Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), citizens of the United States and Mexico may be eligible for expedited processing when applying for a temporary work permit in Canada. NAFTA work permits typically do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, despite being LMIA-exempt, workers and employers participating in the NAFTA program must still comply with all regulations governing temporary work in Canada.

U.S. citizens do not need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, while Mexican citizens do.

NAFTA Job Categories:

Three job categories fall under the NAFTA work permit:

1. NAFTA professionals
2. NAFTA Intra-company transfers
3. NAFTA traders and Investors

• NAFTA Professionals

NAFTA Professionals are individuals who qualify to work in one of about 60 designated professions (see below). Depending on the specific profession, applicants may need to provide educational credentials and/or work experience documentation. To qualify, NAFTA Professionals must have pre-arranged employment in Canada in a role that matches their qualifications. Self-employment is not eligible under this category.

• NAFTA Intra-Company Transfers

NAFTA Intra-Company Transferees are employees temporarily transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their U.S. or Mexican employer. To be eligible, the employee must have worked continuously for the same employer for at least one of the past three years and must still be employed by the company at the time of application. The transferee must also work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role. For general information on intra-company transferees, including those covered by NAFTA, click here.

• NAFTA Traders and Investors

A NAFTA Trader must show an intent to engage in substantial trade of goods or services between Canada and their home country (the U.S. or Mexico). A NAFTA Investor must demonstrate that they have made a significant investment in a Canadian business, either new or existing, and are entering Canada to develop and manage the business. Work permits for NAFTA Investors may also be granted to employees of the principal investor who are considered essential to the business.

NAFTA Professional Work Permits can be issued for the following professions:

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​Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for New Brunswick’s Business Applicant Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Be between 22 and 55 years old.

• • Language Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English and/or French to manage a business. Proof may include an IELTS test taken within the past two years.

• Education: Hold at least a high school diploma.

• Commitment to New Brunswick:

• • • Demonstrate an intent to live in New Brunswick and actively operate a business within the province.
    • Show an understanding of New Brunswick’s business climate.
  • Business Experience: Have at least three years of ownership or senior management experience within the last five years.

• Financial Requirements:

• • Have a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD, verified through documentation.
  • Commit to a minimum investment of $125,000 CAD in a business.
  • Provide evidence of the ability to make a $75,000 CAD refundable deposit, as outlined in the province’s Deposit Agreement. This deposit is refunded if the applicant meets the program’s requirements.

Application Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI and await selection. Only candidates with top scores are invited to apply for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
2. Exploratory Visit and Interview: If invited, candidates must schedule a visit to New Brunswick, participate in an in-person interview, and submit a detailed business plan outlining their proposed venture.
3. Nomination and Deposit Agreement: If approved, the candidate and the province will sign a Deposit Agreement. The nominee can then apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.

Key Points

• Meeting the minimum score of 50 does not guarantee an invitation; only the highest-ranked candidates are selected.
• A clear understanding of the local business environment and a solid business plan are critical for success.
• The refundable $75,000 deposit ensures the applicant meets the province’s business and settlement requirements.

New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Program offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Canada while contributing to the growth and development of the province’s economy.