US and Mexican citizens who are looking to enter Canada temporarily as a worker have many options. In most cases, you will have to first obtain a work permit and you might also need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, there are also options which do not require an LMIA to work in Canada.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) allows workers from the United States and Mexico to work in Canada without requiring an LMIA. There are three categories under NAFTA:

  1. Professionals – must qualify under one of about 60 professions set by NAFTA and have a job offer from a Canadian employer in that profession.
  2. Intra-Company Transfers – companies in the U.S. or Mexico can transfer high-skilled, temporary workers to a Canadian branch of the company. These workers must have worked continuously for at least one year – out of the last three – and be currently employed by the company in a managerial or executive position.
  3. Traders and Investors – may obtain a work permit if you intend to carry out a substantial trade or make a substantial investment in Canada.

In addition to the above-listed programs, the Intra-Company Transfer Program allows foreign businesses from many countries around the world to bring key employees into Canada. If you are a worker at a company that has a branch in Canada and you meet the requirements of the Intra-Company Transfer Program, you can obtain a work permit without an LMIA.

Entrepreneurs who wish to start or operate a new business in Canada may be able to obtain a work permit without an LMIA. In order to qualify for this exemption, you must be either a sole or a majority owner in a business that you will be bringing in to Canada. You must be able to show that your work in Canada will be temporary and that your business will be beneficial to the Canadian economy.

If you are a spouse or common-law partner of an individual who receives a work permit or study permit, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. This does not require an LMIA and allows you to work for any employer in Canada

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