Stakeholders urge CUSMA review to expand eligible occupations

Stakeholders urge CUSMA review to expand eligible occupations

As the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) approaches its scheduled review, industry and policy stakeholders are calling for updates to the list of professions eligible for simplified cross-border work permits.

The consultations, led by Global Affairs Canada between September and November 2025, sought feedback on how to modernize the trade framework, including its labour mobility provisions. The findings were released in February 2026, highlighting broad support for expanding professional categories under the agreement.

• CUSMA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020.
• Currently, 63 occupations qualify for facilitated work permits under the deal.
• Stakeholders have proposed adding emerging digital and clean‑tech roles.
• Consultations were held from September 20 to November 3, 2025.
• A summary report was published by Global Affairs Canada on February 6, 2026.
• The agreement remains valid until 2036 unless renewed or amended.

Overview of CUSMA professional work permits

CUSMA, known as the USMCA in the United States, facilitates temporary entry for professionals from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The agreement allows qualified workers in designated occupations to obtain work authorization without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under Canada’s International Mobility Program.

There are currently 63 recognized professions under this framework, including accountants, engineers, scientists, and healthcare practitioners. The eligible list has remained largely unchanged since its creation under NAFTA in 1994.

Eligibility and process

To obtain a CUSMA work permit, applicants must have a pre-arranged offer of employment in Canada and meet the educational, licensing, or professional criteria required for their occupation. Employers using this program are not required to undergo the LMIA process that applies under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

This arrangement supports cross-border professional mobility between the three member countries, offering an expedited route compared with standard work permit pathways.

Background and historical context

The trilateral trade agreement came into force on July 1, 2020, replacing NAFTA after nearly three decades. Beyond tariffs and market access, CUSMA retained labour mobility provisions from its predecessor, enabling professionals to work temporarily across borders in specified fields.

Since the original NAFTA list was finalized in the mid‑1990s, Canada’s labour market and technology landscape have evolved significantly. Stakeholders argue that the current list no longer reflects the demands of sectors such as information technology, clean energy, and digital design.

Consultation findings and proposed updates

According to the report released by Global Affairs Canada, respondents recommended revising the list of eligible professions to include modern roles aligned with current economic trends. Examples raised during consultations included cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, and user interface or user experience (UI/UX) designers.

Participants also called for simplified border procedures, improved origin certification processes for goods, and enhanced cooperation on trade facilitation measures.

These suggestions form part of broader discussions ahead of the 2026 review, which will evaluate the agreement’s performance across multiple areas, including labour mobility and professional recognition.

Duration and renewal provisions

Under current terms, CUSMA will remain active until 2036. Unless renewed by all three participating countries, it will automatically expire at that time. The upcoming review process is expected to determine whether amendments or extensions will be pursued.

Public and policy relevance

Modernizing the list of eligible occupations could have implications for Canada’s labour mobility and immigration policies. Provinces such as Manitoba, which rely on skilled worker pathways through programs like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), often benefit from coordinated federal and international labour agreements.

Expanding CUSMA’s professional categories could also align trade and immigration frameworks with Canada’s broader economic priorities, particularly in technology and sustainability sectors.

Next steps

The 2026 review will provide an opportunity for member countries to assess the agreement’s effectiveness and consider possible revisions. Any changes to the professional list or work permit processes would require trilateral negotiation and formal adoption by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Further updates are expected as discussions progress. Readers can follow continuing coverage of trade and immigration developments through official government releases and verified news sources.