Under the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), when applying for a temporary Work Permit in the country, American and Mexican citizens might be eligible for facilitated processing.
Note that Work Permits under the provisions of NAFTA do not usually require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
However LMIA-exempt, workers and employers who utilize the NAFTA program need to obey with all provisions governing temporary work in the country.
Additionally, US citizens do not need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the country. Although, citizens of Mexico do require one.
NAFTA job categories:
- NAFTA Intra-Company Transfers
- NAFTA Professionals
- NAFTA Traders and Investors
NAFTA Intra-Company Transfers
To work for a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their US or Mexican employer, NAFTA Intra-Company Transferees have to be transferred to Canada on a temporary basis. To add, they need to have worked continuously for their US or Mexican employer at least for one of the last 3 years and be hired by the company at the time of application.
Additionally, a NAFTA Intra-Company Transferee needs to work in a capacity that is considered executive, managerial, or involving specialized knowledge. Please click here for broad information on intra-company transferees, as well as those covered under NAFTA.
NAFTA Professionals
Notedly, a NAFTA Professional has to be qualified to work in one of roughly 60 targeted professions (see below). Depending on the individuals profession, an applicant may need to provide educational credentials and/or evidence of work experience in the field.
Please keep in mind that NAFTA Professionals need to have pre-Arranged Employment In Canada in an occupation that matches their qualifications. Individuals who desire to fulfill self-employed work in the country are not qualified for this category.
NAFTA Traders and Investors
Overall, a NAFTA Trader needs to show an intention in order to carry out substantial trade of goods or services between Canada and his or her country of citizenship (US or Mexico). A NAFTA Investor need to show that the individual has made a substantial investment in a new or existing Canadian business and that the individual is seeking access to Canada to develop and direct the Canadian business. Employees of the primary Investor who can be considered essential staff, work permits in the NAFTA Investor category could also be granted to them.