Free Trade Agreements
Canada’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile provide LMIA-exempt work permit options for skilled workers, professionals, and business people in certain categories. These agreements allow individuals from these countries to access Canadian job markets without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), reducing processing time and requirements for both employers and foreign workers.
85-90% of work permit applications under these FTAs are approved when all eligibility criteria are met.
Canada’s Pathways for Skilled Workers from Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Mexico
Eligibility Categories
Each FTA has specific criteria based on job type, experience, and education level. Generally, the eligible categories include:
- Professionals: Individuals working in highly skilled occupations such as engineers, architects, computer systems analysts, teachers, and scientists.
- Intra-Company Transferees: Employees of international companies transferring to a Canadian branch or subsidiary in roles such as managers, executives, and specialized knowledge workers.
- Traders and Investors: Business owners or employees who will engage in trade or investment activities between Canada and their home country.
Countries with FTA Work Permit Pathways
- Canada-Mexico (CUSMA/NAFTA): Workers can apply for work permits under the CUSMA agreement (formerly NAFTA) for skilled professionals, intra-company transferees, investors, and traders.
- Canada-Colombia: The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement allows professionals and technical specialists in specific sectors like engineering, information technology, and finance to apply for LMIA-exempt work permits.
- Canada-Peru: Under the Canada-Peru FTA, workers in fields like engineering, scientific research, and management can apply for work permits. It also applies to business owners and senior managers.
- Canada-Chile: The Canada-Chile FTA facilitates work permits for skilled workers in areas like engineering, mining, construction, and technology.
Key Occupations Covered by FTAs
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Information Technology (Software Engineers, IT Managers)
- Healthcare (Medical Professionals, Nurses, Dentists)
- Education (Teachers, Professors, Trainers)
- Business (Accountants, Consultants, Senior Managers)
- Skilled Trades (Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers)
Processing Times
- CUSMA/NAFTA: Work permits for eligible professionals and intra-company transferees from Mexico are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks
- Colombia, Peru, Chile: Applications for workers in these countries are processed in 4 to 6 weeks.
Work Permit Duration
- Work permits under these FTAs are typically granted for 1 to 3 years depending on the job category and the individual’s qualifications.
- The work permit can often be renewed if the worker remains employed in the same role or position.
