Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Working in Canada

Are you a citizen of the United States or Mexico who’s been wanting to come to Canada for temporary work? Are you an American or Mexican national with a job offer from a Canadian company but not certain about the sort of documentation required to legally work in Canada? Or are you just not sure if you meet the necessary requirements to enter Canada legally as a worker? If so, continue reading this blog for further assistance and information on this immigration matter.

NAFTA Work Permit

Foreign nationals generally require work permits to legally work in Canada. Furthermore, any Canadian company that wants to hire a foreign worker will need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approved by the Employment and Social Development Canada. If approved, the foreign worker can then given the job offer and use it to apply for a work permit. However, in some cases, an LMIA may not be required.

What is the NAFTA Work Permit?

The North American Free Trade Agreement came into force in 1994. One of the primary objectives of NAFTA was to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade and investment between the North American countries of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Since the agreement came into effect, it has helped to stabilize economic growth between its member countries.

In an effort to expedite business people’s entry into Canada under NAFTA, the NAFTA work permit was established. Business people who qualify under the NAFTA class are not required to receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Citizens of Canada, the U.S., and Mexico entering Canada for temporary business or investment reasons under NAFTA are divided into 4 groups: Business Visitors, Professionals, Intra-Company Transferees, and Traders and Investors. Please see the appropriate section below to find out more information about how to apply for a NAFTA Work Permit.