CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement)

Work in Canada Under CUSMA (formerly NAFTA)

Simplify Cross-Border Employment with Cougar Immigration

Are you a U.S. or Mexican citizen looking to work in Canada? The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) offers LMIA-exempt work permits for eligible professionals, traders, and intra-company transferees—making it easier to bring your skills north.

At Cougar Immigration, we provide expert guidance through the CUSMA work permit process, so you can start working in Canada quickly and compliantly.

What is the CUSMA Work Permit?

The CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) agreement facilitates easier temporary entry for business persons from the U.S. and Mexico into Canada. It provides exemptions from the LMIA requirement for qualifying individuals in four key categories:

• Professionals – Occupations listed in the CUSMA agreement (e.g., engineers, accountants, IT specialists)
• Intra-Company Transferees – Employees of a multinational company transferring to a Canadian branch
• Traders and Investors – Engaged in substantial trade or investment between the home country and Canada
• Business Visitors – Engaging in business activities without directly entering the labor market

Each category has specific criteria, and Cougar Immigration ensures you're placed in the right stream.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify for a CUSMA Work Permit if:

• You are a citizen of the United States or Mexico
• You have a job offer in Canada under a CUSMA-listed occupation or qualify under the trader/investor/intra-company provisions
• You meet the education and credential requirements for your profession
• You are entering for a temporary period and intend to return to your home country
• You are admissible to Canada (no serious criminal or medical issues)

Unlike regular work permits, CUSMA applicants do not need an LMIA, which significantly speeds up processing.

How Cougar Immigration Supports You

We ensure your CUSMA application is thorough, accurate, and supported with all required documentation:

• Eligibility Evaluation: We identify the right category for your role and profile
• Employer & Offer Review: We assess the Canadian employer’s offer to ensure it complies with CUSMA rules
• Document Preparation: We help gather credentials, licenses, contracts, and proof of citizenship
• Border/Port-of-Entry Strategy: For eligible roles, we prepare you for same-day permit issuance at the border
• IRCC Filing (if required): We submit your application and act as your representative
• Transition to PR: If eligible, we guide you on how to move from temporary to permanent residency

Pricing

Final pricing depends on the category (Professional, ICT, Trader, or Investor) and case complexity.

Why Choose Cougar Immigration?

We understand the legal and strategic nuances of CUSMA work permits and have helped numerous U.S. and Mexican professionals take full advantage of this cross-border opportunity. Our end-to-end support ensures speed, compliance, and peace of mind.