Canadian Immigration NAFTA Professional Work Permit
NAFTA allows for a smooth pathway for U.S and Mexican citizens to enter Canada for temporary business or investment reasons. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required for individuals belonging to this group. As such, the lengthy and tricky process of obtaining a positive LMIA can be avoided as the job offer does not need to be pre-approved by Employment and Social Development Canada. With proper documentation, the U.S. or Mexican national may obtain the work permit at a Canadian port of entry.
There are four groups of business people under NAFTA:
- Business visitors
- Professionals
- Intra-company transfers
- Traders and investors
Business Visitors
A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada to take part in international business activities without being part of the Canadian labour market. Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks but are able to stay for up to six months. A work permit is not required under this category.
Professionals
To work in Canada as a professional, you must:
- Be qualified to work in one of the jobs set out in NAFTA (for example, accountant, computer systems analyst or engineer);
- Have a job offer from a Canadian business in that field; and
- Have a work permit.
Intra-company transfer
This is a person who is sent to work for the same company in a different country. If this is your case, you must:
- Have worked
- On an ongoing basis,
- For at least one year in the last three years,
- For the same or a related employer in the United States or Mexico,
- Be transferred to Canada to work short term for the same or a related employer;
- Work as a manager, as an executive or in a job that uses specialized knowledge; and
- Have a work permit
Traders and investors
To work in Canada as a trader or investor, you must:
- Be involved in planning, as a supervisor or executive, or in a role that involves essential skills,
- A large amount of trade in goods or services, mainly between Canada and your home country, or
- A large investment in Canada by you or your company,
- Meet any other rules of NAFTA and
- Have a work permit
Canada offers various stream to live, work or study to US resident. From permanent residence to temporary work permit or visit visa, We can assist you with many immigration streams including:
