Cusma Formerly known as Nafta is a free trade agreement with the United States, Canada and Mexico. Where barriers to trade, tariffs and others are reduced for the participating parties. How do you go about obtaining a CUSMA work permit. As you know, Cusma is also beneficial for Mexican citizens looking to work either in Canada or the states. Since our primary focus is Canada, we will be explaining how it works, and the benefits and requirements to qualify under the CUSMA work permit.
LMIA EXEMPT
Before jumping into how to go about obtaining a CUSMA work permit. Here are a few things to know. Applying for work under the CUSMA agreement will make it more simple to apply for a Canadian Work Permit since you will be completely skipping an LMIA (Labour Market Index Assessment), facilitating a quicker process. Please click here to find out more about the LMIA process.
How does it work?
We will be talking about the different CUSMA streams: Professionals, intra-company transferees, Business Visitors and traders/Investors.
Professionals
You will need to find a legitimate Canadian Job offer, and in some cases, you will need to show proof of your work experience or a specific degree required for said position.
Requirements
American/Mexican Citizenship
Canadian signed job contract
Legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer
A document that indicates the job title and location of work
Proof that indicates that you have the credentials required for the job
Duties of the job
Benefits
50 points to apply for Express Entry
International Work Experience
Gain knowledge and skills
Can help you get a higher position if you decide to go back to your country
You can apply for the work permit at POE (Point Of Entry)
The CUSMA work permit under the professional stream can be approved for up to 3 years, and extensions can be done for up to 3 years as well. Keep in mind, that if your goal is to stay in Canada and apply for Permanent Residence, having Canadian work experience can help you gain 50 points to apply for Express Entry.
Intra-company transferees
These are persons employed by an American or Mexican company in a managerial or executive capacity involving specialized knowledge that is being transferred to the Canadian enterprise, parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in order to provide services.
Requirements
Be a USA or Mexican citizen
Job operates in managerial/Executive capacity
Have at least 1 year of experience during the previous 3 years
Transfer to a company that is a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate to the Mexican enterprise
The CUSMA work permit under the Intra-company transferee stream can be approved for up to 3 years. However, if it is a start-up or a new office, it can only be approved for 1 year. The maximum extension for such a permit is 3 years.
Business Visitor
You can enter Canada without a Work Permit, as long as you are not coming to work.
Requirements
Must be Mexican/American Citizens
Have to be involved in one of these activities: General Service, Marketing, Growth, manufacturing and production, research and design, sales, distribution and after-sales service.
Their activities must be of international scope
Proof that their main business is outside Canada
Here are the allowed activities you can be involved in while coming as a business visitor, here they are as followed: -Consultations -Negotiations -Discussions -Research -Participating in conventions -Meetings -Business Solicitations
If you will be entering Canada a number of times for your business visits, then you may be issued what is called a Visitor Record by Canadian immigration authorities.
Trades and investors
While they are exempt from an LMIA, traders and investors must apply for a work permit at a visa office abroad before travelling to Canada. Generally, work permits will be for up to 1 year with possible extensions of up to 2 years for a total of up to 3 years.
Requirements
Traders
Mexican or American citizenship held
The enterprise they work for is Mexican or American
Evidence might be necessary to prove the nationality of the company
Their activities rely heavily upon trading with Canada
The position of the trader is supervisory or executive involving essential skills vital to the company’s Canadian operations
Investors
The applicant has American or Mexican citizenship
The enterprise/company is American or Mexican Substantial investment is being or will be made
The applicant will solely be concerned with developing and directing the enterprise
If the applicant is an employee, they must be an executive or a supervisor with essential skills
Whichever route is the easiest make sure to have all the requirements necessary, please contact MDS Consulting to guide you through the process and make sure you get approval. ! Hablamos Español tambien ¡
