As of Canada day 2020, updates were made to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) instructions as a result of the implementation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Here are Information pertaining to the Canada US Mexico Agreement that you need to know
What is CUSMA for?
The CUSMA seeks to liberalize trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada and abolish tariffs and other trade barriers. The Agreement opens up the three countries’ markets by ensuring that future laws will not create barriers to doing business.
The CUSMA reflects a preferential trading relationship initiated among Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
Under the CUSMA, the U.S., Mexico and Canada are required to meet a number of obligations. Among them are the publication of a public information booklet on temporary entry under the CUSMA and the provision of statistical information. Given the growing public image of the CUSMA and the importance of sharing information with our CUSMA partners, it is crucial that data entered GCMS be as accurate and as complete as possible in order to meet our obligations related to statistics.
What CUSMA does?
CUSMA facilitates temporary entry for business persons who are citizens of the U.S., Mexico and Canada and who are involved in the trade of goods or services, or in investment activities.
CUSMA removes any need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for all business persons covered by the Agreement.
In the case of a business visitor, it ensures that there is no requirement for a work permit.
For professionals that are TRV exempt it expedites the application process by ensuring an application can be made at the port of entry (POE). Foreign nationals that require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada are still required to apply at a visa office prior to coming to Canada.
Who is covered by CUSMA?
The temporary entry provisions of Chapter 16 of the CUSMA are restricted to: citizens of the U.S., Mexico and Canada
The temporary provisions of the CUSMA does not apply to: citizens of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Permanent residents of the three countries.
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What requirements apply to professionals?
The following requirements apply:
Citizenship of the U.S. or Mexico;
Profession identified in Appendix 2 of CUSMA;
Qualification to work in that profession (degree or certification in a related educational program);
Pre-arranged employment with a Canadian employer;
Provision of professional level services in the field of qualification as indicated in the Appendix; and
Compliance with existing immigration requirements for temporary entry.
Where can a professional apply for a work permit?
Facilitated entry under the CUSMA allows a professional to apply at a POE. An application can also be made at a visa office before departing for Canada.
U.S. and Mexican citizens can also apply for professional status in Canada, after being authorized to enter Canada as temporary residents.
Here are the List of eligible professions under the CUSMA Professionals category
Accountant
Architect
Computer Systems Analyst
Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
Economist
Engineer
Forester
Graphic Designer
Hotel Manager
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Land Surveyor
Landscape Architect
Lawyer
Librarian
Management Consultant
Mathematician (including statistician and Actuary)
Range Manager/Range Conservationalist
Research assistant (working in a post-secondary educational institution)
Scientific Technician/ Technologist
Social Worker
Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist)
Technical Publications Writer
Urban Planner (including Geographer)
Vocational Counsellor
Medical/Allied Professional
Dentist
Dietitian
Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/ Medical Technologist (Mexico and the U.S.)
Nutritionist
Occupational Therapist
Pharmacist
Physician (teaching or research only)
Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Recreational Therapist
Registered Nurse
Veterinarian
Scientist
Agriculturist (including Agronomist)
Animal Breeder
Animal Scientist
Apiculturist
Astronomer
Astronomer
Biologist (including Plant Pathologist)
Chemist
Dairy Scientist
Entomologist
Epidemiologist
Geneticist
Geologist
Geochemist
Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the U.S.)
Horticulturist
Meteorologist
Pharmacologist
Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada)
Plant Breeder
Poultry Scientist
Soil Scientist
Zoologist
Teacher
College
Seminary
University
To learn more about CUSMA, visit the official site from canada.ca below:
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