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TD — Dependent of TN
VisasUnited StatesTD — Dependent of TN
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

TD — Dependent of TN

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

0 days – 6 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

$605–$655 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
Full Country Guide

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.

United States

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Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

MRV visa application fee (consular applicants)$185 USD
I-539 filing fee (online, in-US extension/change of status)$420 USD
I-539 filing fee (paper)$470 USD
optional
Total$605–$655 USD

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 grant3 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

1

Canadian-citizen dependents: Present documents at US port of entry alongside or following the TN holder

2

Mexican nationals / non-Canadians: Complete Form DS-160 online and pay $185 MRV fee

3

Schedule and attend consular interview at US embassy or consulate

4

Present relationship documents and proof of TN holder's valid status

5

For in-US extensions: File Form I-539 (with I-539A for co-applicants) with USCIS and pay filing fee

6

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

Verified Claims (37)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026
Application Steps
Canadian-citizen dependents: Present documents at US port of entry alongside or following the TN hol…
travel.state.gov
Blockers
—
travel.state.gov
Can Convert To
—
travel.state.gov
Categories
family
travel.state.gov
Code
us-td
travel.state.gov
Criminal Policy
Standard US inadmissibility grounds apply (INA §212). Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offense…
travel.state.gov
Dual Intent
false
travel.state.gov
Fee Breakdown
MRV visa application fee (consular applicants): 185 USD; I-539 filing fee (online, in-US extension/c…
travel.state.gov
Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
Full Country Guide

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