Temporary Residence
CUSMA Professional Work Permit
An LMIA-exempt work permit for U.S. and Mexican citizens in listed professions with prearranged work in Canada.
Overview
The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) lets citizens of the United States and Mexico work in Canada temporarily in a defined list of professions, without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The list includes occupations such as engineers, accountants, computer systems analysts and management consultants.
You need prearranged employment with a Canadian employer and the minimum education or credentials set for your profession — often a university degree, while some professions accept a licence or a diploma combined with work experience. The category is not for self-employment: if you substantially control the Canadian business, it's treated as self-employment and doesn't qualify.
Where you apply depends on your citizenship. U.S. citizens may be able to apply when they arrive at a port of entry, while Mexican citizens usually apply before travelling. CUSMA also has separate categories for traders, investors and intra-company transferees. All of these permits are temporary, and we confirm the current rules before you travel.
Who may consider this: U.S. and Mexican citizens qualified in a profession listed in CUSMA who have a job arranged with a Canadian employer.
Eligibility Considerations
- Citizenship of the United States or Mexico — permanent residence there is not enough
- Prearranged employment with a Canadian employer in a profession listed in the agreement
- The minimum education, licence or other credentials set for that profession
- Job duties that genuinely match the listed profession
- A temporary stay, with no self-employment in Canada
- No criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns
How It Works
Profession Match
We compare the job duties with the CUSMA profession and confirm you meet its education or credential requirements.
Employer Offer
The Canadian employer submits an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and gives you the offer of employment number.
Where to Apply
We confirm whether you can apply at a port of entry, online before travelling or from inside Canada, based on your citizenship and situation.
Document Preparation
We prepare a clear package: job offer letter, proof of citizenship, degrees or licences, and evidence of experience where required.
Application or Border Review
The application is submitted online, or presented to a border services officer, who decides whether you qualify.
Permit & Extensions
Once approved, the permit lists your employer and role. We track its expiry and plan extensions while you continue to qualify.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Proof of U.S. or Mexican citizenship, such as a valid passport
- Job offer letter or contract describing the role, duties, length of employment and pay
- Offer of employment number from the Employer Portal
- Degree, diploma, licence or other credentials required for the profession
- Evidence of work experience, where the profession requires it
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- A job title that sounds like a listed profession, but duties that don't match it
- Missing proof of the degree or credentials the profession requires
- Arrangements that look like self-employment or running your own business in Canada
- Assuming U.S. permanent residence qualifies — the category requires citizenship
- Arriving at the border with a vague or incomplete job offer letter
How We Help
- Confirm whether your role fits a listed CUSMA profession before you apply
- Review the job offer letter so the duties, credentials and terms are clear
- Coordinate with the employer on the Employer Portal offer
- Advise on where to apply and prepare you for questions from the border officer
- Plan extensions or other options as your plans in Canada change
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my employer need an LMIA?+
No. CUSMA professionals are LMIA-exempt, although in most cases the employer still needs to submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal before you apply.
Can U.S. citizens apply at the border?+
In many cases, yes — U.S. citizens are visa-exempt and may be able to apply at a port of entry. Rules on where to apply, including limits on leaving and re-entering Canada just to apply, can change, so we confirm the current position before you travel.
Can I use this permit to work for my own company?+
No. The professionals category doesn't allow self-employment in Canada. If you want to invest in or run a business, another CUSMA category or a business immigration option may fit better.
What about CUSMA traders, investors and intra-company transferees?+
These are separate categories with their own requirements, such as substantial trade or investment between Canada and the U.S. or Mexico. We assess which category, if any, fits your plans.
Is this a permanent status?+
No. CUSMA work permits are temporary, although they can often be extended while you continue to qualify. Canadian work experience may later support a permanent residence application, such as through Express Entry.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.