A U.S. or Mexican citizen with a Canadian job offer in one of 63 listed professions can obtain a Canadian work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is Canada’s counterpart to TN status in the United States. Our earlier post on CUSMA work permits covers the four categories and the border process. This post looks more closely at the Professionals category, administrative code T36, and the points IRCC and CBSA officers are instructed to review.
The Offer of Employment Is Read Closely
The Canadian employer submits the offer through the IRCC Employer Portal before the worker applies. Officers review the job title, duties, length of employment, pay arrangements, and the education the position requires, and the duties must match the profession being claimed. IRCC’s instructions give a plain example: an accountant must be coming to Canada to work as an accountant. A bookkeeping position does not qualify, because bookkeeper does not appear in Appendix 2 of the agreement. The list is treated as complete, although a different job title is accepted when the duties are the same.
There is no mandatory wage assessment in this category, and officers are told not to refuse on wage alone. Pay is still treated as an indicator of expertise, so the salary should make sense for the profession.
Credentials and Provincial Licensing
Each profession has a minimum credential, most often a bachelor’s degree or a state or provincial license. Where a degree is required, it must be in the field or a closely related one. Provincial licensing rules still apply, and for regulated occupations the officer must be satisfied the applicant holds, or can obtain, the license needed to do the job. Registered nurses need a license from the province of destination before they enter, and physicians qualify for teaching or research positions only.
Self-Employment Is Not Permitted
The work must be arranged in advance with a Canadian employer. That can be a direct job, a contract between the professional and a Canadian business, or a contract between the professional’s U.S. or Mexican employer and a Canadian business. If the applicant substantially controls the Canadian company making the offer, officers must refuse the application, even where that company is a separate corporation. A consultant who is self-employed in the United States can still qualify when the Canadian engagement is pre-arranged with a Canadian employer.
Permit Length and Extensions
An initial permit can be issued for up to three years, or until the passport expires if that comes first. Extensions are available in increments of up to three years with no set limit on the number, provided the employer files a new offer and the officer remains satisfied the stay is temporary. IRCC cautions that multiple renewals are not approved routinely.
Is CUSMA Still in Force?
Yes. At the joint review on July 1, 2026, the United States did not agree to renew the agreement. Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that CUSMA remains fully in force until 2036 and can be renewed at any time. IRCC’s instructions for the Professionals category have not been amended since the review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a U.S. green card holder apply as a CUSMA professional?
No. The temporary entry provisions cover citizens of the United States and Mexico. Permanent residents of either country are not eligible under CUSMA.
Is a university degree always required?
Most listed professions call for a bachelor’s degree. Some accept a license instead, and several accept a post-secondary diploma or certificate combined with three years of experience.
Can my own Canadian corporation be the employer?
No. Where the applicant substantially controls the Canadian business, IRCC treats the arrangement as self-employment, which the Professionals category does not allow.
Does a professional always need a work permit to do business in Canada?
No. A professional who will not enter the Canadian labor market, such as someone meeting clients, consulting or soliciting business, may be admitted as a business visitor without a work permit if the business visitor criteria are met.
How is a CUSMA work permit extended?
The employer submits a new offer of employment and the worker applies online from inside Canada. An application made at a port of entry is treated as a new work permit application.
If you or your family members have questions about how this or other immigration and nationality matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.