“How U.S. Citizens Can Work in Canada Through CUSMA”

How U.S. Citizens Can Work in Canada Under CUSMA: A Complete Guide

Thinking about making the move from the U.S. to Canada for work? Thanks to a special agreement between the two countries, that dream may be more achievable than you think. The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)—formerly known as NAFTA—makes it easier for eligible American citizens to work in Canada through simplified immigration pathways. Whether you’re a professional, a businessperson, or an investor, this guide will walk you through how CUSMA can benefit you and your family.

Key Highlights:

• U.S. citizens can apply for Canadian work permits without an LMIA under CUSMA if they meet specific eligibility criteria.
• Four main categories are available: professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors.
• Work permits can be valid for up to three years, depending on the category and can often be extended.
• Spouses may qualify for an open work permit, and children may study without a permit in specific circumstances.
• CUSMA work experience can help you qualify for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
• Applications may be submitted online or at a Canadian port of entry, depending on your situation.

What Is CUSMA, and Why Does It Matter?

CUSMA is the trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that replaced NAFTA. One of its key benefits is streamlining work authorization for eligible professionals and businesspeople from member countries. For U.S. citizens, this means a faster, simpler route to working in Canada—no need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is often one of the more time-consuming steps in Canadian work permit applications.

Who Can Apply Under CUSMA?

To be eligible, you must be a citizen of either the United States or Mexico. This program does not apply to permanent residents of either country. CUSMA offers work permits in four categories:

• Professionals
• Intra-company transferees (ICTs)
• Traders
• Investors

Each pathway has its own set of requirements, but there are some common expectations across the board. All applicants must:

• Prove they’ll leave Canada once the work permit expires
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources
• Be law-abiding and pose no security risk
• Be in good health (a medical exam may be required)
• Not work for an ineligible employer

Exploring the Four CUSMA Work Permit Categories

A) Professionals

This is one of the most commonly used CUSMA categories. It applies to individuals in certain designated professions, from engineers to medical professionals and teachers. To qualify, you’ll need:

• U.S. or Mexican citizenship
• A job offer in a qualifying CUSMA-listed profession
• The necessary education or certification
• A pre-arranged employment agreement with a Canadian employer

Your Canadian employer must also submit an offer through the Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee. Professional work permits are typically valid for up to three years and can be renewed.

B) Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs)

This category is for employees transferring from a U.S. (or Mexican) branch of their company to a Canadian one. To be eligible, you must:

• Hold U.S. or Mexican citizenship
• Work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role
• Be transferring to a Canadian entity with a direct relationship to your foreign employer
• Have at least one year of full-time employment with the company within the last three years

ICT work permits are generally valid for up to three years, with possible extensions. Managers and executives can stay up to seven years, while specialized knowledge workers have a cap of five years.

C) Traders

Traders must be involved in substantial trade in goods or services between Canada and the U.S. (or Mexico). Core requirements include:

• U.S. or Mexican citizenship
• Employment with an enterprise of the same nationality
• A role that is either executive/supervisory or involves essential skills
• Completion of IMM 5321 form

These work permits typically begin with a one-year validity and may be extended for up to two years at a time.

D) Investors

If you’re investing a substantial amount of capital into a Canadian business, you may qualify under this category. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a U.S. or Mexican citizen
• Be actively investing in a Canadian enterprise
• Hold a key position (executive, supervisory, or essential skills)
• Submit the IMM 5321 form and provide an employment offer

Initial work permits are often issued for one year and can be extended in two-year increments.

How and Where Can Americans Apply?

One of the perks for U.S. citizens is that they’re visa-exempt in Canada. That means you may be able to apply for your CUSMA work permit right at a Canadian port of entry (like an airport or border crossing). However, this doesn’t guarantee approval—border officers have final discretion.

If you’re already in Canada, be aware of new restrictions on “flagpoling”—leaving and re-entering Canada to obtain immigration services at the border. In many cases, applying online is recommended, especially for regulated professions or complex applications.

Bringing the Family: Spouses and Children

Spousal Open Work Permits

Even though CUSMA focuses on the principal applicant, it may also open doors for your spouse or common-law partner. They might qualify for an open work permit (OWP), which allows them to work for nearly any employer in Canada.

To be eligible, your spouse must:

• Live (or plan to live) in Canada with you
• Be in a genuine relationship with you
• Meet standard work permit eligibility criteria
• Hold valid temporary status in Canada (visitor, worker, or student)

Children and Schooling

If you have children, good news—minor children accompanying you can attend preschool, elementary, or secondary school in Canada without needing a study permit, as long as you’re authorized to work or study. If your child is over the age of majority and looking to attend post-secondary school, they’ll need to apply for a standard study permit.

Using CUSMA Work Experience to Gain Canadian Permanent Residency

A CUSMA work permit might start as a temporary opportunity, but it can be your ticket to staying in Canada permanently. Canadian work experience is highly valued in several immigration pathways, including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

If you work in Canada for at least one year in a skilled job under a valid permit, you could be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, one of the most popular immigration streams under Express Entry. You’ll need to meet the following:

• Have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Have gained that experience within the last three years
• Worked legally and be paid for your work (volunteer work doesn’t count)

The Canadian work experience you gain under CUSMA can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province in Canada—except Quebec and Nunavut—runs its own immigration programs. If you’re working in a specific province and