Your Guide to Temporary Stay Options in Canada for Mexican Citizens

Understanding CUSMA and CPTPP Opportunities

If you're a Mexican citizen exploring options to work, invest, or do business in Canada temporarily, this article is for you. Thanks to two major international trade agreements—the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)—there are several streamlined pathways that allow skilled workers and business people to enter Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

These agreements are part of Canada's International Mobility Program and are designed to promote economic integration and labour mobility while making it easier for individuals from member countries to contribute to the Canadian economy.

Let’s break down what each agreement offers—along with practical examples to help you see how they apply in real life.

I. Temporary Entry Under CUSMA

Business Visitors

• Activities Covered: Market research, sales, marketing, after-sales services, public relations, translation, and more.

• Work Permit: Not required.

• Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.

• Conditions: You must not enter the Canadian labour market (i.e., no direct employment or paid work in Canada).

Example: Sofía, a marketing executive for a Mexican tech company, visits Toronto to meet with Canadian distributors and promote a new product line. She enters as a business visitor and returns home after her meetings are complete.

Professionals

• Eligibility: Must have a pre-arranged job offer in one of 63 designated skilled occupations, such as engineers, accountants, lawyers, and medical professionals.

• Work Permit: Required (LMIA-exempt, Code T36).

• Requirements:

◦ Valid education, credentials, or licenses.

◦ Employer must submit the offer via the Employer Portal, pay a compliance fee, and obtain an offer of employment number.

• Duration: Valid for up to 3 years, with renewals in 3-year increments.

Example: Luis, a licensed civil engineer from Guadalajara, receives a job offer from a Canadian construction firm in Vancouver. His employer submits the paperwork, and he relocates to Canada with a three-year CUSMA work permit.

Intra-Company Transferees

• Eligibility: Transferred from a Mexican office to a Canadian branch of the same company.

• Roles: Executives, managers, or workers with specialized knowledge.

• Work Permit: Required (Codes T37 or T38).

• Requirements:

◦ At least 1 year of continuous employment in the past 3 years.

◦ Employer must follow standard compliance steps.

• Duration:

◦ Executives/Managers: Up to 5 years (extendable to 7 years).

◦ Specialized Workers: Up to 3 years (extendable to 5 years).

Example: Claudia, an IT director at a multinational software firm, is transferred to the company’s Montreal office to oversee a new project. She qualifies as an intra-company transferee under CUSMA and receives a five-year work permit.

Traders and Investors

• Eligibility: Significant trade or investment activity between Mexico and Canada.

• Work Permit: Required (T34 for traders, T35 for investors).

• Duration: Initially 1 year, with 2-year extensions available.

Example: Jorge, the owner of a Mexican agricultural export company, opens a logistics branch in British Columbia to facilitate trade with Canadian retailers. He applies for a trader work permit under CUSMA and manages his operations on-site.

II. Temporary Entry Under CPTPP

Business Visitors

• Activities Covered: Meetings, consultations, research, marketing, and after-sales services.

• Work Permit: Not required.

• Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.

• Conditions: No engagement in the Canadian labour market.

Example: Mariana, a project consultant from Mexico City, travels to Ottawa to conduct market research for a Canadian client. Since she is not entering the labour market, she enters Canada as a business visitor under CPTPP.

Investors

• Eligibility: Planning to develop or manage a substantial investment in Canada.

• Work Permit: Required.

• Duration: Valid for 1 year, with possible extensions.

Example: Ramón invests in a tech startup in Toronto and relocates temporarily to oversee operations and secure new funding. He enters on a CPTPP investor work permit and later extends it to continue growing the venture.

Professionals

• Eligibility: Pre-arranged contract in TEER 0 or 1 occupations (excluding health, education, social services, legal practice, and cultural sectors).

• Work Permit: Required.

• Requirements:

◦ 4-year post-secondary degree (unless otherwise specified).

◦ At least 2 years of relevant work experience.

◦ Compensation aligned with local industry standards.

◦ Employer compliance and job offer submission.

• Duration: Valid for 1 year, with renewals allowed.

Example: Ana, a financial analyst with five years of experience, gets hired by a Canadian investment firm in Calgary. She qualifies under CPTPP as a professional and relocates on a one-year work permit.

Technicians

• Eligibility: Occupations under TEER 2 or 3, like civil engineering technologists, electricians, and graphic designers.

• Work Permit: Required.

• Requirements:

◦ 2-year technical degree.

◦ 4 years of relevant experience.

◦ Local wage alignment and standard compliance steps.

• Duration: 1 year, with possible extensions.

Example: Ricardo, an experienced graphic designer, receives a contract with a Vancouver advertising agency. He meets the CPTPP technician requirements and secures a one-year work permit.

Intra-Company Transferees

• Eligibility: Transferred within a multinational corporation with at least 1 year of continuous employment or partnership in the past 3 years.

• Work Permit: Required.

• Duration: Up to 3 years, with extensions permitted.

Example: Isabel, a logistics specialist at a multinational firm, is sent to support the Canadian supply chain team in Edmonton. She qualifies for a three-year work permit as an intra-company transferee under CPTPP.

Spouses and Common-Law Partners

• Eligibility: Partners of professionals or intra-company transferees under CPTPP.

• Work Permit: Eligible for an open work permit.

• Duration: Tied to the principal applicant’s permit validity.

Example: Diego moves to Canada with his wife, Fernanda, who is working in Toronto under a CPTPP professional permit. He applies for an open work permit and finds a job at a local startup.

Application Process & Key Considerations

• Where to Apply:

◦ Business Visitors: At the port of entry with a valid TRV or eTA.

◦ Others (Professionals, Technicians, etc.): Ideally through IRCC before arrival, though some may qualify to apply at the border (under section R198).

• Extensions: Applicants should provide updated contracts or business plans and apply online under section R201.

• Temporary Intent: You must prove that you don’t plan to settle permanently in Canada.

• Licensing & Occupation Standards:

◦ Some roles require provincial licensing.

◦ Occupations must fall under NOC 2021 TEER levels 0–3.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, a skilled professional, or a technician with in-demand expertise, there are multiple avenues for Mexican citizens to enter Canada temporarily—many of which are streamlined and flexible, thanks to CUSMA and CPTPP.

The added benefit? These pathways not only reduce paperwork but also offer mobility options for accompanying family members.

If you're ready to explore temporary opportunities in Canada, reviewing these options carefully or contacting us. We can help you navigate your journey with confidence.