Maple News reports that citizens from several countries now have an advantage when seeking permission to work in Canada. Thanks to Canada’s network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), eligible foreign nationals can apply for work permits that are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement — a process typically known for its time-consuming and complex procedures.
An LMIA-exempt work permit allows eligible professionals, businesspersons, and other workers to bypass this step and obtain authorization to work in Canada more efficiently. These streamlined permits are available under agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and other bilateral deals.
Citizens from countries such as the United States, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and members of the European Union may qualify under these agreements. For example, Americans and Mexicans may take advantage of the CUSMA (successor to NAFTA), while nationals of countries like France, Germany, and Italy may be eligible under CETA. In total, over 40 countries are covered by Canada’s FTAs, opening doors for highly skilled individuals, intra-company transferees, professionals, and investors to access Canadian job markets with fewer bureaucratic barriers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how each agreement works:
– CUSMA: Available to U.S. and Mexican citizens, offering permits for professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors.
– CETA: Covers most EU member states and enables skilled workers, independent professionals, and business visitors to qualify for temporary entry.
– CPTPP: Applies to countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Vietnam, enabling temporary entry for business and skilled talent.
– Other bilateral FTAs: Include agreements such as those with Chile, Colombia, and Peru, which also grant LMIA-exempt pathways for eligible workers.
However, while the absence of an LMIA simplifies the process, applicants must still meet key requirements, such as having a valid job offer that fits the specific criteria of the FTA. They must also prove they are admissible to Canada, meaning they meet health and security checks and hold the appropriate qualifications.
If you are from one of the participating countries and looking to work in Canada, understanding which FTA applies to your situation and the specific category you fall under is essential. For newcomers and skilled professionals alike, these agreements offer a faster, more direct route into the Canadian workforce.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates to Canada’s international agreements and work permit programs, keeping global talent informed about immigration opportunities.