CUSMA Professional (TN) Work Permit Canada: Who Qualifies
A CUSMA professional work permit lets a US or Mexican citizen work in Canada in a listed profession without an LMIA. You need a pre-arranged contract with a Canadian employer and the right degree, licence or certification. We check your profession against the list and your employer’s steps.
since 1991
Who can get a CUSMA professional work permit?
You can apply if you are a US or Mexican citizen with a pre-arranged contract with a Canadian employer, in a listed occupation, with the education, licence or certification that job needs. You cannot enter Canada to look for work under this category (IRCC).
Which professions are on the list?
IRCC lists occupations in four groups: general (such as accountants, engineers, computer systems analysts, lawyers, management consultants and social workers), medical and allied (such as registered nurses, pharmacists and dentists), scientists, and teachers at colleges, seminaries and universities. Read the free trade agreements guide for traders and investors, or the LMIA-exempt hub.
Key rules at a glance
- Contract: you need a pre-arranged contract before you enter Canada.
- Qualifications: you need the education, licensing and certification for your job.
- Permit length: it matches your contract, up to 3 years, and you can extend it up to 3 years at a time.
- Employer steps: your employer submits the offer in the Employer Portal, pays the compliance fee and gives you an offer number.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
A CUSMA professional permit fits if
- You are a US or Mexican citizen.
- Your job is on the CUSMA professions list.
- Your employer has a contract ready and can file the offer.
Another route fits if
- You only visit for business: business visitors need no work permit and can stay up to 6 months at a time.
- You are a company transferee: read our intra-company transfer guide.
- Your job is not listed: an LMIA work permit or another exemption may fit.
See our work permits hub, the free trade agreements guide and the Express Entry guide if you want PR later.
Why CUSMA professional applications get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Profession not on the list
Only listed professions qualify. A job title that sounds similar is not enough. The duties and your qualifications must match the listed occupation.
Missing licence or degree
You need the education, licensing and certification for the job. Some regulated jobs also need a Canadian licence before you start.
No pre-arranged contract
You cannot enter Canada under this category to look for work. You need a contract with a Canadian employer first.
Employer steps skipped
The employer must submit the offer, pay the compliance fee and give you the offer number. Without it, you cannot apply.
Applying the wrong way
If you are already in Canada, you usually must apply online. Check the IRCC port of entry rules before you travel.
Not sure your profession qualifies?
We check your degree, licence and contract against the CUSMA list before your employer files.
Timing you cannot miss
Contract before you travel
You need a pre-arranged contract before you enter Canada. Ask your employer to file the offer early, since you need the offer number to apply.
Your permit is valid for your contract, up to 3 years. If the contract is extended, you can extend your permit up to 3 years at a time. Apply before the permit expires to keep your status.
A TN permit is temporary. If you want to stay, look at Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class while your permit is valid.
Documents to gather
Your checklist depends on your profession. Start with these.
How a CUSMA professional permit works, step by step
Six stages from your profession to your permit.
Match your profession
Compare your job and qualifications with the CUSMA list.
Sign the contract
Get a pre-arranged contract with a Canadian employer.
Employer files the offer
Your employer pays the compliance fee and submits the offer.
Get your offer number
Your employer gives you the 7 digit number.
Apply the right way
Apply online, or at a port of entry only if IRCC allows it for you.
Get your permit
Keep your permit conditions and plan your extension.
CUSMA professional costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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CUSMA professional work permit FAQs
What is a CUSMA professional work permit?
It is an LMIA-exempt work permit for US and Mexican citizens in listed professions under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. You need a pre-arranged contract with a Canadian employer. Your employer does not need an LMIA.
Who can apply?
Only citizens of the United States and Mexico can use this category. You need a contract with a Canadian employer, the education, licence or certification for the job, and an occupation on the list.
Which professions qualify?
IRCC lists occupations in general, medical and allied, scientist and teacher groups. Examples include engineers, accountants, computer systems analysts, registered nurses, pharmacists and college or university instructors. Check the full IRCC list.
Can I enter Canada to look for a job under CUSMA?
No. You need a pre-arranged contract with a Canadian employer when you enter. You cannot use this category to search for work.
What does my employer have to do?
Your employer submits an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee. They then give you the 7 digit offer of employment number. You need it to apply.
How much does it cost?
The work permit fee is CAD$155, and your employer pays a CAD$230 compliance fee. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if you need them. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
How long is the permit valid?
The permit is valid for the length of your contract, up to 3 years. If your contract is extended, you can extend your permit up to 3 years at a time.
Can I work for another employer on a TN permit?
The permit is employer-specific. A new employer needs a new offer and a new permit. You cannot start the new job until IRCC approves it.
Do I need a work permit for business visits?
No. A CUSMA business visitor does not enter the labour market and does not need a work permit. You can stay up to 6 months at a time.
Can I apply at the border?
Rules for applying at a port of entry are narrow. IRCC allows some professionals under free trade agreements to apply when re-entering through the US. Check the IRCC rules, or ask us before you travel.
Can my spouse and children come?
Family members may qualify for their own permits. Read our spousal open work permit guide for the current rules, and check each person before you apply.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.
