Non-Canadian citizen family members of TN status holders must obtain a TD nonimmigrant visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to accompany or join the principle TN Professional in the U.S.

General Steps to Obtain a Non-Immigrant TD Visa

1. Non-Canadian citizen family members should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that serves their area to make an appointment for a TD visa. Note that procedures vary among U.S. embassies and consulates and waiting times can be long. Remember to ask what fees are required as they must be paid before your visa appointment.

2. Prepare all required documentation and forms. Generally, you will need:

(a) A Valid Passport that has an expiration date at least 6 months beyond the intended duration of the visit; the TD visa can be issued in non-Canadian passports.

(b) Form DS-156, fully completed and signed. In addition to the form DS-156, all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must submit a completed and signed form DS-157. Note that separate forms must be submitted for each applicant, even if applicants share a single passport.

(c) One Current (less than 6 months old) Photo of the applicant, 50mm x 50mm (2 inches x 2 inches), full face, without head covering, against a white background.

(d) Any appropriate supporting documents, including evidence establishing eligibility for TD derivative status such as proof of marriage to the TN Professional and birth certificates for children.

(e) Proof of payment of TD visa application fees.

3. Submit all application materials to the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate. The TD visa application will be reviewed by consular officers. The issuance of the TD visa may take a few weeks.

4. Additional reviews may be required for security concerns. These additional steps such as further interviews, registration and fingerprinting can add 4-6 weeks to the processing of the visa application.