CUSMA Work Permit: The Complete Guide to LMIA-Exempt Work Authorization for US and Mexican Citizens in Canada (2026)

By VG Immigration Services Inc. | Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Introduction

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which replaced NAFTA in July 2020, continues to provide one of the fastest and most accessible pathways for American and Mexican citizens to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Through five distinct work permit categories — traders (T21), investors (T22), professionals (T23), intra-company transferees (T24), and their spouses (T25) — CUSMA enables eligible workers to obtain Canadian work authorization in as little as 2-4 weeks, bypassing the expensive and time-consuming LMIA process that can take 3-6 months and cost employers $1,000 in government fees alone.

At VG Immigration Services Inc., we’ve guided numerous American executives transferring to Toronto offices, Mexican entrepreneurs establishing Canadian operations, and US professionals taking on project-based contracts in Ontario through the CUSMA framework. With Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws reaching historic lows of 509 CRS points in January 2026, CUSMA work permits have become an increasingly strategic tool not just for temporary employment, but as a foundation for building permanent residence eligibility through Canadian work experience.

This comprehensive guide provides everything US and Mexican citizens need to know about CUSMA work permits: the five eligibility categories, detailed application procedures, documentation requirements, processing options, common refusal reasons, and how to leverage CUSMA employment toward Express Entry and permanent residence.

Contact us for a personalized CUSMA eligibility assessment, or book an appointment to begin your application process today.

Understanding CUSMA: From NAFTA to the Modern Trade Agreement

Historical Context and Legal Foundation

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) operated from January 1994 to June 2020, establishing LMIA-exempt work permit provisions for business persons from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. On July 1, 2020, NAFTA was replaced by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), known as USMCA in the United States and T-MEC in Mexico.

While the transition brought some terminology and procedural updates, the core work permit categories under CUSMA remain substantially similar to NAFTA provisions, preserving the LMIA exemption framework that has facilitated cross-border business mobility for three decades.

Legal Authority: CUSMA work permits are issued under IRPR R204(a) — International agreements, which states:

“A work permit may be issued under section 200 to a foreign national who intends to perform work pursuant to an international agreement between Canada and one or more countries, other than an agreement entered into under section 204(c).”

Why CUSMA Matters for US and Mexican Workers

For qualifying US and Mexican citizens, CUSMA provides several critical advantages over standard work permits:

✅ No LMIA Required — Employers don’t need to prove they couldn’t find Canadian workers
✅ No Recruitment Advertising — Eliminates 4+ weeks of mandatory job posting
✅ No Prevailing Wage Test — While wages must be reasonable, there’s no strict ESDC wage floor
✅ Faster Processing — 2-4 weeks online vs. 3-6 months for LMIA-based permits
✅ Lower Costs — $155 work permit fee + $230 employer compliance fee vs. $1,000+ for LMIA
✅ Citizenship-Based — Eligibility determined by nationality, not employer’s recruitment efforts

Important Limitation: CUSMA work permits are available only to citizens of the United States and Mexico. Permanent residents of these countries who are citizens of other nations do not qualify for CUSMA exemptions and must pursue standard LMIA-based work permits or other pathways.

The Five CUSMA Work Permit Categories (T21-T25)

CUSMA work permits are organized into five distinct categories, each with specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and strategic use cases.

Category 1: T21 — Traders

Who Qualifies: Senior-level employees of companies engaged in substantial trade of goods or services between the United States or Mexico and Canada.

Eligible Activities:

Managing or supervising trade operations between CUSMA countries
Conducting substantial trade in goods (physical products)
Providing substantial trade in services (consulting, software, etc.)
Executive or supervisory roles supporting cross-border commerce

Key Requirements:

Citizenship: Must be US or Mexican citizen
Employment Relationship: Must be employed by qualifying enterprise in executive, supervisory, or essential skills capacity
Substantial Trade: The enterprise must conduct substantial and continuous trade principally between Canada and US/Mexico (more than 50% of total international trade volume)
Trade Definition: Exchange of goods, services, or technology between countries; includes:
- International banking
- Insurance services
- Transportation
- Tourism
- Communications
- Engineering
- Software development and licensing
- Data processing

Documentation Required:

US or Mexican passport (proof of citizenship)
Employment letter from US/Mexican company detailing role, responsibilities, reporting structure
Evidence of substantial trade: Sales contracts, invoices, shipping records, service agreements showing volume and frequency of US/Mexico-Canada transactions
Business registration documents for the enterprise
Organizational chart showing applicant’s position
Financial statements demonstrating trade volume and continuity

Duration: Up to 3 years initially; renewable in 3-year increments with continued eligibility

Strategic Use Case:
American textile company exports 80% of production to Canadian retailers. Operations Manager (US citizen) coordinates supply chain, manages Canadian logistics, and oversees Toronto distribution center. Qualifies as T21 Trader managing substantial cross-border trade.

Category 2: T22 — Investors

Who Qualifies: US or Mexican citizens actively engaged in developing and directing a substantial Canadian business investment.

Eligible Activities:

Establishing a new Canadian business venture
Acquiring ownership stake in existing Canadian enterprise
Developing and directing operations of Canadian investment
Managing capital investment and business operations

Key Requirements:

Citizenship: US or Mexican citizen
Substantial Investment: Significant capital committed to Canadian enterprise (no fixed minimum, but typically $100,000+ CAD; IRCC assesses on case-by-case basis)
Active Management: Must be actively involved in developing and directing the business; cannot be passive investor
Business Viability: Investment must be in a real, operating commercial enterprise (not speculative or marginal)
At Risk Capital: Investment funds must be subject to business success/failure risk (not guaranteed returns)

Documentation Required:

US or Mexican passport
Business plan for Canadian investment showing market analysis, financial projections, hiring plans, operational strategy
Proof of investment funds: Bank statements, investment account records, sale of assets documents
Corporate documents: Canadian business registration, Articles of Incorporation, shareholder agreements
Evidence of active management role: Board position, signing authority, operational responsibilities
Financial statements or projections showing investment amount and deployment
Proof of lawful source of investment funds

Duration: Up to 1 year initially; renewable annually with continued active investment and management involvement

Important Distinction — T22 vs. Entrepreneur Programs:
T22 is a temporary work permit focused on managing existing investment, not a pathway to permanent residence like provincial entrepreneur streams or federal Start-Up Visa. However, successful T22 investors often build eligibility for Express Entry through Canadian work experience or transition to provincial nominee programs.

Strategic Use Case:
Mexican manufacturing entrepreneur invests $250,000 CAD to establish automotive parts production facility in Ontario. Holds 75% ownership, manages daily operations, hires 8 Canadian employees. Qualifies as T22 Investor developing and directing substantial Canadian business.

Category 3: T23 — Professionals

Who Qualifies: US or Mexican citizens in one of 63 pre-approved professional occupations who hold the required educational credentials and will work temporarily in Canada.

The 63 CUSMA Professional Occupations:

CUSMA Appendix 1603.D.1 lists specific professions eligible for T23 work permits. Key categories include:

Scientific & Technical Professionals:

Agriculturist (Agronomist)
Animal Breeder
Animal Scientist
Apiculturist
Astronomer
Biochemist
Biologist
Chemist
Dairy Scientist
Entomologist
Epidemiologist
Geneticist
Geologist
Geophysicist (including Oceanographer)
Horticulturist
Meteorologist
Pharmacologist
Physicist (including Oceanographer)
Plant Breeder
Poultry Scientist
Soil Scientist
Zoologist

Medical & Health Professionals:

Dentist
Dietitian
Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/Medical Technologist (Mexico & US)
Nutritionist
Occupational Therapist
Pharmacist
Physician (teaching or research only)
Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Recreational Therapist
Registered Nurse
Veterinarian

Education:

College (teaching at post-secondary level only)
Seminary (teaching at post-secondary level only)
University (teaching or research only)

Engineering & Architecture:

Agricultural Engineer
Architect
Civil Engineer
Computer Systems Analyst
Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
Economist
Engineer (all disciplines)
Forester
Graphic Designer
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Land Surveyor
Landscape Architect
Mathematician (including Statistician)
Range Manager/Range Conservationist
Research Assistant (working in post-secondary educational institution)
Scientific Technician/Technologist
Social Worker
Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist)
Technical Publications Writer
Urban Planner (including Geographer)

Legal, Accounting & Management:

Accountant
Hotel Manager
Lawyer (including Notary in Quebec)
Management Consultant
Medical/Allied Professional (teaching or research at post-secondary educational institutions only)

Key Requirements for T23 Professionals:

Citizenship: US or Mexican citizen
Occupation: Must be one of the 63 listed CUSMA professions
Education: Minimum 4-year university bachelor’s degree or relevant professional license/credential
- Exception: Some professions accept 3-year degree + relevant experience
- Regulated professions (engineers, doctors, lawyers, nurses) require Canadian licensing or recognition before working
Job Offer: Must have Canadian employment offer in the professional occupation
Temporary Intent: While not heavily scrutinized, must demonstrate intent to work temporarily (not permanent settlement at time of T23 application)

Documentation Required:

US or Mexican passport
University degree(s) — Official transcripts and diploma
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if degree is from institution outside Canada/US/Mexico
Professional license or registration (if regulated profession in Canada)
Employment offer letter detailing:
- Job title matching CUSMA profession
- Duties and responsibilities
- Salary and benefits
- Duration of employment
- Work location
Resume/CV showing education and relevant experience
Employer business documents (incorporation, business license)

Duration: Up to 3 years initially; renewable in 3-year increments

Regulated Profession Licensing Requirements:

Several T23 professions are regulated in Canada and require provincial licensing before work authorization:

Profession	Licensing Authority	Key Steps
Engineer	Provincial engineering associations (e.g., PEO in Ontario, APEGA in Alberta)	Credential evaluation, technical exams, experience verification, language testing
Architect	Provincial architectural associations (OAA, AAA, etc.)	Degree recognition, internship completion, CACB certification, registration exams
Physician	Provincial medical colleges (CPSO, CPSM, etc.)	Medical Council of Canada qualifying exams, residency, provincial licensing exams
Registered Nurse	Provincial nursing colleges (CNO, CRNBC, etc.)	NCLEX-RN exam, credential assessment, language proficiency (CELBAN or IELTS/CELPIP)
Pharmacist	Provincial pharmacy regulatory authorities	Pharmacist Evaluating Exam (PEBC), jurisprudence exam, structured practical training
Lawyer	Provincial law societies (LSO, Barreau du Québec, etc.)	NCA credential evaluation, transfer exams, articling, bar admission

VG Immigration Services coordinates with licensing bodies to ensure T23 applicants for regulated professions have licensing requirements in progress before work permit applications.

Strategic Use Case:
American civil engineer with PE license and Bachelor’s of Engineering works for US consulting firm. Assigned to 2-year infrastructure project in Ontario. Applies for P.Eng. licensure with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and receives confirmation of eligibility. Qualifies as T23 Professional with job offer as Project Engineer.

Category 4: T24 — Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)

Who Qualifies: US or Mexican citizens employed by multinational companies transferring to Canadian branch, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.

Eligible Transfer Types:

US/Mexico parent company → Canadian subsidiary
US/Mexico subsidiary → Canadian parent company
US/Mexico affiliate → Canadian affiliate
Internal transfer within multinational corporate structure

Three Sub-Categories:

1. Executives (Senior Management)

Direct organizations or major departments
Establish goals and policies
Exercise wide latitude in decision-making
Receive minimal supervision from higher executives or board of directors

2. Managers

Manage organizations, departments, or functions
Supervise and control work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees
Authority to hire/fire or recommend personnel actions
Exercise discretionary authority over day-to-day operations

3. Specialized Knowledge Workers

Possess advanced proprietary knowledge of company products, services, research, systems, or techniques
Hold special knowledge of company’s processes and procedures
Knowledge not readily available in Canadian labour market
Examples: Product development specialists, proprietary software engineers, advanced manufacturing process experts

Key Requirements:

Citizenship: US or Mexican citizen
Prior Employment: Must have been employed by the enterprise (or parent/subsidiary/affiliate) for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years in a capacity similar to the position in Canada
Qualifying Relationship: Canadian employer must be:
- Parent company
- Subsidiary (>50% ownership)
- Affiliate (common ownership/control)
- Branch office
Similar Role: Canadian position must be executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity
Business Legitimacy: Both foreign and Canadian entities must be actively operating viable businesses

Documentation Required:

US or Mexican passport
Employment letter from foreign entity confirming:
- Position held abroad (title, duties, duration)
- Length of employment (must show 1+ continuous year)
- Organizational structure and reporting relationships
Employment offer from Canadian entity detailing:
- Canadian position (executive/manager/specialized knowledge)
- Job duties and responsibilities
- Salary and benefits
- Duration of transfer (temporary assignment)
- Work location
Corporate relationship documentation:
- Organizational charts for both entities showing corporate structure
- Share certificates, Articles of Incorporation, business registrations
- Proof of parent-subsidiary or affiliate relationship (ownership documents)
- Financial statements for both entities
For Specialized Knowledge workers:
- Detailed description of specialized knowledge (proprietary systems, processes, products)
- Evidence of training or unique expertise
- Explanation of why knowledge is not readily available in Canada

Duration:

Executives and Managers: Up to 3 years initially; renewable in 3-year increments (typically up to 7 years total)
Specialized Knowledge Workers: Up to 3 years initially; renewable in shorter increments (varies by case; typically 1-2 year renewals)

Common ICT Scenarios:

US tech company opens Toronto R&D center; transfers Engineering Director (manager) for 3 years
Mexican manufacturing firm establishes Canadian sales subsidiary; sends VP of Sales (executive) to lead operations
American software company transfers senior developer with proprietary codebase knowledge (specialized knowledge) to support Canadian clients

Strategic Use Case:
US financial services corporation with 15-year operating history opens wealth management division in Toronto. Transfers Senior Vice President from New York headquarters (employed 4 years, manages 25-person team, reports to C-suite) to establish and lead Canadian operations. Qualifies as T24 ICT Executive.

Category 5: T25 — Spouses of CUSMA Workers

Who Qualifies: Spouses or common-law partners (regardless of citizenship) of T21, T22, T23, or T24 work permit holders.

Eligibility:

Legally married spouse or common-law partner (1+ year cohabitation) of principal CUSMA work permit holder
Principal applicant holds valid T21, T22, T23, or T24 work permit
Accompanying or joining principal in Canada

Work Authorization:
T25 provides open work permit — spouse can:

Work for any Canadian employer
Work in any occupation (skilled or non-skilled)
Change employers without new permit
Be self-employed or start business

Duration: Matches principal CUSMA work permit holder’s validity

Application Process:

Can apply simultaneously with principal’s T21-T24 application
Can apply after principal approved
Required documents:
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, common-law cohabitation evidence)
- Copy of principal’s CUSMA work permit or approval letter
- Passport and standard work permit application forms
- IMM 5707 and IMM 5645 (family information forms)

Strategic Value:
T25 open work permits double household earning potential and allow spouses to build their own Canadian work experience for Express Entry eligibility, making CUSMA transfers attractive for dual-career families.

Strategic Use Case:
American T23 civil engineer on 3-year project in Vancouver. Spouse (also US citizen) receives T25 open work permit, works as marketing coordinator for local tech startup. After 12 months, spouse has Canadian work experience qualifying for CEC; family applies Express Entry with two sets of Canadian experience.

CUSMA Work Permit Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Determine CUSMA Category Eligibility

Before beginning applications, carefully assess which CUSMA category fits your situation:

Self-Assessment Questions:

Are you a US or Mexican citizen (not just resident)?
Does your role involve substantial cross-border trade (T21), substantial investment management (T22), one of 63 listed professions (T23), or intra-company transfer (T24)?
Do you have required education/experience/prior employment?
Does your employer have necessary corporate relationships and business documentation?

VG Immigration Services offers comprehensive CUSMA eligibility assessments, including:

Citizenship verification and dual-citizenship considerations
Occupation matching against CUSMA professional list
Corporate relationship structure analysis for ICT applications
Documentation gap analysis and preparation timelines

Book an appointment for personalized CUSMA assessment.

Step 2: Employer Registration and Offer of Employment Submission

Unless applying at Port of Entry (see Option B below), Canadian employers must submit offer through IRCC Employer Portal:

Employer Portal Steps:

Create Account: Register at www.canada.ca/employer-portal (if not already registered)
Pay Employer Compliance Fee: $230 CAD per offer
Complete Offer of Employment Form:
- Employee details (name, date of birth, citizenship, passport number)
- Job details (title, NOC code, duties, wage, location, duration)
- Select LMIA Exemption Code: T21, T22, T23, T24, or T25
- Upload supporting documents:
  - For T21: Trade documentation (contracts, invoices, shipping records)
  - For T22: Business plan, investment proof, corporate documents
  - For T23: Degree transcripts, professional license (if regulated), job offer letter
  - For T24: Corporate relationship documents, organizational charts, employment history letters
Submit and Receive Offer Number:
- IRCC reviews employer submission (typically 1-3 business days)
- Employer receives Offer of Employment number (starts with “A” + digits)
- This number is provided to foreign worker for work permit application

Employer Compliance Considerations:

IRCC may inspect employers who hire foreign workers to ensure:

Wages and working conditions meet offer terms
Employee performing duties described in application
Workplace meets provincial employment standards
No evidence of worker exploitation or abuse

Employers with compliance violations may face:

Monetary penalties ($1,000 per violation)
Bans on hiring foreign workers (1-10 years depending on severity)
Referral to provincial labour authorities for investigation

VG Immigration Services assists employers with:

Employer Portal navigation and offer submission
Supporting documentation compilation and formatting
Compliance program establishment and monitoring
Response to IRCC employer inspections or inquiries

Step 3: Foreign Worker Application Submission

Once Offer of Employment number is obtained (or if applying at POE without portal submission), worker applies for CUSMA work permit via two possible routes:

Option A: Online Application (Recommended for Most Cases)

Advantages:

More time to compile thorough documentation
Ability to upload clear scanned copies of all documents
Tracking and status updates through online account
Option to respond to IRCC requests for additional information
Lower risk of immediate refusal (opportunity to address officer concerns)

Processing Time: 2-4 weeks for most straightforward CUSMA applications from US/Mexico

How to Apply Online:

Create IRCC Online Account: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
Complete Application Forms:
- IMM 5257 (Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada) if outside Canada
- IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay, or Remain in Canada) if already in Canada
- IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
- IMM 5707 (Family Information for minors, if applicable)
Upload Required Documents:
- Valid passport (biographical pages showing citizenship)
- Offer of Employment number (from Employer Portal)
- Category-specific documentation:
  - T21: Trade volume evidence, employment letter, company registration
  - T22: Business plan, investment proof, incorporation documents, financial statements
  - T23: University degree, transcripts, professional license (if regulated), job offer letter
  - T24: Prior employment letter (1+ year proof), corporate relationship documents, organizational charts
  - T25: Marriage certificate or common-law evidence, principal’s work permit copy
- Digital photograph (IRCC specifications)
- Proof of fee payment ($155 work permit fee + $85 biometrics if applicable)
Pay Fees and Submit:
- Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if required; most Mexican citizens required; US citizens exempt)
- Submit application electronically
Provide Biometrics (if required):
- Book appointment at designated VAC or Service Canada location
- Must complete within 30 days of biometrics request letter
Await Decision:
- IRCC processes application (2-4 weeks average for CUSMA)
- May request additional documents or clarification
- Decision sent via email/online account

Option B: Port of Entry (POE) Application

Advantages:

Same-day or very rapid processing (hours to 1-2 days)
Face-to-face opportunity to explain application to CBSA officer
No online account or biometrics appointment needed upfront
Ideal for urgent work start dates or short-notice transfers

Disadvantages:

Risk of immediate refusal with no prior review opportunity
Limited time to address officer concerns or provide additional documents
Requires complete, organized documentation at time of entry
Officer discretion at border can be unpredictable
If refused at POE, creates border refusal record that may complicate future applications

When POE Applications Make Sense:

Straightforward T23 professional applications with clear credentials
T24 ICT transfers where all corporate documentation is comprehensive
Urgent business needs requiring immediate work start
Applicants with prior successful CUSMA permits and strong travel history

POE Application Process:

Prepare Complete Documentation Package:
- Physical copies of all documents (same as online list above)
- Organized in logical order with cover letter/table of contents
- Employer Portal Offer of Employment number (if submitted in advance) OR
- Complete employer documentation package for CBSA officer to assess CUSMA exemption
Travel to Canadian Port of Entry:
- Land border crossings (lower traffic often better for complex applications)
- Major international airports (Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal have experienced CUSMA officers)
Present Application at Primary or Secondary Inspection:
- Declare intent to apply for work permit
- Present application package and passport
- CBSA officer reviews eligibility
- May be directed to secondary inspection for detailed review
Officer Assessment:
- Reviews CUSMA category requirements
- Verifies citizenship, education, employment, corporate relationships
- Assesses admissibility (criminal, medical, security)
- Makes decision: Approve, refuse, or defer
Work Permit Issuance or Refusal:
- If approved: Work permit issued same day/within hours; enter Canada and begin work
- If refused: Refusal letter provided; may impact future applications
- If deferred: Officer may require additional documents to be submitted before decision

VG Immigration Recommendation:
We generally advise online applications for CUSMA permits to minimize refusal risk and ensure thorough documentation review. POE applications work best for:

T23 professionals with clear-cut credentials (US-educated engineers, licensed professionals)
Returning CUSMA workers with established track records
Simple ICT transfers within large, well-documented multinational corporations

For first-time CUSMA applicants, complex corporate structures, or applicants with potential admissibility concerns, online processing provides more opportunity to address issues proactively.

Step 4: Arrive in Canada and Begin Work

Once CUSMA work permit is approved:

If Applied Online:

Receive approval letter via email/online account (if outside Canada)
Present approval letter and passport at Port of Entry
CBSA officer issues physical work permit at border
Enter Canada and begin employment

If Applied at POE:

Receive physical work permit immediately upon approval
Enter Canada same day and begin employment

Work Permit Details to Verify:

Correct employer name and address
Accurate occupation and NOC code
Proper work location(s)
Expiry date (up to 3 years for most CUSMA permits)
Any conditions or restrictions

Maintain Compliance:
✅ Work only for employer listed on permit
✅ Perform duties within approved occupation
✅ Maintain valid passport throughout work permit validity
✅ Track work hours and duties carefully (for potential Express Entry CEC application)
✅ Retain copies of pay stubs, T4 tax slips, and employment records
✅ Notify IRCC if employer name/address changes materially

CUSMA Work Permit Duration, Extensions, and Renewals

Initial Work Permit Duration

CUSMA work permits are typically issued for:

Category	Maximum Initial Duration	Renewal Options
T21 (Trader)	3 years	Renewable in 3-year increments indefinitely
T22 (Investor)	1 year	Renewable annually with continued active investment
T23 (Professional)	3 years	Renewable in 3-year increments indefinitely
T24 (ICT – Executives/Managers)	3 years	Renewable; typical max 7 years total
T24 (ICT – Specialized Knowledge)	1-3 years	Renewable; typically shorter increments than execs
T25 (Spouse)	Matches principal	Renewable when principal renews

Duration Limitations:

Cannot exceed passport validity
Cannot exceed duration of employer’s offer/contract
Subject to continued CUSMA category eligibility

Extending CUSMA Work Permits

To extend an existing CUSMA work permit:

Timing:

Apply at least 30 days before current permit expires (90 days recommended)
Late applications risk gap in work authorization

Eligibility for Extension:

Continue to meet CUSMA category requirements
Same or similar employment with same or related employer
Updated employer offer if job duties, wage, or location changed
Maintained valid status and compliance in Canada

Extension Application Process:

Employer Submits New/Updated Offer:
- Via Employer Portal with updated job details
- Pay new $230 employer compliance fee
- Receive new Offer of Employment number
Worker Applies for Extension:
- Online through IRCC account (same process as initial application)
- Form IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions or Extend Stay)
- Updated category-specific documents (degree, corporate docs, trade evidence, etc.)
- Proof of continued employment (pay stubs, T4, employment letter)
- Fee: $155 work permit extension + $230 employer compliance
Maintain Status While Awaiting Decision:
- If applied before expiry, benefit from maintained status under R186
- Can continue working under same conditions while extension pending
Receive Decision:
- Typically 2-6 weeks for straightforward extensions
- New work permit issued with extended validity

VG Immigration Services proactively monitors client work permit expiries and initiates extension applications 90-120 days in advance to avoid status gaps and employment disruptions.

Transitioning from CUSMA to Permanent Residence

Many CUSMA work permit holders use their Canadian employment as a foundation for permanent residence applications through:

1. Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

After working 12+ months (1,560 hours full-time or equivalent part-time) in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation on CUSMA work permit:

Eligible to create Express Entry profile under CEC
Recent draws as low as 509 CRS (January 2026) make CEC accessible
CUSMA work experience provides 40-64 CRS points depending on duration
Can apply without new job offer (CEC does not require offer)

Example CEC Profile from CUSMA Work:

Age 32: 94 points
Bachelor’s degree (US): 120 points
CLB 9 English: 124 points
2 years Canadian CUSMA work: 53 points
Skill transferability (work + education): 50 points
Total: 441 base + transferability = 491-541 CRS

With additional factors (Canadian education, sibling in Canada, provincial nomination), easily exceeds 509 cutoff.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Many provinces prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience:

Ontario OINP — Human Capital Priorities and Express Entry streams
BC PNP — Skilled Worker with Canadian work experience
Alberta AAIP — Alberta Opportunity Stream (6+ months Alberta work)

PNP nomination adds +600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing Express Entry ITA.

3. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

CUSMA workers with 1+ year foreign work experience (before or during Canadian employment) may qualify for FSWP if Canadian job offer not required or if transitioning employers.

Book an appointment to develop your CUSMA-to-PR strategy.

Common CUSMA Application Issues and VG Immigration Solutions

Issue 1: Citizenship Documentation Confusion (Dual Citizens)

Problem: Applicant holds both US/Mexico citizenship and another nationality (e.g., dual US-India citizen). Unclear which passport to use.

IRCC Requirement: Must apply using US or Mexican passport to qualify for CUSMA exemption.

VG Solution:

Verify both citizenships are valid and current
Apply using US/Mexican passport to trigger CUSMA exemption
Disclose other citizenship in application (required) but emphasize CUSMA eligibility
Advise on travel document strategies if other citizenship complicates entry

Issue 2: T23 Professional Occupation Not Clearly Listed

Problem: Applicant’s job title or occupation doesn’t exactly match one of the 63 CUSMA professions (e.g., “Data Scientist” not explicitly listed).

VG Solution:

Analyze job duties and map to closest CUSMA profession (Data Scientist → Computer Systems Analyst or Mathematician/Statistician)
Draft detailed job description emphasizing alignment with listed profession
Provide evidence of education and experience matching CUSMA occupation
Prepare explanation letter for officer justifying classification

Issue 3: Regulated Profession Licensing Incomplete

Problem: T23 engineer or nurse doesn’t have Canadian professional license yet; concerned about work permit refusal.

VG Solution:

Clarify that work permit approval ≠ license to practice
Work permit can be approved with licensing in progress
Coordinate with provincial licensing bodies to obtain:
- Confirmation of application receipt
- Eligibility letter or provisional assessment
- Timeline for license completion
Include licensing documentation in work permit application showing proactive pursuit
Note that worker cannot begin practice until licensed, but work permit validity can overlap licensing process

Issue 4: T24 ICT Corporate Relationship Documentation Weak

Problem: Canadian entity is newly established subsidiary; limited financial records or operational history to prove legitimate corporate relationship.

VG Solution:

Obtain detailed corporate structure documentation from foreign parent:
- Share certificates showing ownership percentage
- Board resolutions approving Canadian subsidiary establishment
- Articles of Incorporation for both entities
- Organizational charts clearly depicting relationship
Provide foreign parent’s financial statements and business history (even if Canadian subsidiary new)
Include Canadian subsidiary’s business plan and startup capital evidence
Prepare detailed explanation of expansion strategy and intra-company transfer rationale

Issue 5: POE Refusal Risk Assessment

Problem: Client wants to apply at Port of Entry but has complex documentation or prior refusals; concerned about immediate decision risk.

VG Solution:

Conduct full pre-application assessment:
- Review all documents for completeness and clarity
- Identify potential officer concerns
- Assess admissibility issues (criminal, medical, prior refusals)
Provide candid risk analysis:
- Low risk → POE application viable (straightforward T23, clear credentials)
- Moderate risk → Online application preferred (complex corporate structure, first-time applicant)
- High risk → Online application mandatory (admissibility concerns, weak documentation)
Prepare comprehensive POE documentation package with cover letter and organized tabs if POE route chosen
Coordinate backup plan if POE refusal occurs (online application strategy)

CUSMA Work Permits vs. Other Pathways: Comparison

Factor	CUSMA (T21-T25)	Standard LMIA Work Permit	Intra-Company Transfer (C63)	Open Work Permit (Various)
Citizenship Requirement	US/Mexico only	Any	Any	Varies by category
LMIA Required	No	Yes	No	No
Processing Time	2-4 weeks	3-6 months (LMIA + permit)	2-8 weeks	2-12 weeks
Employer Restrictions	Specific employer	Specific employer	Specific employer	Any employer (open)
Cost	$155 + $230	$1,000 + $155 + $230	$155 + $230	$155 (varies)
Occupation Restrictions	CUSMA categories only	Any with positive LMIA	ICT criteria	None (open)
CEC Eligibility	Yes (if skilled)	Yes (if skilled)	Yes (if skilled)	Yes (if skilled work)
Renewal	Relatively straightforward	LMIA re-assessment required	Corporate relationship must continue	Depends on original basis

Fee Summary for CUSMA Work Permits

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)	Who Pays	When Due
Work Permit Processing Fee	$155	Applicant	With application submission
Employer Compliance Fee	$230	Employer	With Employer Portal offer submission
Biometrics	$85	Applicant	With application (if required; Mexican citizens yes, US no)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (if transitioning to PR)	$515	Applicant	At PR application stage (not CUSMA permit stage)

Total for Initial CUSMA Work Permit:

US citizens: $155 (worker) + $230 (employer) = $385 CAD
Mexican citizens: $155 + $85 + $230 = $470 CAD

Conclusion: CUSMA as Your Fast-Track to Canadian Opportunity

The CUSMA work permit framework represents one of the most efficient, flexible, and strategically valuable immigration tools available to American and Mexican citizens seeking to work in Canada and build toward permanent residence. Whether you’re a US professional taking on a specialized project contract (T23), a Mexican entrepreneur establishing cross-border operations (T22), or a multinational executive transferring to lead Canadian expansion (T24), CUSMA permits offer speed, cost savings, and immediate work authorization that traditional LMIA-based permits cannot match.

At VG Immigration Services Inc., we’ve helped hundreds of CUSMA applicants navigate category selection, documentation preparation, employer coordination, and strategic pathways to Express Entry permanent residence. With CEC draws hitting 509 CRS in January 2026 and Canadian work experience worth 40-64 CRS points, CUSMA permits have evolved from temporary work solutions into foundational elements of comprehensive Canada immigration strategies.

Ready to explore your CUSMA work permit options?

👉 Contact us for a detailed CUSMA eligibility assessment and documentation review
👉 Book an appointment to begin your T21/T22/T23/T24/T25 application today

📧 immigration@vgis.ca
📞 +1 (416) 578-9269

VG Immigration Services Inc. — Your trusted partner for CUSMA work permits, Express Entry, and permanent residence in Canada.