BUSINESS WORK PERMITS
If you’re a businessperson seeking to work in Canada temporarily, there are various programs designed to streamline the process and support your professional goals.
CUSMA (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NAFTA)
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) allows citizens of the United States and Mexico to work in Canada temporarily without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Eligible individuals can obtain a work permit under this agreement, simplifying the process for both employers and workers.
CUSMA covers four categories of business professionals:
- Business Visitors – Individuals engaging in business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market.
- Professionals – Workers in approved occupations who meet specific educational and professional requirements.
- Intra-Company Transferees – Employees transferring to a Canadian branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of their current employer.
- Traders and Investors – Individuals involved in substantial trade between Canada and their home country or making significant investments in Canada.
This agreement facilitates faster entry and simplified procedures, making it easier for U.S. and Mexican nationals to work and contribute to Canada’s economy.
OTHER FREE-TRADE AGREEMENTS (FTAs)
Citizens from several countries can work in Canada under various free trade agreements, which offer pathways similar to the CUSMA categories (business visitors, professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors). These agreements simplify the process by exempting eligible applicants from requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Here are some key agreements:
Pacific Alliance Countries – Citizens of Chile, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea can enter Canada under programs that mirror CUSMA categories.
CETA (Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) – Citizens from EU member states can apply for work permits under categories similar to CUSMA, including business visitors, professionals, and intra-company transferees.
Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement – This agreement enables business visitors and professionals from Panama to enter Canada with a work permit.
CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) – Nationals of Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam can apply as business visitors, investors, intra-company transferees, and professionals, facilitating easier access to work in Canada.
These international trade agreements provide faster processing and reduced requirements, making it easier for foreign professionals and businesspeople to contribute to the Canadian market.
GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES (GATS)
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) allows easier access to Canada’s services market for business people, including foreign entrepreneurs. This agreement applies to nationals from over 140 World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries, facilitating their entry into Canada under specific categories:
- Business Visitors
- Professionals
- Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs)
These specialized work permit applications require a comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s role, the connection between foreign and Canadian entities (for ICT permits), and a clear presentation of the applicant’s qualifications. Properly preparing and presenting this information is crucial to achieving a positive outcome on the work permit application.
At Calver Immigration Consulting Inc., we guide you through the entire process, ensuring your application meets the necessary criteria for approval under GATS.
