Can I get a work permit under CUSMA if I'm an American or Mexican professional?
Yes. The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which replaced NAFTA, includes provisions that allow citizens of the United States and Mexico to seek temporary entry to Canada as professionals without needing an LMIA. This is a federal program, and the same rules apply whether you plan to work in Ontario or any other province.
To qualify, you must be a citizen of a CUSMA party (not just a permanent resident), you must be seeking entry to practice in a listed professional occupation, and you must have a job offer or service contract with a Canadian employer. The list of qualifying professional categories is set out in CUSMA's annexes and includes engineers, accountants, lawyers, scientists, computer systems analysts, and many others — each with specific educational or credential requirements.
The application is typically made at a port of entry, though it can also be made at a Canadian visa office. Border officers have discretion to approve or deny entry, so bringing clear documentation of your credentials, the job offer, and your citizenship is critical.
CUSMA permits are employer-specific and time-limited.
Key takeaways
- US and Mexican citizens may qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits under CUSMA.
- You must work in a listed professional occupation with defined credential requirements.
- Applications are commonly made at a port of entry with supporting documentation.
- CUSMA permits are employer-specific and have a fixed duration.