How to work in Canada as an American

Want to live and work in Canada as an American? It may be easier than you think thanks to the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This trade agreement includes a special work permit category that allows qualified professionals to take jobs in Canada without needing a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This makes the process significantly faster and more accessible compared to other Canadian work permits. In this post, we’ll explain how the CUSMA Professionals work permit works, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What is CUSMA?

CUSMA, known as USMCA in the US, is a trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that promotes economic cooperation across North America. It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020.

One of its key benefits is that it allows citizens of each country to apply for temporary work in another member country if they meet certain criteria. Under the CUSMA Professionals category, eligible individuals can take up jobs in Canada in designated high-skill occupations. This program helps fill labor shortages and supports economic growth while offering workers a relatively straightforward path to international experience.

How the CUSMA Professionals work permit works for Americans

The CUSMA Professionals permit allows qualified US citizens to work in Canada for up to three years, based on the terms outlined in their job offer. If the job continues and the worker remains eligible, the permit can be extended in additional three-year increments. To renew, applicants need to submit a new job offer letter and any other documents required to show that they still meet the criteria. 

It’s important to understand that the CUSMA Professionals permit is a temporary work permit. It doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency, and you’re expected to leave Canada if your job ends. However, time spent working in Canada under this permit can count toward permanent residence applications through other immigration pathways. 

Bring your family to Canada under the CUSMA work permit

Your immediate family members can also join you in Canada. If your CUSMA work permit is approved, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for nearly any employer. Children under 18 can attend school without needing a separate study permit. These benefits make the CUSMA Professionals permit an attractive option for families who want to move together, even if the stay is temporary.

Why choose the CUSMA Professionals permit?

For eligible US citizens, the CUSMA Professionals permit offers a faster and more flexible way to work in Canada compared to most other work permit options. Key advantages include:

• No LMIA required, which simplifies the application process for both the worker and the employer
• No annual caps or quotas, meaning there’s no limit to how many permits can be issued each year
• Faster processing times compared to standard work permits, thanks to fewer administrative steps

Eligibility for the CUSMA Professionals work permit

The CUSMA Professionals permit is available only to citizens of the United States and Mexico. It is not open to US green card holders, H-1B visa holders, international students on F-1 visas, or other non-citizens living in the US. 

To qualify for a work permit through CUSMA, your application must meet three main criteria:

• You must have a job offer or service contract with a Canadian employer in a qualifying profession.
• You must hold the required credentials, which typically means a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Your role must align with one of the approved CUSMA professions, which include engineers, scientists, accountants, computer systems analysts, consultants, and many others.

Additional CUSMA work permits

If you don’t qualify for the CUSMA Professionals permit, there are other options available under the agreement. These pathways have different eligibility requirements, but all fall under the broader CUSMA framework to support cross-border mobility for business and investment.

• CUSMA Traders: For US citizens in executive or managerial roles who conduct substantial trade with Canada – to qualify, at least 50% of your trade activity must be with Canadian partners
• CUSMA Investors: For individuals investing a significant amount of capital in a Canadian business – you must be actively involved in establishing, developing, or managing the investment
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT): For executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge transferring from a US company to a related Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate

Each permit supports different types of business and professional activity and comes with its own criteria and documentation requirements. Make sure to review the eligibility details closely before applying.

How to apply for CUSMA as an American

The first step to applying for the CUSMA Professionals work permit is to secure a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer. Your employer must submit the offer online through the Canadian government’s Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee before you can proceed with your application. Once the offer is in place, you’ll need to gather a few key documents:

• Proof of citizenship, such as a valid passport
• Proof of education, such as a diploma or degree certificate
• A detailed job description provided by your employer
• Biometrics, if required (you’ll be notified if this step applies to you)

You can submit your application online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or in person at a Canadian consulate or visa office. In some cases, eligible applicants can apply directly at a Canadian port of entry, such as a land border crossing or airport. If you choose this route, be sure to bring all required documentation with you.

You must wait for your work permit to be approved before starting work in Canada. Processing times vary but typically range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on where and how you apply.

Ready to move to Canada, eh? 

With a similar climate, culture, and lifestyle to the US, Canada is a top choice for many Americans looking to live and work abroad. The proximity to home, widespread use of English, and welcoming environment make the transition smoother.  

If you’re ready to move to and work in Canada, log in to the Interstride career portal to explore opportunities and start planning your transition. Already have interviews lined up? Use Interstride’s resources to prepare for your international job interview with confidence. 

FAQs: Working in Canada as an American under CUSMA

• What is CUSMA? CUSMA (called USMCA in the US) is a trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico that allows eligible citizens to temporarily live and work in another member country. It replaced NAFTA in 2020.
  
• Can US citizens work in Canada without a work permit? No. A valid work permit is still required. However, the CUSMA Professionals permit simplifies the process by removing the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement.
  
• Who qualifies for the CUSMA Professionals work permit? Eligible applicants must be citizens of the US or Mexico, have a job offer in a qualifying profession, and meet the required education or credential standards—typically a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  
• How long is the CUSMA permit valid?
  The initial CUSMA Professionals permit is valid for up to three years. 
• Can the CUSMA work permit be renewed? Yes, it can be renewed in additional three-year increments as long as eligibility criteria are still met.
• Does the CUSMA permit lead to permanent residency?
  Not directly. However, Canadian work experience gained under this permit may count toward eligibility for permanent residence through other immigration pathways.
• Can family members accompany the applicant?
  Yes. Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit, and dependent children under 18 can attend school in Canada without a study permit.
• Can international students in the US apply for a CUSMA permit? No, unless the student is a Mexican citizen. CUSMA is only available to citizens of the US and Mexico.
• Is remote work allowed? No. Working remotely for a US employer while living in Canada is not permitted under the CUSMA Professionals permit. Self-employment is also not allowed.
  
• How does the application process work? The process begins with a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer submits the offer through the Canadian Employer Portal and pays a compliance fee. The applicant gathers required documents and submits the application either online, in person at a visa office, or at a Canadian port of entry, if eligible.
• Are there other CUSMA work permits besides the Professionals category? Yes. Additional options include permits for Traders, Investors, and Intra-Company Transfers, each with its own eligibility requirements and criteria for cross-border employment.