The CUSMA Work Permit under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) allows citizens of these countries to work temporarily in Canada in specific occupations without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If you meet the requirements, you can apply for the permit directly at a Canadian port of entry (international airports, border crossings, etc.).

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Who Can Apply at the Border?
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CUSMA-eligible U.S. or Mexican citizens arriving in Canada directly from one of the member countries are eligible to apply at the port of entry. This is ideal for those who need fast processing.

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Categories Eligible for Border Application
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1. Professionals:
   • Occupations included in CUSMA's list of eligible professions.
   • Example: Accountants, architects, engineers, among others.
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2. Intracompany Transfers:
   • Employees transferred between branches of the same company.
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3. Investors and Traders:
   • Those engaged in significant business activities or investing in a business in Canada.
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4. Business Visitors:
   • Individuals who do not need a full work permit but are engaged in legitimate business activities.
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Documents Needed to Apply at the Border
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1. Identification and Citizenship:
   • Valid passport as a citizen of the United States or Mexico.
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2. Job Offer:
   • Detailed letter from the Canadian employer indicating the position, responsibilities and duration of employment.
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3. Professional Evidence:
   • Academic degrees, certifications and licenses required for the position.
   • Proven work experience, if applicable.
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4. Application Form:
   • IMM Form 5802 (if applicable).
   • Proof that the occupation is on CUSMA's eligibility list.
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5. Rates:
   • Payment of the corresponding fees:
     • Work Permit Fee: $155 CAD.
     • Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (if applicable).

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Border Application Process
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The application process at the border begins with document collection, a crucial step to ensure that everything is in order before presenting at the port of entry. It is essential to have all necessary documents in physical format, including those supporting the purpose of travel and eligibility for the permit under CUSMA. This may include details on employment, occupation and other specific requirements depending on the category applied for.

You must then travel to the port of entry, either a land border crossing or an international airport. Once there, you must present yourself to the immigration authorities to begin the application process. It is important to have your documents ready and to be clear in providing the requested information.

During the process, the applicant will go through an interview with an immigration officer, who will ask questions about employment, purpose of entry to Canada and other relevant details. The officer will also verify whether the applicant meets the requirements of CUSMA, so it is necessary to present clear evidence that the conditions established for the requested permit are met.

Finally, if everything is in order and the requirements are met, the immigration officer will review the application and issue the work permit on the spot. If approved, the applicant will be able to start working in Canada immediately, as long as the permit is valid and the terms are respected.

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Processing Times
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• At the Border:
  • Approval is done the same day, usually in less than an hour, provided the documents are complete and in order.

Advantages of Applying on the Border
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One of the main advantages of applying at the border is the fast processing, which means that it is not necessary to wait weeks for an answer. This option is ideal for those who need to obtain the work permit immediately or in urgent situations, as the process can be completed on the same day.

In addition, when applying at the border, applicants have the opportunity to interact directly with an immigration officer, which facilitates the resolution of questions or problems in real time. This direct interaction can provide greater clarity on the requirements and status of the application, resulting in a more efficient process without uncertainty.

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Important Border Application Considerations

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It is essential to ensure that your occupation and situation meet the CUSMA criteria before traveling. This involves verifying that your occupation is on the list of eligible occupations and that it meets the requirements set by the Canadian authorities. Before traveling, consult the updated list of eligible occupations on the official Canadian immigration website to avoid surprises at the time of application.

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Although the process at the border can be relatively quick, it is important to keep in mind that the immigration officer has the authority to deny your application if the documents submitted are not sufficient or do not meet specific requirements. Therefore, it is crucial that all documentation is complete, accurate and properly prepared to facilitate a favorable review.

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How to hire our services for your visa application?

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Before starting the process, we recommend that you schedule a 1-hour immigration consultation with our expert U.S. immigration attorney. During this session, you will resolve your doubts and receive personalized advice about your case.

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 Exclusive benefit: The cost of the consultation will be applied as an advance to the fees of the application process for this type of visa.

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 Schedule your appointment here: https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/estados-unidos

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If you prefer to know more details about this service and its costs, please visit the following link:

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https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/contratacion-servicios-usa