Read the general life across the border overview
A family business proposal can obscure who actually expects to work. Write a person-by-person activity list instead of assuming the principal’s company authority extends to every relative.
Assign company tasks to named people
Use the business’s proposed division of work as a starting point: who will issue invoices, answer customers or assist during a school break? Name the person beside each task and record the physical work location, relationship, age and intended status. A shared ownership interest does not itself authorize the activity. Where a company chart calls someone family support, obtain a concrete description rather than assuming an informal label keeps ordinary business tasks outside employment review.
Apply the dependent permission accurately
TD does not authorize employment, including remote work performed while physically in the United States. Qualifying E and L spouses may be employment-authorized incident to status with appropriate documentation; an EAD is not universally required. Children do not gain employment permission solely through dependent status. TD, E and L dependents may study while maintaining the applicable status, but study does not extend that status. For TD, E and L child-dependent status, the child must be unmarried and under 21; immigrant CSPA protection does not extend those temporary child-dependent age limits.
Keep corporate records and family documents linked but distinct
A chart can identify proposed responsibilities, while passports and relationship records identify the people. Link them accurately without using a corporate title as proof of derivative eligibility. Read each person’s admission dates separately. If an immigrant route is contemplated, assess relationships, individual dates and visa availability, including CSPA where applicable; filing alone does not freeze age. Flag a mismatch for resolution before placing the relative on the work schedule, rather than altering the family record to fit the business plan.
Respect the order of immigrant entry
For an immigrant-visa family, the principal applicant must enter before or together with derivative family members. A preferred staggered move should be planned around that rule and each person’s actual documentation, not treated as an unrestricted choice of arrival order.
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.