CUSMA gets the spotlight, but Canada has signed 15 free trade agreements covering more than 50 countries, and several offer the same LMIA-exempt fast track for workers who hold neither American nor Mexican citizenship. CETA opens the door for European Union citizens — particularly independent contractors, engineers, and scientific consultants coming to Canada on short-term service contracts. The CPTPP connects professionals, technicians, and executives from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and now the United Kingdom to the Canadian labour market. And GATS, administered through the World Trade Organization, allows qualifying professionals worldwide to enter Canada for short-term contracts of up to 90 days within a 12-month period under updated IRCC guidance issued earlier this year. Across all three agreements, the same categories appear: professionals with pre-arranged offers, intra-company transferees with at least a year at the foreign office, and traders and investors. The employer pays a $230 compliance fee through the IRCC Employer Portal, spouses qualify for open work permits, and Canadian work experience can strengthen a future Express Entry or Provincial Nominee profile. Our Canadian affiliate has the full breakdown.
Read More: https://visaserve.ca/beyond-cusma-how-ceta-cptpp-and-gats-open-work-permit-pathways-to-canada/