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MCBRIDE · PLANNING GUIDE

McBride citizenship guide: a joint plan can involve different route eligibility

USAvisa field guide · 2 minute readReviewed 7 September 2026

Read the general eligibility basics overview

THE SHORT ANSWER

Two people considering a U.S. move may hold different citizenships, credentials or employment histories. Identify each actual applicant rather than treating the household or team as one nationality profile.

01

Establish citizenship individually for TN

Canadian permanent residence is not Canadian citizenship. TN requires Canadian or Mexican citizenship, a listed profession, prescribed qualifications and qualifying temporary work. A teammate’s passport or shared Canadian address cannot replace the individual nationality requirement.

02

Keep other routes tied to the genuine person and arrangement

E-2 depends on relevant treaty nationality and qualifying enterprise ownership, direction, capital and business conditions. L-1 examines related active businesses, the individual foreign employment and actual U.S. role. Do not combine one person’s qualifying year with another person’s directing rights to describe a fictional applicant.

03

Distinguish principal applicants from eligible dependents

A family member may have a different role in the immigration plan from a colleague or co-investor. Assess the genuine relationship, age and intended activities. Shared expenses or professional interests do not automatically create dependent eligibility or work permission.

SOURCE NOTES

Editorial source review: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.

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