Read the general life across the border overview
Household planning should reflect the relationship that the applicable U.S. category recognizes. Living together does not by itself make a partner a qualifying dependent spouse. Establish each person’s proposed status and activities before building commitments around a shared departure.
Document the relationship without changing its description
Hypothetical example: partners have shared a home for years, but the relocation form simply lists spouse. Record whether they are legally married and provide the actual civil documents. Ask how the applicable category treats their facts rather than using a benefits-plan label as proof of immigration eligibility. A common-law union requires legal recognition as a valid marriage under the applicable law; simply living together or using a workplace-benefits label is insufficient.
Connect employment plans to the status actually available
TD is for qualifying spouses and unmarried children under 21 of a TN principal; it permits study but not employment. Qualifying E and L dependent spouses have employment authorization incident to valid status with appropriate I-94 evidence. These rules do not create dependent eligibility for a partner whose relationship does not qualify. An independent work route requires its own assessment.
Keep the moving plan reversible while questions remain
List leases, resignations, school dates and insurance arrangements alongside the decision each depends on. Identify whether one person would travel first and what legal basis the other would use. A travel booking or anticipated marriage date is not an approved immigration benefit. Update the facts if the relationship or intended activity changes instead of treating the initial household plan as fixed.
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.