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CUSMA/USMCA Professional Work Permit

LMIA-exempt work permit for professionals from the United States and Mexico under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

Estimated Cost

$278

Processing Time

~14 days

Validity

36 months

Description

Under CUSMA (formerly NAFTA), citizens of the United States and Mexico can obtain work permits to work in Canada in specific professional occupations listed in the agreement. The process is streamlined — US citizens can often apply at the port of entry without a prior work permit. The occupation must be on the CUSMA professions list, and the applicant must have the required qualifications (typically a bachelor's degree). Self-employment is not permitted.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
1 days – 2 months

Average: 14 days

Visa Validity
3 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~7 years

Eligibility

Education:Bachelors

Requirements

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$278