International Mobility Program: Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

Overview of CUSMA (formerly called NAFTA) Work Permit

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) makes trading easier between these countries by helping business people work across borders more easily. This agreement helps North America work together better economically, offering new opportunities for you as a business person.

CUSMA removes big obstacles that made it hard for skilled people to move and work freely. It helps create a space where working together is easier.

Now, professionals, traders, and investors can work in other countries without dealing with the usual difficult processes.

General Requirements for CUSMA Applicants

As a CUSMA applicant, you must demonstrate capabilities in either executive or managerial capacity, or possess specialized knowledge important for your role.

Your qualifications define your eligibility; for instance, holding an executive position requires strategic decision-making skills, while a managerial role demands oversight of staff and projects.

If you’re applying based on specialized knowledge, it’s vital to provide evidence of expertise that’s unique and not commonly found within Canada.

Executive Capacity

To meet the executive capacity requirement for the CUSMA program, you must have a job that lets you make important decisions and oversee the company’s big plans. Your job isn’t just about having a high title; it’s about what you actually do. You must guide the company’s overall direction, choosing paths that determine its success. This involves understanding the business world well and handling tough challenges.

Your job should also involve a lot of oversight. This means you do more than daily tasks; you make sure the company’s big goals match what it actually does. You oversee everything, bringing different departments together to work as one.

You must prove these skills with examples of how you’ve helped your company grow strategically. Just being on the executive team isn’t enough. You need to show that you’re a key player in its direction. This shows you truly work in an executive capacity, as defined by CUSMA, making you fit for this special category.

Managerial Capacity

To understand managerial capacity within the CUSMA framework, you need to show you can lead teams and make important decisions. This role goes beyond handling tasks; it’s about guiding your team and shaping the daily work and long-term goals of the company. You should delegate tasks well, help your team work together, and make sure your area matches the company’s main goals.

Your resume must show clear examples of when you’ve managed teams, handled contracts, or led projects successfully. These examples should prove you can manage people and resources and that your work has helped your previous companies.

You also need to know about the cultures and laws of the countries in CUSMA. This understanding is important because it influences how business is done across borders. Being able to deal with these challenges smoothly will show you’re a strong leader who can innovate and adapt internationally.

Specialized Knowledge

Having specialized knowledge is key to qualifying for the CUSMA program. This knowledge must be unique and essential to your future Canadian employer’s business. You need to show that your skills aren’t common and are crucial for the employer.

To meet these requirements, explain clearly how your knowledge or skills are unique to your company or advanced in your field. You might talk about your work with special technologies, unique methods, or important management practices you handle. This knowledge should be hard for a local hire to replicate.

Include in your application supporting documents like patents, publications, or detailed project descriptions that prove the specialty of your knowledge. These documents will help show that your skills are needed in Canada to address a gap in the workforce, leading to growth and innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for CUSMA applicants differ for each category. You need to meet certain qualifications and job-related conditions. Here’s a simple guide:

Category	Key Requirement
Business Visitors	Must show they do not plan to work in Canada’s job market.
Intra-Company	Must work at a managerial or executive level, or have special knowledge.
Traders and Investors	Must show significant trade or investment between the countries involved.

Understanding these criteria is important. Each category has specific roles that help with economic relations between countries. Make sure your application meets these criteria and shows how you can help in international economic collaboration.

CUSMA Professionals

As a professional considering the CUSMA pathway, you’ll need to verify if your profession is on the list of eligible occupations, which ranges from medical and allied professionals to scientists, and teachers.

You must hold the necessary qualifications and certifications specific to your field to meet the stringent requirements set under this agreement.

It’s essential that your job offer in Canada aligns with your professional expertise and adheres to the standards outlined in CUSMA for cross-border employment.

List of Eligible Professions

To be eligible under the CUSMA Professionals category, your job must be on the list, which includes many professions from accountants to zoologists. This list helps with economic growth and new ideas in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The jobs on the list, like architects, engineers, lawyers, and scientists, show the wide range of skills that the agreement supports. Each job helps share skills and knowledge between the three countries.

To qualify, you must have the right credentials and meet the standards set in the agreement. This makes sure all CUSMA professionals are skilled and competent in their jobs.

Being on this list means you’re important in your profession and can work across borders to help create and share new ideas. It’s a chance to join a group of respected professionals who are helping shape the future of North America.

Medical/Allied Professional

Medical and allied professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists, need the right qualifications and certifications to work under the CUSMA Professionals category in Canada. When you want to work in Canada, these requirements are important to ensure you can provide safe and effective care.

For example, nurses must get a license from the local health authority in the area they want to work. This usually involves passing a test that checks their knowledge and skills based on Canadian health standards.

Doctors often need to show their medical degree and might have to go through an assessment or residency, depending on their specialty and the area’s rules.

These rules help keep the public safe and recognize your professional experience. By meeting these standards, you follow the law and join a respected group of healthcare workers in Canada.

This helps you fit in and earn respect in the healthcare community, benefiting both you and the people you serve.

Scientist

Scientists who want to work in Canada under the CUSMA Professionals category need to meet some important requirements. These requirements show that you are skilled and have made contributions to your field.

Here’s what you need to have:

Requirement	Description
Academic Credentials	You must have an advanced degree in your science area
Professional Experience	You need at least a few years of experience in a science job
Job Offer	You need a job offer from a Canadian company in science
License/Certification	If needed, you must have the right certification or license

To get a job in Canada, you must show that you are qualified and can help improve the Canadian scientific community. The job offer is very important and must be in your field. This helps you grow in your career and helps Canada be a place known for science.

Teacher

If you want to teach in Canada under the CUSMA Professionals category, you need to meet some important rules to show you’re ready and qualified.

• Professional Certification: You must have a valid teaching certificate from your home country that Canadian schools accept. This shows you meet Canada’s high standards for teachers.
• Educational Background: You should have at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related area. It’s good to have extra training in special teaching methods or subjects too.
• Job Offer: You need a job offer from a Canadian school. The offer should explain your teaching role, what subjects you’ll teach, and the details of your job.

Documentation Requirements

To apply for the CUSMA program, you need to give specific documents that prove you qualify. Make sure to collect and send the right forms to avoid delays. You must show a valid passport, proof of citizenship, and documents that confirm your skills and job role.

If you’re a professional, you need to have valid licenses or certifications for your job. These show you meet the job standards under CUSMA. If you work for a company and are moving within the company, you need to show you have a managerial or specialized job. This shows how important you’re to your company’s work across borders.

You also need to include a job offer from the Canadian company you’ll work for. This offer should list your job duties and how your work benefits the company in Canada.

Every document helps build your CUSMA application. Make sure your papers are complete and correct to help the process go smoothly and join a community that supports international cooperation and growth.

Business Visitors

As you explore the criteria for business visitors under the CUSMA, it’s essential to understand that your activities mustn’t only be international in scope but also mustn’t impact the Canadian labor market directly.

You’ll need to provide proof that your primary source of income and business operations remain outside Canada. Additionally, understanding the specific categories of permissible business activities, including after-sales service, can help you navigate compliance effectively.

Requirements for Business Visitors

Business visitors under the CUSMA program need to follow certain rules to enter Canada temporarily for work. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Citizenship and Company Affiliation: You must be a citizen of the United States or Mexico and work for a company in one of these countries. This ensures the work benefits a CUSMA nation.
2. Nature of the Visit: Your trip must be for business only, like going to meetings or conferences. You can’t start working or running a business in Canada.
3. Duration and Remuneration: Your visit should be short, and you can’t work or earn money in Canada. Your main income and business should stay in your home country.
   

These rules help keep business between CUSMA countries running smoothly and support their economic connections.

After-Sales Service

Under the CUSMA agreement, as a business visitor, you can install, repair, or maintain equipment your company sold. It’s important that this equipment works well and meets the client’s needs long after they bought it.

In Canada, you must only do the services listed in the sales or lease contract. You can’t do any extra repairs or services not agreed upon in the contract. This follows CUSMA rules and respects economic boundaries.

Also, you must show that you mainly earn money and run your business outside Canada. This rule helps keep your visit short and doesn’t take jobs from local workers.

Categories of Business Activities

Under the CUSMA agreement, you can do several things as a business visitor in Canada without a work permit. These activities mustn’t involve entering the Canadian job market. Here are the main activities allowed:

• Attending Business Meetings or Conferences: You can go to meetings or conferences to talk about how your business is doing, learn about projects, or get training on work techniques used in Canada. These activities should be related to your job outside Canada.
• Selling Goods or Services: You can’t sell directly to the public, but you can negotiate deals, agree on contracts, or take orders for a business that’s based outside Canada.
• After-Sales Service: You can fix or maintain equipment, or provide training or installation services as part of a warranty or sales deal.

These categories help support business activities across borders under CUSMA, making it easier for countries to work together.

Intra-Company Transfers

As you explore the Intra-Company Transfers under the CUSMA, it’s important to understand the specific program requirements that dictate eligibility and the application procedure.

You’ll need to verify that the intra-company transferees possess either executive or specialized knowledge capacities, and make sure they’re moving between qualifying related enterprises.

Moreover, the application process demands meticulous documentation, including proof of the existing employment and the nature of the transfer.

Program Requirements for Intra-Company Transfers

To qualify for an intra-company transfer under the CUSMA program, you must work in one of three roles:

1. Executive Capacity: You make important decisions that guide the company’s direction. Your job is to lead the company’s goals, policies, and strategies.
2. Managerial Capacity: You manage a part of the company or a department. You’re in charge of supervising other employees and handling important company functions.
3. Specialized Knowledge: You must have special and deep knowledge about the company’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other areas and how these are used in international markets. You might also need a high level of understanding of the company’s processes and procedures.

Your job is crucial for the company as it helps the business work well in other countries. Your skills and leadership are important, making you a key member of your company.

This role gives you a chance to impact and join in global activities, which helps you grow personally and professionally.

Application Procedure for Intra-Company Transfers

Understanding which roles qualify for intra-company transfers under the CUSMA program helps in applying for this category. The process is simple but needs careful attention.

First, collect all necessary documents. This includes details about your current job confirming you’re an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge worker. You also need to show you’re an American or Mexican citizen and provide a letter from your employer. This letter must explain the transfer’s details like duration and purpose and confirm the relationship between the parent company and the Canadian entity.

Then, apply for a work permit. You can usually do this through the online portal from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can also submit a paper application if needed. Be sure to fill out each section correctly to avoid delays.

CUSMA Traders

As a CUSMA trader, you must navigate specific program requirements and a detailed application procedure. Your citizenship and your enterprise’s nationality must align with either the United States or Mexico, and your trading activities should have substantial scope, primarily oriented between your home country and Canada.

Understanding and adhering to these stipulations are essential as they determine your eligibility and the success of your application.

Program Requirements for CUSMA Traders

If you want to apply as a CUSMA Trader, you need to meet certain requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Citizenship and Company Nationality: You must be a citizen of the United States or Mexico. The company you work for must also be from one of these countries. This is important for the CUSMA agreement.
2. Substantial Trade: You must trade a lot of goods or services between your country and Canada. The trade should be large in both volume and value, showing that it’s a major part of your business.
3. Role and Capacity: You should work in a supervisory or executive role, or have special skills important to your company. Your job must be key to the company’s trade activities.
   

These rules help make sure that only qualified traders can participate, helping to strengthen business under the CUSMA agreement.

Application Procedure for CUSMA Traders

To apply as a CUSMA Trader, start by confirming you’re a citizen of the U.S. or Mexico. Check that your company is also from one of these countries. This shows your trade is legitimate under CUSMA.

Next, collect proof that your trade with Canada is substantial. Include data on trade volume, frequency, and transaction values.

Make sure your job in the company is supervisory, executive, or involves essential skills for trade. Provide job descriptions and proof of your qualifications.

CUSMA Investors

As a potential CUSMA investor, you must understand the specific requirements and the application procedures that govern your entry into Canada. Your investment activities should involve substantial financial commitments in Canada, primarily between your home country—either the US or Mexico—and Canada.

You’ll also need to navigate a detailed application process, ensuring all your documentation supports your executive or supervisory role in the venture.

Program Requirements for CUSMA Investors

CUSMA Investors need to make a big investment in a Canadian business to be part of the program. Here’s what you should know:

• Scale of Investment: Your investment should be large enough to help start or keep the business running in Canada. It’s important that your money makes a real difference to the business.
• Control and Ownership: You need to own at least 50% of the business. This lets you make important decisions and guide the business.
• Active Participation: It’s not enough just to own the business; you also need to help manage it. This means being involved in making big decisions and setting the direction of the business.

These rules help you understand what you need to do to join the program and become a key part of Canada’s economy.

Application Procedure for CUSMA Investors

To apply as a CUSMA Investor, collect and submit documents showing your large investment and management role in a Canadian business. Include proof of your American or Mexican citizenship and the business’s nationality. Show that the business involves a lot of money, mainly between your home country and Canada.

List your leadership or management duties in the business. Add organizational charts, your job title, and job descriptions to show your important role. Include financial statements and evidence of your investment to show how much you contribute to the Canadian economy.

Once your documents are ready, submit your application at a Canadian visa office or online. Fill out your forms carefully to avoid delays. After submitting, you may have an interview to check your application’s details.

Work Permit Duration and Limits

When you’re considering the duration and limits of your CUSMA work permit, it’s essential to understand the specifics that apply to your situation.

You’ll find that while the permit typically allows a maximum stay of three years, this can be adjusted based on prior periods of work in Canada, known as recaptured time.

Moreover, any breaks in your Canadian service may impact the total duration you’re permitted to work under CUSMA provisions.

Breaks in Canadian Service

Understanding the rules about breaks in Canadian service is key because they affect your chance to extend or renew your work permit under the CUSMA agreement. Here’s what you should remember:

1. Extension Eligibility: If you want to extend your stay, how long and why you were away from work in Canada matters. Working continuously in Canada helps your case for extending your stay.
2. Renewal Impact: Any breaks in your work in Canada can change how you renew your permit. Short and rare breaks mightn’t be a problem, but longer or more frequent breaks might need more proof to help renew your permit.
3. Needed Documents: When you apply to extend or renew, you have to show why you took breaks. You might need to show that you kept your job ties, why you were away, and how you plan to start working in Canada again.
   

Knowing these rules helps you deal with the CUSMA work permits better. Always plan and talk to an immigration expert to make sure you follow the rules and use your work permit well.

Recaptured Time

Under Canadian service rules, you can recapture time you previously worked in Canada and apply it to your total allowed work duration under CUSMA. This is useful if you’d times when you weren’t in Canada but still had a work permit. It ensures you get the full benefit of your work permit, even if you weren’t in Canada the whole time.

To use this option, keep detailed records of when you enter and leave Canada. These records help prove the times you were outside the country.

When planning your stay, use this strategy to make the most of your work permit, especially if you often travel outside of Canada.

Duration of Work Permit Limit

The maximum duration for a work permit under CUSMA is usually up to three years. This can change based on your job type and other factors.

Here are some key points to know:

• Job Category: Different jobs under CUSMA like professionals, intra-company transferees, and traders have different time limits for work permits.
• Renewals: You may be able to extend your work permit, but there’s a maximum time limit you can’t go over.
• Employer Rules: Your work permit’s length can also depend on whether your employer follows certain rules, like job market benefits and other work conditions.

Knowing these points will help you plan your time in Canada and follow the rules.

It’s a good idea to get advice from experts who understand these rules well. They can help you make the most of your CUSMA work permit.

Transition to Permanent Residence for CUSMA Transferees

CUSMA transferees can become permanent residents in Canada through specific paths. If you’re thinking about this option, it’s good to know the main ways to do so.

First, you can use the Express Entry system, which is for skilled workers. Your role as a CUSMA professional or intra-company transferee can boost your score in the Comprehensive Ranking System. This score goes up even more if you have worked in Canada before.

Another choice is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each province or territory has its own job needs and might look for people with certain skills. If you have worked in a specific province for a long time or have good professional connections there, the PNP could help you get permanent residence.

Remember to keep your work status legal while in Canada. Having a continuous legal job in Canada helps your application for both Express and PNP. It also shows you’re dedicated to being part of the Canadian workforce and community, making you more appealing to immigration officers and employers.