CUSMA Professional
A CUSMA professional is a citizen of the United States or Mexico who can get an LMIA-exempt Canadian work permit to work in one of the professions listed in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the trade deal that replaced NAFTA.
How it works
You need a job offer from a Canadian employer in a listed profession (such as engineer, accountant, computer systems analyst, or scientist) and the qualifications the agreement lists, usually a degree or license. The employer submits the offer through IRCC's Employer Portal and pays the employer compliance fee (CAD $230 as of September 2026).
US citizens can often apply at a port of entry. Mexican citizens usually apply before travel.
The US equivalent is the TN visa. A CUSMA work permit is temporary; to stay long term, many holders later apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. See our CUSMA professionals page.
Frequently asked questions
Do CUSMA professionals need an LMIA?
No. The work permit is LMIA-exempt.
Can Canadians use CUSMA to work in the US?
Yes. Canadians and Mexicans use the TN category in the US.
Is CUSMA the same as NAFTA?
CUSMA replaced NAFTA in 2020 and kept a similar professionals list.
Official sources
- IRCC: Work in Canadacanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.