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Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

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The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, better known as CUSMA, eases the temporary entry of selected business persons who are citizens of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, whose activities are related to the trade of goods or services, or to invest. It is the largest free trade region in the world, generating economic growth and assisting in raising the standard of living in all three countries.

 

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required under this program. Business visitors do not require a work permit either, whereas professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors do require a work permit.

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CUSMA is restricted to citizens of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada and includes U.S. citizens of the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

 

CUSMA does not apply to citizens of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands or permanent residents of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

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CUSMA does the following:

  • Facilitates temporary entry for business persons who are citizens of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada and who are involved in the trade of goods or services, or investment activities.

  • Removes any need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for all business persons covered by the Agreement.

  • In the case of a business visitor, it ensures that there is no requirement for a work permit.

  • For professionals that are TRV-exempt, it expedites the application process by ensuring an application can be made at the port of entry (POE). Foreign nationals that require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada are still required to apply at a visa office before coming to Canada.

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CUSMA does not:

 

  • Assist in permanent resident admission and does not apply to citizens or permanent residents of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

  • It does not replace the general provisions dealing with foreigners.

  • It does not affect requirements relating to passports, medical examinations, and safety and security

  • The entry of spouses and other family members is governed by the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations (IRPR)

  • Allow hands-on labor

 

Categories for CUSMA can be summarized as follow:

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