Many Americans are interested in moving to Canada for work, whether for better job opportunities, a change in lifestyle, or to be closer to family. Fortunately, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) offers a relatively straightforward pathway for American professionals to work in Canada through the CUSMA Professional Visa (formerly known as the NAFTA Work Permit).
How Americans Can Move to Canada with a CUSMA Professional Visa
This guide will explain how Americans can move to Canada using a CUSMA Professional Visa, covering eligibility, the application process, required documents, and tips for a smooth transition.
What Is the CUSMA Professional Visa?
The CUSMA Professional Visa allows U.S. and Mexican citizens to work in Canada temporarily in certain professional roles without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This visa is ideal for Americans who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the CUSMA-approved professions.
Unlike other Canadian work permits, the CUSMA Professional Visa is:
✅ Faster to obtain (often processed at the border)
✅ LMIA-exempt (no proof of a Canadian labor shortage required)
✅ Renewable (can be extended indefinitely in some cases)
Step 1: Check Eligibility for the CUSMA Professional Visa
To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Be a U.S. Citizen – You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship (passport).
2. Have a Job Offer from a Canadian Employer – The offer must be for a position in one of the CUSMA-approved professions.
3. Meet the Educational or Licensing Requirements – You must have the necessary qualifications or work experience for your profession.
4. Prove Temporary Intent – The visa is for temporary work, though it can be renewed multiple times.
Step 2: Confirm Your Job Is on the CUSMA Professional List
CUSMA only allows work permits for 63 specific professional occupations across various industries.
Full List of CUSMA-Approved Professions
General Professions
• Accountant
• Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
• Economist
• Engineer
• Forester
• Graphic Designer
• Hotel Manager
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Land Surveyor
• Landscape Architect
• Lawyer (including Notary in Quebec)
• Librarian (Master’s degree required)
• Management Consultant
• Mathematician (including Statistician and Actuary)
• Range Manager/Range Conservationist
• Research Assistant (Post-Secondary Educational Institution)
• Scientific Technician/Technologist
• Social Worker
• Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist)
• Technical Publications Writer
• Urban Planner (including Geographer)
Medical and Health-Related Professions
• Dentist
• Dietitian
• Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada: must be certified by CSMLS)
• Nutritionist
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Physician (teaching or research only)
• Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist
• Psychologist
• Recreational Therapist
• Registered Nurse
• Veterinarian
Scientific Professions
• Agriculturist (including Agronomist)
• Animal Breeder
• Animal Scientist
• Apiculturist
• Astronomer
• Biochemist
• Biologist
• Chemist
• Dairy Scientist
• Entomologist
• Epidemiologist
• Geneticist
• Geochemist
• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Horticulturist
• Meteorologist
• Pharmacologist
• Physicist (including Oceanographer)
• Plant Breeder
• Poultry Scientist
• Soil Scientist
• Zoologist
Teaching Professions
• College Instructor
• Seminary Teacher
• University Professor
If your profession is not on the list, you may need to explore alternative work permits, such as the Express Entry program or an employer-specific work permit.
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
You must have a job offer before applying for a CUSMA Professional Visa. Your employer will need to provide:
✔ A detailed job offer letter on company letterhead
✔ Proof that your role is CUSMA-eligible
✔ Confirmation that you meet the required qualifications
How to Find a Job in Canada
If you don’t have a job offer yet, consider searching on:
• Job Bank Canada (www.jobbank.gc.ca)
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Indeed Canada
• Industry-specific job boards
Networking can also be helpful. If you work for a U.S. company with Canadian operations, consider requesting an internal transfer.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents for Your Application
To apply for a CUSMA Professional Visa, you will need:
• Valid U.S. passport
• Job offer letter from a Canadian employer
• Proof of qualifications (degree, diploma, certification, or work experience letters)
• Resume/CV
• Proof of professional licensing (if required for your job)
• Completed work permit application form (IMM 1295)
• Application fee (CAD $155 as of 2024)
It’s recommended to have both originals and copies of your documents.
Step 5: Apply for the CUSMA Professional Visa
Option 1: Apply at the Port of Entry (POE) (Fastest Method)
If you meet all requirements, you can apply in person when entering Canada at:
✅ Airports (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.)
✅ Land border crossings (Buffalo, Detroit, Seattle, etc.)
When applying at a POE, bring all required documents and be prepared for an interview with a border officer. Remember that your employer will have to submit the job offer details in advance through the employer portal. If approved, you’ll receive your work permit on the spot.
Option 2: Apply Online (For Pre-Approval)
You can also apply online through the IRCC website before traveling to Canada. This option is useful if you prefer to have your work permit approved before arrival.
Processing times vary, but online applications typically take longer.
Step 6: Enter Canada and Start Working
Once your work permit is approved, you can enter Canada and begin working. Here are a few key steps for settling in:
✅ Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) – You need this to work and pay taxes.
✅ Find Housing – Popular cities for professionals include Windsor, Toronto, Hamilton, Vancouver, and Montreal.
✅ Open a Canadian Bank Account – Helps with direct deposit and everyday transactions.
✅ Get Provincial Health Insurance – Some provinces require a waiting period before coverage begins.
Final Thoughts: Is the CUSMA Professional Visa Right for You?
The CUSMA Professional Visa is one of the easiest ways for Americans to move to Canada for work. If you have a job offer in an approved profession, you can quickly obtain a work permit without the complexities of an LMIA.
If you need help with your visa application or want guidance on transitioning to permanent residency, book a consultation with an immigration lawyer:
➡ Schedule a Consultation Here
Moving to Canada can be a life-changing opportunity—start your journey today.