Read the general life across the border overview
A Stony Plain household may want the principal to begin an assignment while the spouse and child finish commitments in Canada. Make a person-by-person plan rather than assuming that one approval determines every later arrival.
Record the category and activity for each person
Eligible temporary dependents generally include a spouse and unmarried children under 21. TD allows study while maintained but not employment; qualifying E and L spouses may work incident to valid status with appropriate evidence, while children do not receive that spouse authorization. School enrolment does not extend status, and immigrant CSPA does not extend temporary dependent eligibility.
Prepare for the actual arrival
Identify each person’s passport, applicable visa or exemption, relationship evidence and proposed entry date through the appropriate process. The principal’s employer letter is not every relative’s admission record. After arrival, check individual classifications and authorized periods before work or study plans depend on them. A delayed move does not automatically create extra time.
Keep immigrant travel rules distinct
For immigrant-visa derivatives, the principal must enter first or together with them. An EB-5 petition or Gold Card payment does not itself establish residence or work permission. Assess any child-age protection from the actual classification and case dates. Do not infer that a school term or prepaid flight guarantees the family can finish the process together.
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: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.
- Department of State — TN professional workers
- Department of State — 9 FAM 402.17
- USTR — USMCA Chapter 16 Appendix 2
- USCIS — fee schedule
- ICE — nonimmigrant classes that may study
- TN qualification and procedure regulation
- USCIS — L classification documentation and evidence
- Department of State — 9 FAM 402.12
- USCIS — employment authorization for certain spouses
- L definitions, foreign employment and new-office evidence
- Department of State — treaty investors
- Department of State — 9 FAM 402.9
- USCIS — EB-5 investor program
- USCIS — business and investment visa overview
- USCIS — Child Status Protection Act
- Department of State — Visa Bulletin
- Current EB5 capital statute; not obsolete regulatory thresholds
- Direct qualifying employees and full-time positions
- Official U.S. government Gold Card FAQ