The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trade pact between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Established in 1994, the NAFTA work permit allows citizens of the United States and Mexico to work temporarily in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and, in certain situations, even without needing a visa. This simplifies the process for you to live and work in Canada if you are a citizen of these countries. Continue reading to learn about the five categories included in this agreement.
A major advantage of the NAFTA work permit is that it facilitates easier access to specialized job opportunities in Canada for American and Mexican citizens. By eliminating the need for an LMIA, the application process becomes more straightforward, allowing you to focus on your career in Canada.
The NAFTA work permit falls into five specific categories, each designed to address different professional needs. Understanding these categories is essential to determine which one applies to your situation. Below we explore these key categories:
Individuals who seek to engage in international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market.
Citizens working in occupations listed in NAFTA, such as lawyers, engineers, and teachers.
Employees transferring to Canadian branches or subsidiaries of their multinational company.
Individuals engaged in substantial trade in goods or services, or significant investment between Canada and the United States or Mexico.
Professionals involved in academic exchanges, significant research, or specialized roles.
Understanding these categories can help you navigate the NAFTA work permit process effectively. If you’re looking to leverage the opportunities under NAFTA for your move to Canada, our team at Immigration to Canada can provide you with expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By focusing on these key points, applying for a NAFTA work permit becomes a smoother process, allowing you to take the next step in your professional journey in Canada.
The NAFTA Professionals category simplifies the process for professionals from NAFTA member countries to work in Canada by removing the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). To qualify under this stream, applicants must have relevant work experience in one of the occupations listed under the NAFTA Professional List, which includes:
In addition to having experience in one of these occupations, other requirements include:
Applicants can submit their application for a NAFTA visa at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE), through a Canadian visa office before entering Canada, or from within Canada. Essential documents required for the application process include:
The NAFTA Intra-Company Transferees program facilitates the transfer of employees from a company in the United States or Mexico to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the company in Canada. This transition does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, a work permit application is still necessary to legally work in Canada under this stream.
To be eligible for this program, candidates must meet the following conditions:
Specialized knowledge is defined as skills essential to the business’s operations, possessing extensive expertise beyond the average worker in the field.
Applicants will need to submit the following documents for a visa application under the NAFTA Intra-Company Transferees stream:
If the application is approved, the applicant might be granted a NAFTA Work Permit valid for up to three years. Some companies may even extend the visa for an additional two years.
Apply for the NAFTA Intra-Company Transferee Program with Immigration to Canada
Whether you’re looking to transfer within your company or exploring work opportunities in Canada in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity, Immigration to Canada is here to guide you through the process. Our expert team will ensure that your application is thorough and optimized for success. Visit our website for more information and to start your journey today.
The NAFTA Investors Program allows eligible American and Mexican investors to apply for a Canadian work visa without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). To qualify, you must have a committed investor or intend to invest a substantial amount of money into Canada.
Requirements for NAFTA Investors:
Important Information:
The nationality of a company is determined by its ownership, not by its physical location. NAFTA permits are initially valid for a maximum of one year, but investors can apply for extensions of up to two additional years.
NAFTA Traders offer a unique opportunity for Americans and Mexicans to apply for a Canadian work visa without needing an LMIA. This visa stream is available to traders who are significantly engaged in the exchange of goods or services between the United States or Mexico, and Canada.
To qualify for a Canadian work visa under the NAFTA Traders category, you must meet the following criteria:
If you meet these requirements, you can take advantage of this streamlined process for securing a Canadian work visa, facilitating your move or business expansion into Canada. For more detailed information and assistance with your application, reach out to Immigration to Canada.
About Immigration to Canada Services
Immigration to Canada helps American and Mexican businessmen enter Canada temporarily for international business activities without the need for a Canadian work permit or an LMIA.
Key Information for NAFTA Business Visitors
Duration of Stay
Generally, business visits under this category are for short-term periods. However, certain conditions may extend your stay.
Our services at Immigration to Canada are designed to streamline your temporary business visits under NAFTA, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
At Immigration to Canada, we collaborate with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to streamline your application process. Leveraging their expertise and extensive experience, our consultants guide you through every step of obtaining a NAFTA work permit. They ensure all your necessary documents and information are accurately provided and submitted.
This approach helps you start your new job in Canada and enjoy its many benefits much faster!
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Work Permit is a permit that allows citizens from Canada, the United States, and Mexico to work in each other's countries without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This permit facilitates easier access to work opportunities across these three countries.
Eligibility for a NAFTA Work Permit is specific to certain professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors. Applicants must be citizens of Canada, the United States, or Mexico, and must meet specific occupation requirements outlined under NAFTA.
To apply for a NAFTA Work Permit, you need to provide proof of citizenship, a job offer from an employer in the NAFTA country where you wish to work, credentials indicating your qualifications for the job, and other required documentation. Applications can be submitted at a port of entry or through a visa office.
Required documentation includes proof of citizenship (passport), a detailed job offer or employment contract, proof of credentials and qualifications for the job, and any other documents specified by immigration authorities. Some professionals may also need to provide proof of work experience in their field.
The validity period of a NAFTA Work Permit can vary depending on the type of permit and the specific job. Typically, permits are issued for up to three years, but they can be renewed if the employee continues to meet eligibility requirements and the job offer is extended.
Yes, family members of NAFTA Work Permit holders can accompany them to Canada. Spouses and common-law partners are eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Dependent children can also study in Canadian schools.
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