International Free Trade Agreements
Canada’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), make it easier than ever for skilled professionals to seize global opportunities. Through these agreements, Canada simplifies temporary entry for business visitors, investors, and professionals, fostering economic growth and innovation.
At Can X, we specialize in visa services, immigration assistance, and tailored solutions for professionals and businesses navigating Canada’s FTAs. Our expert consultants ensure a smooth, stress-free process, guiding you through every step with empathy and precision.
Why Can X
Proven Expertise: Trusted by clients from over 30 countries.
Efficient Processes: Navigate Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) and secure work permits without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Comprehensive Services: From temporary work permits to permanent residency, we handle it all.
Affordable Solutions: Quality immigration assistance that won’t break the bank.
Personalized Support: Tailored strategies to meet your unique needs.
Trusted by Clients from 30+ Countries
We provide trusted and effective mobility solutions, assisting clients from around the world in successfully starting their new life in Canada.
Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA )
Formerly NAFTA, CUSMA empowers professionals from the U.S. and Mexico to work in Canada with streamlined processes. This includes:
Visitors from the U.S. or Mexico must engage in activities outlined in CUSMA’s Appendix 1, Section B. These activities must be international in nature without intending to enter the Canadian labor market. Eligibility is demonstrated by showing that compensation and primary business activities are conducted outside Canada.
Types of Business Activities Covered: CUSMA covers a range of commercial activities, including research and design, growth, production, marketing, sales, distribution, after-sales service, and general service. These activities reflect different stages of business cycles.
Application Process for Business Visitors: Applications for entry as a business visitor should be made at a Port of Entry (POE) upon arrival in Canada. This process also applies to after-sales service providers, who require secondary examinations.
Documentation Requirements: Business visitors need to provide proof of citizenship and documentation supporting their business activity as per CUSMA. This includes evidence of international business scope and that they won’t enter the Canadian labor market.
After-Sales Service: Individuals involved in after-sales service must meet specific criteria, such as specialized knowledge and a connection to a sale or service contract. Their activities must involve installation, repair, servicing, or training related to commercial or industrial equipment or machinery.
Visitor Records and Extensions: Business visitors typically have short-term stays, but Visitor Records may be issued for regular visits related to a specific project. Extensions follow existing visitor documentation policies.
CUSMA’s Impact on Licensing and Certification: CUSMA doesn’t exempt business visitors from compliance with local requirements. The agreement facilitates entry but doesn’t override other regional or federal regulations.
Professionals are defined as individuals who enter Canada to offer pre-arranged professional services. These services can be provided in several ways.
As a Salaried Employee: Working directly for a Canadian enterprise.
Through a Contract: Either between the professional and a Canadian employer or between the professional’s American or Mexican employer and a Canadian enterprise.
Scope of Services: CUSMA professionals are expected to provide services in their field of qualification. This ensures that individuals are employed in areas where they have proven expertise and can contribute effectively to the Canadian business landscape.
List of eligible professions under the CUSMA Professionals category: CUSMA’s Appendix 2 lists occupations that fall under this agreement. This list is a crucial resource for professionals to determine if their occupation is covered. It also determines if they are eligible to provide their services in Canada under CUSMA.
Profession | Education/Credential Requirements |
General | |
Accountant | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or CPA, CA, CGA or CMA |
Architect | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or state/provincial licence |
Computer Systems Analyst | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years’ experience |
Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree, and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims or three years experience in claims adjustment and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims |
Economist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Engineer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial licence |
Forester | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial licence |
Graphic Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial licence |
Hotel Manager | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in hotel/restaurant management or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate in hotel/restaurant management, and three years experience in hotel/restaurant management |
Industrial Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
Interior Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
Land Surveyor | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or state/provincial/ federal licence |
Landscape Architect | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Lawyer (including Notary in the Province of Quebec) | LLB, JD, LLL, BCL or Licenciatura Degree (five years) or membership in a state/provincial bar |
Librarian | MLS or BLS (for which another Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite). A librarian must have either:
|
Management Consultant | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or equivalent professional experience as established by statement or professional credential attesting to five years experience as a management consultant, or five years experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement |
Mathematician (including statistician and Actuary) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Range Manager/Range Conservationalist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Research assistant (working in a post-secondary educational institution) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Scientific Technician/ Technologist | Possession of (a) theoretical knowledge of any of the following disciplines: agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology, or physics; and (b) the ability to solve practical problems in any of those disciplines, or the ability to apply principles of any of those disciplines to basic or applied research. A businessperson in this category must be seeking temporary entry to work in direct support of professionals in agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology or physics |
Social Worker | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Technical Publications Writer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
Urban Planner (including Geographer) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Vocational Counsellor | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Deg |
Medical/Allied Professional | |
Dentist | DDS, DMD, Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental or state/provincial license |
Dietitian | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or state/provincial license |
Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/ Medical Technologist (Mexico and the U.S.) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
Nutritionist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Occupational Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or state/provincial license |
Pharmacist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or state/provincial license |
Physician (teaching or research only) | M.D. or Doctor en Medicina or state/provincial license |
Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or state/provincial license |
Psychologist | State/provincial license or Licenciatura Degree |
Recreational Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Registered Nurse | State/provincial license or Licenciatura Degree |
Veterinarian | DVM, DMV or Doctor en Veterinaria or state/provincial license |
Scientist | |
Agriculturist (including Agronomist) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Animal Breeder | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Animal Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Apiculturist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Astronomer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Biochemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Biologist | |
(including Plant Pathologist) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Chemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Dairy Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Entomologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Epidemiologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Geneticist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Geologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Geochemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the U.S.) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Horticulturist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Meteorologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Pharmacologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Plant Breeder | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Poultry Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Soil Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Zoologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Teacher | |
College | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Seminary | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
University | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Intra-Company Transferees
Are you a professional from the U.S. or Mexico? Canada offers a streamlined pathway for intra company transferees to bring their skills and expertise north of the border. Here’s how it works: If you’re a citizen of either the U.S. or Mexico and are employed by a company with ties to Canada, such as a branch, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate, you may qualify to transfer under certain conditions. Your role must align with one of the following: an executive, a manager, or a position requiring specialized knowledge. Additionally, you need at least one year of full-time experience in a similar role with your employer within the last three years. While the process is straightforward, meeting Canada’s temporary entry requirements remains essential. This program is designed to make international mobility easier, ensuring that professionals like you can seamlessly contribute to Canada’s dynamic workforce. Ready to take your expertise to new heights? Explore how this pathway can connect you with exciting opportunities in Canada today!
Application Process for Intra-Company Transferees
Transferees can apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry or via a visa office. U.S. and Mexican citizens may also apply within Canada as visitors.
Required Documentation
Applicants must present proof of citizenship, current employment status, and a letter from their employer detailing their role, specialized knowledge (if applicable), and the Canadian position. There is also a need for proof of the relationship between the Canadian company and the foreign company.
Criteria for Specialized Knowledge
To qualify as having specialized knowledge, applicants must demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and advanced expertise. A mandatory wage assessment is not required, but wages are considered a significant indicator of specialized knowledge.
Work Permit Issuance and Duration
Qualified transferees receive a work permit under R204, T24. The initial permit can last up to 3 years, with a 1-year limit for opening or working in new offices. Extensions are possible for up to 2 years. Executives or managers can stay for up to seven years, while specialized knowledge workers are limited to 5 years. After reaching these limits, a one-year break is required before reapplying.
Important Considerations
Transferees must occupy a position within the Canadian branch and maintain an employer-employee relationship with the Canadian company. Those not residing in Canada might be classified as business visitors, especially for short-term projects or client-site work. Long-term permits are generally not issued for service personnel living outside Canada and working intermittently at client sites.
Traders and Investors
For Traders: To qualify as a trader, you need to be a U.S. or Mexican citizen actively involved in substantial trade, primarily between your home country and Canada. This trade encompasses both goods and services. As a trader, your role should be supervisory, executive, or involve essential skills crucial to your trade activities. When applying for a work permit, it’s recommended to submit your application to a visa office. However, applications can also be made at a Port of Entry (POE) or from within Canada. The application process includes completing the specific Application for Trader/Investor Status [IMM 5321] alongside the standard work permit application.
Trader Requirements Under CUSMA
- U.S. or Mexican citizenship of the applicant and the employing enterprise.
- Engagement in substantial trade volume.
- Role in a supervisory, executive capacity, or one involving essential skills.
For Investors: Investors must be U.S. or Mexican citizens who have made, or are actively making, a substantial investment in a Canadian enterprise. Your main objective should be to develop and direct the enterprise you’re investing in. If you’re an employee, your role should be at an executive or supervisory level or require essential skills. Like traders, the work permit application for investors is best submitted at a visa office and involves completing the application for Trader/Investor Status [IMM 5321] along with the standard work permit application.
Investor Requirements Under CUSMA
- U.S. or Mexican citizenship of the applicant and the enterprise.
- Substantial investments are being made or actively pursued in Canada.
- The applicant’s intent is to develop and direct the enterprise.
Duration and Extension of Work Permits: Both traders and investors typically receive an initial work permit valid for 1-year. Extensions up to 2 years are possible, provided all requirements continue to be met.
Canada-Chile FTA / Canada-Peru FTA / Canada-Colombia FTA / Canada-Korea FTA
The basic North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provisions remain the same in the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA). However, there are minor differences in two of the categories of businesspersons (e.g., Business Visitors and Professionals). The rules for Intra-company transferees and Traders/Investors are the same.
The Canada-Peru FTA was signed in 2008 and became effective August 1, 2009. Temporary Entry for Businesspersons is modeled on the NAFTA but have some differences.
The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in November 2008 and became effective August 15, 2011. This agreement allows issuance of open work permits to spouses of Traders and Investors, Intra-company Transferees or Professionals and Technicians.
The basic North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provisions remain the same in the Canada-Korea FTA. However, there are number of differences in two of the categories of businesspersons (e.g., Business Visitors and Professionals). The rules for traders and investors are the same as in the NAFTA. The Canada-Korea FTA also facilitate work permit issuance for the spouses or common-law partners of Investors or Traders, Intra-Company Transferees, and Professionals.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA)
The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provisionally entered into force in September 2017 to create new commercial opportunities for Canadian and EU businesses in trade and investment. CETA facilitates entry for certain covered businesspersons who are citizens of Canada and EU member states by removing the requirement for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). The agreement covers the three following categories of visitors for business purposes:
- Key personnel including intra-corporate (company) transferees, investors, and business visitors for investment purposes.
- Contractual service suppliers and independent professionals.
- Short-term business visitors.
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
Like NAFTA, the temporary entry of businesspersons under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) can be facilitated without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Canada is a signatory of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), which is administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO). GATS facilitates trade and movement of certain businesspersons among its member countries worldwide. Following groups of businesspeople are covered under GATS:
Business Visitors
The business visitor category does not require a work permit because the individual is not entering the Canadian labour market. Naturally, that person must meet all the specific requirements, showing that he/she will not enter the Canadian labour market, that their employer is outside of Canada and that they are being paid by the foreign employer.
Intra-Company Transferees
The intra-company transferee category is a work permit category. The intra-company transferee must prove the relationship between the foreign and Canadian company and show why the foreign worker is more qualified than existing or potential Canadian workers for the position in Canada. GATS professionals must meet minimum educational requirements as well as certain licensing requirements. The professionals must also have a contract in place before arriving that shows they will be employed in their professional capacity and will be remunerated in this capacity with the fair market wage in the region of the employment.
Professionals
A GATS Professional is a person who seeks to engage, as part of a services contract obtained by a company in another member nation, in an activity at a professional level. The person must possess the necessary academic credentials and professional qualifications, which have been duly recognized, where appropriate, by the professional association in Canada. This category is designed to facilitate the short-term entry of a limited list of professionals employed by service providers of member nations, in those service sectors to which Canada has made commitments.
Occupation covered under General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
Occupation | Education/Credential Requirements | Other requirements |
Engineer | Baccalaureate degree | Provincial licence |
Agrologists | Baccalaureate degree in agriculture or related science plus four years of related experience | Licensing required in New Brunswick, Alberta & Quebec. Temporary licensing required in British Columbia |
Architects | Baccalaureate degree in forestry management or forestry engineering, or a provincial licence | Licensing as a forester or forestry engineer is required in Alberta, British Columbia & Quebec |
Geomatics Professionals | Baccalaureate degree | Provincial licence |
Foreign Legal Consultants | Baccalaureate degree in law | Provincial licence |
Urban Planners | Baccalaureate degree in urban planning | Provincial licence |
Senior Computer Specialists | Graduate degree (Master’s) in computer sciences or related discipline and ten years of experience in computer sciences. |
Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement
The Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 2010 and came into force on April 1, 2013. Temporary entry for businesspersons is similar to the temporary entry provisions of NAFTA. However, only the provisions for business visitors and professionals are currently in force.
Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) connects 11 countries, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Japan, simplifying temporary entry for business visitors, investors, intra-company transferees, professionals, and technicians. Business visitors can apply at a Canadian port of entry if they have a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), but those needing a visa must apply through an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office in their home country. Spouses of eligible workers, except business visitors, may also qualify for work permits, with their stay aligned to the approved length of the principal applicant’s stay. The CPTPP facilitates smoother cross-border work and business opportunities.
Take the First Step Today
With over 10 years of expertise, Can X make securing work permits under CUSMA, CETA, and CPTPP easy. We tailor every application, stay ahead of regulations, and guide you—whether you’re an executive, specialist, or professional, every step of the way.
Start your Canadian journey with confidence.
FAQs About International Free Trade Agreements
Canada’s FTAs are agreements with other countries that simplify trade, investment, and worker mobility across borders.
The IMP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA if the worker qualifies under an FTA.
U.S. or Mexican citizens conducting international business activities, without entering the Canadian labor market, qualify as Business Visitors.
CUSMA covers professions like accountants, engineers, architects, and other specialized roles listed in its Appendix 2.
Applicants need proof of citizenship, employment, and a company relationship, plus one year of experience in a similar role within the last three years.
CETA removes the LMIA requirement for certain categories of businesspeople, facilitating easier movement for work.
Yes, spouses of eligible workers, except business visitors, may qualify for work permits aligned with the principal applicant’s stay.
GATS Professionals are individuals with the necessary academic credentials and professional qualifications, working under a services contract in specific fields like engineering or architecture.
The Canada–Colombia FTA provides open work permits to spouses of traders, investors, intra-company transferees, and professionals.
Traders must be U.S. or Mexican citizens involved in substantial trade between their home country and Canada, working in supervisory, executive, or essential roles.
Eligible applicants can apply online, at a Canadian port of entry, or through a visa office, depending on the specific FTA provisions.
Work permits under FTAs are usually employer-specific. To change employers, you need to apply for a new work permit.
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s location and the specific FTA.
FTAs themselves do not specify language requirements, but employers may require proficiency in English or French.
A medical examination may be required based on your country of residence or the nature of your intended occupation.
GATS is a global agreement that facilitates trade and mobility for certain business professionals among member countries, including Canada.
The IMP enables employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA if they qualify under an FTA.
Work experience gained through an FTA may count toward eligibility for permanent residency programs.
Business Visitors engage in international business activities without entering the labor market, while Professionals have pre-arranged employment in Canada.
The Canada–Colombia FTA facilitates temporary entry for certain businesspersons, such as professionals and investors.
FTAs allow eligible foreign workers to apply for work permits without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
CUSMA, formerly NAFTA, is an agreement between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico that facilitates work in specific roles related to trade, services, and investment.
Proof of citizenship, evidence of international business activities, and documentation showing no entry into the Canadian labor market are required.
An Intra-Company Transferee is an employee transferring from a U.S. or Mexican company to a related Canadian company in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.
CETA simplifies work for key personnel, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and short-term business visitors from EU member states.
CPTPP connects 11 countries, including Canada, to facilitate work and business opportunities for business visitors, professionals, investors, and technicians.
GATS,
administered by the WTO, facilitates trade and the mobility of certain business professionals among its member countries without requiring an LMIA.
The CCFTA simplifies work for business visitors and professionals, similar to NAFTA, but with some variations in categories.
The Canada–Korea FTA simplifies temporary work entry and offers work permits for spouses of eligible workers.
Work permits are typically valid for 1 to 3 years, with possible extensions depending on the agreement and category.
There are generally no specific age restrictions. Eligibility is based on meeting the FTA’s criteria and professional qualifications.
Most categories, such as Professionals and Intra-Company Transferees, require a pre-arranged job offer with a Canadian employer.
Some FTAs allow eligible workers to bring their family members, and spouses may qualify for open work permits.
Extensions are possible if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and have a valid job offer.
The CPTPP simplifies temporary entry for business visitors, professionals, investors, and technicians from member countries.
The Canada–Panama FTA allows certain businesspersons to obtain work permits without requiring an LMIA.
Most FTAs do not impose quotas. Eligibility depends on meeting the specified criteria.
The Canada–Korea FTA simplifies temporary entry for professionals, business visitors, and other eligible categories.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the provisions of the specific FTA.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the provisions of the specific FTA.
Got more questions? We’re here with the answers!
Got more questions? Unsure about the process or what’s next? We’re here to guide, support, and simplify every step of your journey.
Your journey begins with one conversation - let’s start now!