live and study in the United States 🇺🇸.
- TD visa holders cannot work in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Canadian citizens can apply for TD status at the border; Mexican citizens must get a TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Keep all documents ready: Passports, marriage and birth certificates, and proof of TN status.
- Renew on time: Track visa expiration dates and file extensions early.
- Check official resources: Visit USCIS.gov for forms and updates.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the TD visa program remains a vital support for families of TN visa holders, helping them stay together while facing some limits, especially on work rights. By following the rules and planning ahead, families can make the most of their time in the United States 🇺🇸.
If you’re planning to bring your spouse or children to the United States 🇺🇸 on a TN visa, start gathering your documents early, review the latest requirements on USCIS.gov, and consider speaking with an immigration attorney for personalized advice. This will help ensure a smooth process and a successful stay for your whole family.
Learn Today
TN Visa → A nonimmigrant work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA to work in the United States.
TD Visa → Dependent visa for spouses and children of TN visa holders, allowing residence and study but no employment.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, replacing NAFTA, governing trade and visa programs like the TN visa.
Form I-539 → USCIS application form used to extend or change nonimmigrant status for dependents inside the U.S.
Port of Entry → Official location where travelers can request admission into the United States by border or airport officials.
This Article in a Nutshell
The TD visa supports families of Canadian and Mexican TN visa workers by allowing spouses and children to live and study in the U.S. However, TD holders cannot work and must follow specific application procedures depending on citizenship.
— By VisaVerge.com
