What is CUSMA Professional?

CUSMA Professional is an LMIA-exempt work permit category for US and Mexican citizens in approximately 60 specified professional occupations. Reciprocal arrangement under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (the successor to NAFTA, in force since July 2020).

Eligible occupations (60 professional categories)

Examples of CUSMA Professional categories:

• Engineering: civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, mining, aerospace, etc.
• Computer Systems Analyst, Software Engineer
• Architect, Urban Planner
• Accountant, Economist
• Lawyer / Notary (Quebec only)
• Management Consultant
• Scientific Technician / Technologist
• Healthcare professionals: Physician (limited), Dentist, Pharmacist, Registered Nurse, Veterinarian
• Teacher (post-secondary)
• Research Assistant (with PhD or specific credentials)

Eligibility

To qualify, the applicant must be:

• A citizen of the United States or Mexico (PRs of the US — green card holders — do NOT qualify; must be a US citizen)
• Have the education + credentials required for the specific CUSMA Professional category
• Have a prearranged employment offer from a Canadian employer
• Be entering Canada to engage in professional services in the eligible category

What CUSMA does NOT cover

• Self-employment in Canada (the professional must be employed by or providing services to a Canadian employer)
• Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Chinese, MENA citizens — CUSMA is restricted to US and Mexico
• Occupations not on the 60-category list

Why this glossary entry — for Pakistani / Indian applicants

CUSMA is not directly accessible to Halani's primary client base (Pakistani, Indian, Filipino, Gulf-based). However, Pakistani / Indian / Filipino applicants who:

• Hold US citizenship (often via naturalization after green-card-based stay)
• Hold Mexican citizenship (rare but possible)

...CAN use CUSMA Professional to enter Canada for work.

Halani's note

CUSMA is most useful for dual-citizens who have acquired US or Mexican citizenship after originally being Pakistani / Indian / Filipino / etc. We assess CUSMA eligibility when a client's citizenship makes it available.