The CUSMA Professionals Work Permit: Your Complete Guide to Working in Canada Under CUSMA

Aug 19, 2025

If you’re a professional from the United States or Mexico looking to work in Canada, the CUSMA Professionals work permit could be your fastest and most straightforward option. This pathway allows qualified professionals to enter Canada to work without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the process quicker, more predictable, and less burdensome for Canadian employers.


In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: eligibility criteria, application steps, key things to watch out for, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re an employer hiring U.S. or Mexican talent, or a professional seeking to advance your career in Canada, this article will walk you through the essentials.


What is the CUSMA Professionals Work Permit?


The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as NAFTA, is a free trade agreement that facilitates the movement of businesspeople between the three countries. One important category under CUSMA is the Professionals work permit.


This work permit allows U.S. and Mexican citizens in specific professions to work in Canada without needing an LMIA. The LMIA process normally requires employers to prove they couldn’t find a Canadian to fill the role. By contrast, CUSMA assumes there’s an economic benefit to allowing skilled professionals from partner countries to enter Canada more easily.


Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)


To qualify under the CUSMA Professionals category, you must meet all of the following:


  1. Citizenship


    • Only U.S. or Mexican citizens are eligible. Permanent residents of these countries do not qualify.


  2. Listed Profession


    • Your job must be on the CUSMA professionals list, which includes more than 60 occupations. These range from:


      • Accountants, architects, engineers, scientists

      • Medical professionals such as dentists, dietitians, and veterinarians

      • Educators such as university professors

      • Management consultants and other business professionals



    (Tip: Always check the current CUSMA list, as immigration officers will refuse applications that don’t match an eligible profession.)


  3. Minimum Qualifications


    • You must hold the educational or professional credentials required for the profession. For example, engineers generally require an engineering degree, and some fields (like medicine or law) require licensing in the province of work.


  4. Pre-Arranged Job Offer


    • You need a job offer from a Canadian employer. Self-employment is not allowed under this category.


  5. Employer Compliance


    • Your employer must submit the job offer through the Employer Portal and pay the $230 employer compliance fee before you can apply.


How to Apply for a CUSMA Professionals Work Permit


There are two ways to apply for this work permit:


1. Apply Online


  • Your employer submits the job offer through the Employer Portal.

  • You create an online account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

  • Upload required documents (passport, job offer letter, credentials, proof of citizenship, licenses if required).

  • Pay the work permit processing fee ($155).

  • Provide biometrics if requested.

  • Wait for approval (processing times vary by country and can be checked on IRCC’s website).


2. Apply at the Port of Entry (PoE)


  • Only available to U.S. or Mexican citizens arriving directly at a Canadian airport or land border.

  • You bring all your documents in hard copy:


    • Proof of citizenship

    • Employer Portal offer of employment number

    • Job offer letter

    • Degree certificates or licenses

    • Resume


  • Pay the fees at the border.

  • If approved, you receive the work permit on the spot.


When to choose this option: PoE applications are common for urgent work assignments or when time is limited. However, it’s riskier if documents are incomplete or the officer is not satisfied.


Step-by-Step Checklist


Here’s a simplified roadmap:


  1. Confirm eligibility – Are you a U.S. or Mexican citizen in a CUSMA-listed profession?


  2. Check qualifications – Ensure you meet the degree or licensing requirements.


  3. Get a job offer – Secure a pre-arranged job in Canada (self-employment not eligible).


  4. Employer compliance – Employer submits the job offer through the Employer Portal and pays the $230 fee.


  5. Prepare documents – Passport, job offer letter, qualifications, proof of citizenship, and licenses if applicable.


  6. Choose application method – Apply online OR at the border.


  7. Pay fees – $155 work permit fee (plus biometrics fee if required).


  8. Submit application – Online or directly at the PoE.


  9. Receive work permit – Either at the border immediately or online after processing.


Key Things to Watch Out For


Many refusals under CUSMA come down to technicalities. Keep these in mind:


  • NOC vs. CUSMA List: The officer will compare your job description to the official CUSMA list. Even if your NOC looks related, if it doesn’t match the CUSMA list, the application can fail.


  • Employer Portal: Your employer must correctly submit the job offer through the Employer Portal. If this step is missed, your application will be refused.


  • Job Offer Wording: The job offer must clearly describe professional duties, not general tasks. Ambiguous or poorly written offers are a common pitfall.


  • Temporary Nature: Work permits are temporary. If your application suggests permanent relocation without a PR strategy, officers may refuse it.


  • Self-Employment Not Allowed: You must be tied to a Canadian employer. Independent contractors or self-employed professionals do not qualify under CUSMA.


Duration, Extensions, and Family Members


  • Initial Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on the job offer.

  • Extensions: Possible in 1–3 year increments, as long as the professional relationship continues.

  • Family Members:


    • Spouses/common-law partners can often apply for an open work permit.

    • Dependent children may apply for study permits or visitor records.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. Can I switch employers?

Yes, but you’ll need a new job offer, a new Employer Portal submission, and a new work permit application.


2. Can I work for multiple employers?

No. Your work permit is tied to the specific employer listed on it.


3. Can I use CUSMA if my profession is not listed?

No. The CUSMA Professionals work permit is strictly limited to the listed occupations.


4. Can I apply for permanent residence later?

Yes. While CUSMA itself is not a PR program, many professionals transition later through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).


5. Can I apply without a job offer?

No. A valid, pre-arranged job offer is mandatory.


Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer


While CUSMA is considered one of the most straightforward work permit options, refusals still happen frequently due to:


  • Incorrect job offer submissions,

  • Misaligned job descriptions and/or inaccurate NOC code selection,

  • Missing credentials or licenses,

  • Poorly prepared PoE applications.


At Blacksy Immigration, we ensure that your application package is clear, compliant, and professionally presented whether you apply online or at the border. We also align your temporary work permit with a long-term PR strategy so your time in Canada leads to lasting opportunities.


Final Thoughts


The CUSMA Professionals work permit is one of the fastest, most reliable ways for U.S. and Mexican citizens to work in Canada. By bypassing the LMIA requirement, it simplifies the process for employers and professionals alike.


Still, success depends on careful preparation: the right job offer, the right documents, and the right strategy. Whether you’re applying online or at the border, taking the time to get it right will save you delays, refusals, and lost opportunities.


If you’re a U.S. or Mexican professional—or a Canadian employer ready to hire under CUSMA—reach out to Blacksy Immigration. We provide honest, straightforward, and tailored legal guidance to ensure your application succeeds.


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About the Author


I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 


At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.


Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.


Visit us at www.blacksyimmigration.com to learn more or to start your journey.


The articles on this site are general information, not legal advice, and reading them doesn’t create a lawyer-client relationship. Immigration rules change often, so always consult a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer about your specific situation.