CUSMA Investor & Trader Work Permits

Under Chapter 16 of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), eligible investors and traders from the U.S. or Mexico may work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if they meet specific investment or trade criteria.

These permits fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and are designed to facilitate economic collaboration and free trade among member countries.

There are two key categories:

●  CUSMA Investor: For those making a substantial investment in a Canadian enterprise and who will direct and develop the business.

●  CUSMA Trader: For those conducting substantial trade in goods or services primarily between their home country and Canada.

To qualify under the Investor category, you must:

●  Be a citizen of the U.S. or Mexico

●  Have made or are in the process of making a substantial investment in a Canadian business

●  Be coming to Canada to develop and direct the business

●  Own at least 50% of the business, or be in operational control

There is no fixed minimum dollar amount, but your investment must be:

●  Substantial in relation to the total cost of purchasing or establishing the business

●  At risk (i.e., committed and subject to partial or total loss)

●  Sufficient to ensure successful business operation

Examples:

●  A U.S. entrepreneur opening a logistics company in Alberta

●  A Mexican investor acquiring a majority share of a tech firm in Toronto

To qualify under the Trader category, you must:

●  Be a citizen of the U.S. or Mexico

●  Work for a company that conducts substantial trade in goods or services between your country and Canada

●  Be employed in a supervisory, executive, or essential skills role

●  At least 50% of the company’s trade volume must be with Canada

“Substantial trade” refers to:

●  A continuous flow of international trade (not a single transaction)

●  Documented trade volume and frequency

Examples:

●  A U.S.-based freight company assigning a logistics manager to its Canadian operations

●  A Mexican digital services firm trading with Canadian clients and relocating a technical lead

U.S. Citizens:

●  May apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) with complete documents

Mexican Citizens:

●  Must apply online or at a visa office before entering Canada

Required Documents:

●  Proof of citizenship (passport)

●  Documentation of investment/trade activity

●  Proof of business ownership or executive/essential role

●  Business plan, financials, contracts, and registration documents

●  Letter of support from employer (if applicable)

●  Initial Duration: Up to 1 year

●  Extensions: Possible in 1-year increments as long as eligibility is maintained

●  Dependents: Spouse may apply for an open work permit, and children for study permits

While CUSMA work permits are temporary, they can help you become eligible for permanent residence through:

●  Express Entry (CEC or FSW) after gaining Canadian work experience

●  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) if your business is located in a participating province

●  Entrepreneur-based PR streams if you expand your investment and meet eligibility

There is no direct PR pathway via CUSMA, but it is a valuable stepping stone.