Your Guide to Working in Canada as a U.S. Citizen

Are you an American citizen interested in working or doing business in Canada without jumping through complicated immigration hoops? Thanks to two major international agreements — the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) — there are fast-track options that let you stay and work in Canada temporarily, often without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Whether you're a professional, executive, investor, or just visiting on business, this guide breaks down your options — and how to apply.

CUSMA: Streamlined Pathways for U.S. Citizens

CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) helps U.S. citizens enter Canada for work-related purposes under four main categories. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Business Visitors

If you're visiting Canada for business meetings, training, research and design, marketing, sales, distribution, general service or after-sales services (not entering the labour market):

• No work permit required

• You can stay up to 6 months

2. Professionals

For American citizens working in one of 63 approved skilled occupations, including engineers, accountants, or lawyers:

• LMIA-exempt work permit required

• Stay up to 3 years, with extensions possible (up to 3 years at a time)

• Requires a pre-arranged Canadian job offer and appropriate credentials

3. Intra-Company Transferees

Employees of U.S. companies transferring to a branch, parent, subsidiary or affiliate in Canada:

• LMIA-exempt work permit required

• Must have worked for the company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years

• Stay up to 7 years for managers and executives, and up to 5 years for specialized knowledge workers

4. Traders and Investors

For those managing substantial trade or investment between the U.S. and Canada:

• LMIA-exempt work permit required

• Initial stay of 1 year, with possible extensions

• Must be working in executive, supervisor or essential roles

GATS: A Global Option for U.S. Service Providers

If you're a U.S. citizen providing services under a contract in Canada, GATS may offer an alternative route. GATS fills the gap when an American is not hired by a Canadian employer (so CUSMA doesn't apply) but still needs to work temporarily in Canada to deliver services under a pre-existing contract.

1. Business Visitors

• No work permit required

• Stay up to 6 months

• Allowed activities include attending trade shows, business meetings, or providing after-sales service

2. Professionals

• Employer-specific work permit required

• Stay up to 90 consecutive days in a 12-month period

• Applies to selected occupations including:

  • engineers

  • agrologists (minimum of 4 years of experience)

  • architects

  • forestry professionals

  • geomatics professionals (minimum of 3 years of experience)

  • land surveyors

  • foreign legal consultants

  • urban planners

  • senior computer specialists (minimum of 10 years of experience)

3. Intra-Company Transferees

• Employees of U.S. companies transferring to a branch, parent, subsidiary or affiliate in Canada

• LMIA-exempt work permit required

• Must have worked for the company for at least 1 year

• Stay up to 7 years for managers/executives, and 5 years for specialized knowledge workers

Key Differences between CUSMA and GATS pathway:

• CUSMA provides broader and more flexible options, especially for professionals and investors, and allows longer durations of stay.

• GATS offers a narrower range of professional occupations and shorter stays, but is useful when the U.S. citizen is providing services on behalf of a foreign company under a specific contract.

Where to Apply

• Business visitors can apply at the port of entry with valid travel documents

• Professionals, intra-company transferees, and traders/investors should generally apply before arriving, although some may qualify to apply at the border under IRPR Section R198

Work Permit Extensions

• Applications must be submitted online before the current permit expires

• Supporting documents such as renewed contracts or new job offers are required

Other Key Points to Know

• Temporary Intent: All applicants must demonstrate that their stay in Canada is temporary

• Licensing Requirements: Some occupations (e.g., regulated trades or healthcare roles) require provincial licensing

• Spouses and Family Members: Neither CUSMA nor GATS provides special provisions for spouses, but they may be eligible for an open work permit under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), depending on the main applicant’s occupation

Need Help Navigating the Process?

Understanding which pathway applies to your case, and ensuring your application is complete and compliant, can be challenging. That’s where we come in.

As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we specialize in helping professionals, business owners, and families navigate Canada’s temporary entry options efficiently and legally. Whether you’re unsure about eligibility, need help gathering documents, or want to avoid delays, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with us today and get expert guidance tailored to your situation.