CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)

Work in Canada Through the EU-Canada Trade Agreement (CETA)

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits for EU Citizens with Cougar Immigration

Are you a citizen of a European Union country looking to work in Canada? Thanks to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), certain professionals, investors, and business visitors can enter Canada for work without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

At Cougar Immigration, we specialize in helping skilled EU nationals and EU-based companies navigate the CETA work permit process with precision and efficiency.

What is the CETA Work Permit?

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a trade agreement between Canada and the European Union that provides easier market access—including temporary work authorizations—for qualifying EU citizens and businesses.

CETA allows LMIA-exempt work permits in these categories:

• Key Personnel (including senior managers, specialists, and graduate trainees)
• Contractual Service Suppliers
• Independent Professionals
• Intra-Company Transferees
• Short-term Business Visitors
• Investors (setting up or managing business operations in Canada)

Who Can Apply Under CETA?

To qualify under CETA, you must:

• Be a citizen of an EU member country
• Work for an EU-based business with a Canadian branch (for ICTs), or be self-employed (for independent professionals)
• Have a contract to deliver services or work temporarily in Canada
• Meet education and experience requirements outlined for your profession
• Intend to stay in Canada temporarily and return to your home country
• Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical issues)

Cougar Immigration will help assess whether your professional or commercial goals fit within a CETA category.

How Cougar Immigration Supports You

CETA work permits rely heavily on documentation and compliance. We offer end-to-end support:

• Eligibility Assessment: We identify the right CETA stream for you or your company
• Document Preparation: We compile service contracts, credentials, corporate records, and supporting documents
• Work Permit Application: We prepare and submit your LMIA-exempt application to IRCC or guide you for border entry when eligible
• Employer Support: We help Canadian companies understand compliance obligations under CETA
• Transition Planning: For long-term stays, we assist with strategies to transition to permanent residency (if applicable)

Whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or executive, we tailor the process to your role and industry.

Pricing

Fees may vary depending on category, role, and business size.

Why Choose Cougar Immigration?

Cougar Immigration has deep expertise in international mobility pathways, including trade agreement-based permits. We make sure your CETA work permit application is not only eligible—but persuasive and IRCC-compliant from start to finish.