NAFTA/USMCA Professional Work Permits
Are You a Professional Looking to Work in Canada or the U.S. Under NAFTA/USMCA?
Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA), certain professionals are eligible for facilitated work permits, making it easier to live and work across borders.
At Ackah Business Immigration Law, we help skilled professionals and employers navigate the complex process of obtaining these permits—quickly, efficiently, and with peace of mind.
What Is a NAFTA/USMCA Professional?
A NAFTA/USMCA Professional is a citizen of Canada, the United States, or Mexico who qualifies to work temporarily in another member country based on their occupation, education, and experience.
Eligible NAFTA/USMCA Professional Occupations
Below is a sample of occupations eligible under the agreement, grouped by industry:
🎓 General Professions
Accountant – CPA or related degree
Architect – Degree or state/provincial license
Computer Systems Analyst – Degree or diploma + 3 years' experience
Economist, Engineer, Lawyer, Management Consultant, Mathematician
Graphic/Industrial/Interior Designer – Degree or diploma + 3 years' experience
Hotel Manager, Urban Planner, Librarian, Social Worker
🧬 Scientists
Biologist, Chemist, Physicist, Astronomer
Geologist, Geophysicist, Meteorologist
Horticulturist, Zoologist, Geneticist, Pharmacologist, Epidemiologist
🏥 Medical and Allied Health Professionals
Dentist, Physician (research/teaching), Pharmacist
Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist
Psychologist, Medical Technologist, Nutritionist
🧑🏫 Educators
Professors and teachers at the university, seminary, or college level with the required degree
📚 Technicians and Specialists
Scientific Technologist – Specialized knowledge in science/engineering fields
Technical Publications Writer – Degree or diploma + 3 years' experience
Disaster Relief Claims Adjuster – Degree and training/experience in insurance claims
See our full PDF Professions List HERE
What Are the Requirements?
Each profession has specific eligibility requirements, such as:
✅ Minimum education: Bachelor's (Baccalaureate or Licenciatura)
✅ State/provincial/federal licenses (for regulated professions)
✅ Professional experience (in some fields)
✅ Supportive documents like job offers and proof of citizenship
Why Work With Ackah Law?
Our experienced immigration lawyers help individuals and businesses:
Determine eligibility under NAFTA/USMCA
Prepare documentation and applications
Avoid delays and rejections
Ensure compliance with all immigration requirements
We’ve helped thousands of professionals and employers across North America work across borders with confidence.
Ready to Start?
📞 Call us to speak with one of our Client Engagement coordinators/
Let’s discuss your options and make your cross-border career goals a reality.
👉 Contact Us
📍 Offices in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver | Serving Clients Worldwide
Note: NAFTA was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on July 1, 2020. However, many provisions for professional work permits remain largely the same.