TD Visa: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

TD Visa – The TD visa is a special visa for family members of TN visa holders. The TN visa allows certain professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States. If a person has a TN visa, their spouse and children under 21 can apply for a TD visa to stay with them in the U.S. However, TD visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S., but they can study. The application process is different for Canadians and Mexicans, with Canadian citizens having a simpler process at the border, while Mexican citizens need to apply at a U.S. embassy. The TD visa allows families to stay together while the TN visa holder works in the U.S. It is important to follow all visa rules and apply for extensions when needed to maintain legal status. Understanding the TD visa process helps families plan their stay in the United States smoothly.

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TD Visa Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a TD visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

Relationship to TN Visa Holder: The applicant must be the legal spouse or an unmarried child under the age of 21 of a TN visa holder.
Nationality: While the TN visa holder must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico, dependents applying for the TD visa can be citizens of other countries.
Intent: Applicants must demonstrate a nonimmigrant intent, indicating that their stay in the U.S. is temporary and they do not intend to immigrate permanently.

TD Visa Application Process

The application process for a TD visa varies depending on whether the applicant is a Canadian or Mexican citizen.

For Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens are generally exempt from visa requirements for entering the U.S. Therefore, they do not need to obtain a TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Instead, they can apply for TD status directly at a U.S. port of entry. The following documents are typically required:

Proof of Canadian Citizenship: A valid passport or other acceptable documentation.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates for children.
TN Visa Holder’s Documentation: A copy of the TN visa holder’s I-94 arrival/departure record, employment letter, or a copy of their TN visa approval notice.

For Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens are required to obtain a TD visa prior to entering the United States. The application process involves:

Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and print the confirmation page.
Pay the Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which is currently $185.
Schedule an Interview: Arrange an appointment for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Gather the following documents:

Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates for children.
TN Visa Holder’s Documentation: A copy of the TN visa holder’s I-94 record, employment letter, or visa approval notice.
DS-160 Confirmation Page: Proof of completed application.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment.
Attend the Interview: Present the prepared documentation and answer any questions posed by the consular officer.

Also Read – Employer Immigration Sponsorship for Workers

Rights and Limitations of TD Visa Holders

While the TD visa allows dependents to accompany the TN visa holder, there are specific rights and restrictions associated with this status:

Employment: TD visa holders are not permitted to engage in employment in the United States. They are ineligible to apply for employment authorization.
Education: TD dependents are allowed to enroll in academic studies, either full-time or part-time. This includes primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.
Duration of Stay: The TD status is typically granted for the same period as the TN visa holder’s authorized stay. Extensions can be requested concurrently with the TN visa holder’s extension applications.
Change of Status: TD visa holders wishing to work may seek a change of status to an appropriate work visa category, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Extension and Maintenance of Status

To maintain TD status, dependents must adhere to the following:

Ensure that their stay does not exceed the authorized period.
File for extensions of stay before the current status expires. This is typically done using Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Abide by all U.S. laws and immigration regulations, including refraining from unauthorized employment.

Conclusion

The TD visa is a helpful option for family members of TN visa holders to stay together in the U.S. It allows spouses and children to live in the country while the TN visa holder works. Although TD visa holders cannot work, they can study. The application process is straightforward for Canadians and slightly more complex for Mexicans. Keeping track of visa expiration dates and applying for extensions on time is important to maintain legal status. By understanding the rules and requirements, families can enjoy a smooth stay in the U.S. while supporting their loved ones working under a TN visa.