CUSMA Trader, Investor and Intra-Company Transferee Work Permits
CUSMA lets US and Mexican citizens work in Canada without an LMIA as traders, investors and intra-company transferees, as well as professionals. Traders and investors apply with form IMM 5321, usually get a permit for up to 1 year and can extend for up to 2 years.
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CUSMA traders and investors at a glance
These permits are part of the International Mobility Program. For listed professions, see our CUSMA professionals (TN) guide.
Who can use CUSMA?
Trader
A trader carries on substantial trade in goods or services between Canada and the home country. You must be a supervisor, an executive or have essential skills.
Investor
An investor sets up or runs an investment with substantial capital. You must be a supervisor, an executive or have essential skills.
Intra-company transferee
A manager, executive or specialist moving to a Canadian branch of the same company. See our intra-company transfer guide.
Professional
Listed professions with the right degree, licence and a pre-arranged contract. See CUSMA professionals.
Business visitor
Business visitors do not need a work permit and can stay up to 6 months at a time.
Where US and Mexican citizens can apply
Applying from inside Canada
| Citizenship | Categories you can apply under after entering as a visitor |
|---|---|
| United States | Professional or intra-company transferee only |
| Mexico | Any CUSMA category |
Source: IRCC work permit eligibility guidance, 2026. Check the IRCC rules before you travel, because applying at a port of entry is limited.
Six steps to a CUSMA trader or investor permit
Match
Confirm US or Mexican citizenship and your category.
Role and proof
Show your supervisor, executive or essential skills role, and substantial trade or capital.
Employer files the offer
Your employer submits the offer in the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee.
Form IMM 5321
Trader and investor applicants submit form IMM 5321.
Apply
Apply with company papers, proof of trade or investment and biometrics.
Start and extend
Plan your extension, which can run up to 2 years.
Government fees (IRCC): work permit CAD 155, employer compliance fee CAD 230 (unless exempt) and biometrics CAD 85 per person if needed. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay. Our own fees are quoted after your consultation.
Related work permit guides
CUSMA professionals (TN)
For US and Mexican professionals on the CUSMA list. Read the guide
Intra-company transfer
Moving managers and specialists within one company. Read the guide
Free trade agreement permits
The overview of every agreement and worker group. Read the guide
Work permit extension
Extend before your permit ends. Read the guide
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CUSMA trader and investor questions
Only US and Mexican citizens. A trader carries on substantial trade in goods or services, and an investor sets up or runs an investment with substantial capital. Both must be a supervisor, an executive or have essential skills.
Form IMM 5321. Your employer must also submit the offer of employment and pay the compliance fee unless exempt.
The permit can be issued for up to 1 year, and you can apply to extend it for up to 2 years.
A US citizen admitted as a visitor can apply in Canada only as a professional or intra-company transferee. A Mexican citizen admitted as a visitor can apply under any CUSMA category.
No. CUSMA permits are LMIA-exempt, but the employer must submit the offer of employment.
The work permit fee is CAD 155, the employer compliance fee is CAD 230 unless exempt and biometrics are CAD 85 if needed.
Check your CUSMA category before you apply
Book a Strategy Consultation and a licensed RCIC will check your citizenship, your role and your employer steps before anything is filed.
Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R412319) who has been associated with the immigration consulting industry since 1991.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: IRCC.
