United States•North AmericaTD — Dependent of TN
At a Glance
0 days – 6 months
Varies by processing route
USD $605–$655
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in United States
Overview
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a TN visa holder. Cannot work in the U.S.
The TD is a US derivative status for the spouse or unmarried children (under 21) of TN (USMCA professional) visa holders. Dependents of any nationality qualify — not just Canadians or Mexicans. No annual cap, no petition required, and no employment authorization is granted.
Stay is tied to the TN principal, up to 3 years, renewable in 3-year increments. Canadians obtain TD status same-day at a port of entry; others apply at a US consulate with DS-160 and a $185 MRV fee. In-US extensions require Form I-539. Status expires automatically when the TN principal's authorization ends.
This visa is ideal for spouses and minor children of Canadian or Mexican TN professionals who need to live and study in the US without working.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| Port of Entry (Canadian nationals) | 0–1 days |
| Consular (Mexican / non-Canadian nationals) | 1–3 weeks |
| I-539 (in-US extension/change of status) | 2–6 months |
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be legally married spouse or unmarried child under age 21 of a valid TN status holder
TN principal must maintain active, valid TN status
Any nationality qualifying (not limited to Canadian or Mexican citizens)
TN principal must demonstrate ability to financially support dependents
Valid passport (6+ months beyond intended stay)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Proof of relationship: marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child)
Copy of TN holder's current Form I-94
TN holder's employment verification letter or recent pay stubs
DS-160 confirmation page and MRV fee receipt (consular applicants only)
Certified English translations of all non-English documents
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No annual cap or lottery — available year-round without quota limits
- Canadians can obtain TD status same-day at a US port of entry with no visa stamp required
- Renewable indefinitely in up to 3-year increments as long as TN principal maintains status
- Available to dependents of any nationality, not limited to Canadian or Mexican citizens
- No employer petition required — simpler process than many work-derivative visas
- Study permitted incidental to TD status
Worth Knowing
- No work authorization — TD holders cannot accept any US employment including remote work
- No dual intent protection — active immigrant petitions risk denial of admission or re-entry
- Status automatically expires when the TN principal's status expires or terminates
- To work legally, TD holders must independently qualify for a separate work-authorizing status (e.g., H-1B, O-1)
- I-539 processing while in the US can take 2–6 months
- Non-Canadian/non-Mexican nationals must obtain TD visa stamp at consulate before entry
Application Process
Canadian-citizen dependents
Present documents at US port of entry alongside or following the TN holder
Mexican nationals / non-Canadians
Complete Form DS-160 online and pay $185 MRV fee
Schedule and attend consular interview at US embassy or consulate
Present relationship documents and proof of TN holder's valid status
For in-US extensions
File Form I-539 (with I-539A for co-applicants) with USCIS and pay filing fee
Receive Form I-94 upon approval at port of entry or USCIS approval notice
Application Forms
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-539A Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
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