The spouse needs appropriate authorization for the actual US work. A franchise agreement or family relationship does not supply it.
Review the proposed activity independently
Qualifying E spouses may work incident to appropriate status with required evidence. Pending applications and unpaid preparation do not automatically authorize operating a location.
Dependent eligibility rests on a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21; living together or sharing finances does not substitute for the legal relationship. Separate the household's three exposures: the date the business can trade, the date the family must commit to or vacate housing, and the dates on which each person's status permits what. Where a spouse or an adult child is expected to work in the business, identify the status each of them will actually hold and what it authorizes, then check the document issued to that person rather than the plan discussed at home. Confirm relationship records, nationality questions where relevant, anticipated entry dates, and whether any family member expects to perform operational work. A visa's validity period and the admission period recorded on arrival are separate, and school registration, a lease and a spouse's employment plans should be built on the second. Eligible family members retain their own immigration requirements; E dependent children are not authorized to work by that status, and matching family approval dates are not guaranteed.