Maple News reports that citizens from 27 European Union (EU) member states may be eligible to work in Canada under streamlined procedures made possible by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Unlike traditional work permits that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), CETA permits are LMIA-exempt, making the process faster and more accessible for qualified applicants.
CETA applies to citizens of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Eligibility for a CETA work permit depends on the applicant’s professional background and the role they intend to pursue in Canada. Four key categories are recognized under the agreement: intra-company transferees, investors, professionals, and technologists. Each category comes with specific criteria related to job duties, employer connections, and duration of stay.
Intra-company transferees include executives, managers, graduate trainees, and specialists transferring from an EU-based company to its Canadian branch. Their work permits are valid for up to three years for executives or specialists, and up to one year for graduate trainees, with possible extensions.
Investors and individuals involved in managing substantial EU investments in Canadian enterprises also qualify. They may receive an initial one-year permit, with extension eligibility up to two additional years. Professionals and technologists—such as contractual service providers, independent professionals, and those with technical expertise—can be granted permits valid for up to 12 months in a 24-month period.
An additional benefit for CETA work permit holders is the ability for their spouses to apply for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada without restrictions.
The CETA agreement underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering economic collaboration with the EU while also easing pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. As global talent mobility becomes a priority for many regions, programs like CETA offer practical solutions that benefit both Canadian employers and foreign professionals.
Maple News encourages interested EU nationals and employers to explore this opportunity and understand the eligibility requirements to take advantage of this expedited route to working in Canada.