US Workers Moving to Canada: Who Has the Edge?

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="183b5256-ea58-4c91-98c1-c5df03ae47cf" data-testid="conversation-turn-234" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> US workers moving to Canada often have a significant advantage compared to other foreign nationals, largely due to the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), also known as USMCA in the United States. This trade agreement creates streamlined work authorization pathways for eligible US and Mexican citizens, making it faster and more predictable to work in Canada.

One of the biggest benefits under CUSMA is the exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Since LMIA processing can be costly and time-consuming for employers, LMIA-exempt work permits give US professionals a clear edge when seeking Canadian job opportunities.

This article explains who qualifies under CUSMA , the main work categories, family options, and how Canadian work experience can lead to permanent residence.

Why CUSMA Gives US Workers An Advantage CUSMA is available only to US and Mexican citizens, not permanent residents or green card holders. It operates under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), allowing eligible workers to obtain employer-specific work permits without the LMIA requirement.

Key advantages include:

Faster processing compared to LMIA-based work permits

Lower employer costs

Clear eligibility categories

Easier pathways to Canadian work experience, which is highly valued for PR

General Requirements For All CUSMA Applicants Regardless of category, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires all applicants to meet baseline conditions.

Applicants must:

Demonstrate intent to leave Canada when the work permit expires

Show sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members

Be admissible to Canada (criminal, medical, and security admissibility)

Not work for an ineligible employer

Provide all documents requested by an immigration officer

Visa-exempt US citizens may apply at a port of entry if they meet eligibility rules, though approval is never guaranteed and remains at officer discretion.

CUSMA Work Categories Explained Professionals The Professional category applies to individuals working in occupations listed in the CUSMA Appendix. These roles are generally degree-based professions.

Core eligibility requirements:

US or Mexican citizenship

Occupation listed as a CUSMA profession

Relevant educational credentials or professional licensing

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Employers must:

Submit the offer through the Employer Portal

Pay the $230 compliance fee

Provide the employment offer number to the worker

Common eligible occupations include:

Engineers

Architects

General accountants

Lawyers and Quebec notaries

Registered nurses

Professional work permits are usually issued for up to three years and can be extended.

Intra-Company Transferees (ICT) ICTs are employees transferring from a US or Mexican company to a related Canadian entity.

Eligibility requirements include:

Executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role

At least one year of continuous employment within the last three years with the same employer

ICT permits can be issued for up to:

Five years for specialized knowledge workers

Seven years for executives or managers

This category is particularly attractive for multinational companies expanding into Canada.

Traders Traders engage in substantial trade in goods or services between Canada and the US or Mexico.

Core requirements:

Majority of trade conducted between Canada and the US or Mexico

Supervisory or essential role

Completion of IMM 5321 (Trader/Investor form)

Trader permits are usually issued for one year and may be extended for up to two additional years.

Investors Investors establish, develop, or manage a substantial investment in Canada.

Key criteria:

Significant capital investment

Employment with a Canadian enterprise with US or Mexican ownership

Completion of IMM 5321

Investor permits typically start at one year and may be extended up to two additional years.

Applying From Inside Canada Or At The Border US citizens are visa-exempt and may apply at ports of entry if eligible. However, IRCC has tightened scrutiny at borders, and incomplete or weak applications may be refused.

Applicants already in Canada should carefully review whether they qualify to apply from within Canada under current rules.

Bringing Family Members To Canada CUSMA primarily applies to principal workers, but family members can often accompany them.

Spouses and common-law partners may be eligible for an open work permit if:

The principal worker holds a valid work permit

The principal worker has at least 16 months remaining on their permit at the time of application

Dependent children may study at the primary or secondary level without a study permit. Post-secondary studies require a separate study permit .

Pathways From CUSMA Work To Permanent Residence Canadian work experience gained under a CUSMA work permit is highly valuable for immigration.

Under Express Entry, Canadian skilled work experience earns significant CRS points .

Additionally:

Provinces may nominate CUSMA workers through Provincial Nominee Programs

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA

Some provinces actively target workers already employed in key occupations

CUSMA work permits can therefore act as a direct bridge from temporary status to permanent residence.

Key Takeaways US citizens have a major advantage due to LMIA-exempt CUSMA work permits

CUSMA applies only to US and Mexican citizens, not permanent residents

Professionals, ICTs, traders, and investors each have distinct eligibility rules

Employers benefit from faster hiring and lower compliance costs

Spouses may qualify for open work permits, and children can study in Canada

Canadian work experience under CUSMA strengthens Express Entry and PNP options

For US workers considering international opportunities, Canada offers one of the most accessible pathways through CUSMA. The LMIA exemption, clear eligibility categories, and strong connection to permanent residence make Canada especially attractive for skilled American professionals.

When combined with Canadian work experience and provincial nomination opportunities, CUSMA can transform a temporary work move into a long-term settlement strategy. Proper planning, accurate documentation, and alignment with PR goals are essential to fully benefit from this advantage.