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NAFTA Work Permits

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that provides temporary work permits for US citizens and Mexicans to work in Canada. It offers specialized work opportunities without the need for LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) and visa (in some cases). Additionally, to apply for this permit, one is required to display citizenship proof of either the United States or Mexico.

Five Categories Under this Agreement

1. NAFTA Professionals: To gain visa under this stream, professionals are required to hold experience in one of the NAFTA Professional List of Occupations. These occupations are:

  • Accountant
  • Engineer
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Graphic Designer
  • Hotel Manager
  • Architect
  • Economist

Document and Eligibility Requirements for this Stream are:

  • A required educational degree or certificate.
  • Proof of arranged employment with a Canadian employer.

2. NAFTA Intra-Company Transferees: This category facilitates the Mexican and US citizens to transfer from within their company to its Canada branch while exempting the need of LMIA. Though, it requires the candidate to apply for a work permit.

Requirements for this Stream are:

  • Suitable for candidates who aim to work at executive or managerial level or other profile that requires specialized knowledge.
  • Proof of current employment (with an organization based outside of Canada).
  • Proof of one year of full-time work experience employment completed within the last three years.
  • The duration of stay in Canada.
  • Description of the relationship between Canadian and the American or Mexican organization.

3. NAFTA Investors: This stream provides work visas to American and Mexican investors with extendable validity of one year. The requirements for this stream are:

  • Have a committed investor.

Proof of having made or making a substantial amount of investment into Canada.

4. NAFTA Traders: This stream allows American and Mexican traders to apply for work visas without LMIA. The traders are required to present their engagement in goods or services trading between Canada, US or Mexico.

5. NAFTA Business Visitors: With this permit, American or Mexican businessmen can temporarily move to Canada for carrying out international business. However, it must be remembered that the primary source of business and payment should be outside of Canada.

To increase your chances of gaining a Canadian visa through NAFTA, you must connect with our RCICs. Our professionals will provide you with all crucial information and help you prepare the required documentation as well.