Can US citizens work in Canada?
Updated on March 25, 2025
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Table of Contents
Can Americans work in Canada?
Yes, Americans and Green Card holders can definitely work in Canada given that they have a work permit unless they are also Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
So, you can accept that job offer to jumpstart your opportunities in Canada. If you haven’t received a job offer yet, don’t worry! US citizens can apply for open work permits, which allow them to work for any employer in Canada.
What are the types of work permits available for Americans?
There are three main types of work permits available for US citizens wishing to work in Canada:
- Employer-specific work permit (temporary): This permit is tied to a specific employer and job, meaning you can only work for the company that sponsors your application. In most cases, your employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that no Canadian worker is available for the position.
- Open work permit: This permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA. This is available under special circumstances, such as being a spouse of a skilled worker, being an international student, or having just graduated from Canadian institutions.
- CUSMA work permit: This is the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), allowing Americans to obtain a work permit without an LMIA.
What is a CUSMA work permit?
A CUSMA (USMCA) work permit, formerly known as NAFTA is a specialized permit only available to US and Mexican citizens under the free trade agreement between the three countries.
It allows eligible professionals to work in Canada under certain conditions without requiring an LMIA since acquiring an LMIA is costly and time-consuming. Generally, you must be:
- Be a US or Mexican citizen
- Work in one of the many eligible professions under the agreement
- Have a job offer from a Canadian employer
This permit is typically valid for one to three years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the applicant continues to meet the requirements. here are many work opportunities available under the CUSMA/USMCA agreement, with specific professions and conditions for US citizens.
Can I work in Canada without a work permit?
In most cases, you need a work permit to legally work in Canada. However, there are certain situations where you could be allowed to work without one. Common exemptions are:
- Business visitors: If you are coming to Canada for business-related activities but not entering the Canadian labor market, you may not need a work permit. This could also apply to investors and traders.
- Foreign government officials: US Officials usually work with the Canadian government under international agreements that don’t require work permits.
- Athletes: This includes professional or amateur athletes competing in Canadian events.
- Military Personnel: Members of a foreign armed force working in Canada under a formal agreement
- Short-term researchers & academics: If you are a researcher at a publicly funded Canadian institution, you may work for 120 days or less without a permit.
There are other options for US citizens to work in Canada besides business visitors, investors, or traders and the related immigration pathways.
Need help on your taxes while working in Canada? Contact us today.
Can I study and work in Canada at the same time?
Yes, if you are an international student with a valid study permit, you can work while studying in Canada. There is no additional permit required, you just need to track the number of hours you work for compliance.
However, if you came to Canada to work and are planning to study later on, you may be required to have a separate study permit in order to continue. You just need to be eligible for the two permits and show that you can study and work at the same time.
Can my Canadian spouse sponsor me?
Yes, if you are married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or even a permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residency (PR) under the Spousal Sponsorship Program so you can work in Canada.
But if you’re already in Canada, you may also be eligible for an open work permit while your PR application is being processed.
Do I need a visa to enter Canada for work?
If you’ve already acquired your work permit, you don’t need a visa to enter Canada. However, if you’re a Green Card holder, then you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Where can I look for more work opportunities in Canada?
The best jobs for Americans in Canada are those that require a skill set that is in demand in the Canadian market. If you are a skilled tradesperson with experience, you might want to consider moving to a place that has a shortage of skilled talent. If you’re looking for a job, check these top job websites in Canada:
- Job Bank (Government of Canada)
- Indeed Canada
- Monster Canada
- Workopolis
Can I apply for permanent residency while working in Canada?
Yes, Many Americans go down this route because work permits lead to permanent residency. The best PR programs for American workers include:
- Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class): for skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): for workers nominated by a specific province based on job demand.
- Family Sponsorship: if you have a Canadian spouse or close family member.
Working in Canada increases your chances of getting PR because you gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valued in the immigration system.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s main pathway for foreign skilled workers including US expats to apply for permanent residency (PR). It is a points-based system that evaluates candidates based on:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language skills (English/French)
- Job offer (optional, but adds points.
What if my US employer relocated me to Canada?
If your US employer transfers you to their Canadian branch, you may qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit, which is another special work permit that allows employees of a multinational company to transfer to a Canadian branch without needing an LMIA.
To be eligible for this, you need to:
- Have worked for the company for at least one year.
- Your role must be managerial, executive, or should require specialized knowledge.
- Your Canadian employer must be a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of your US employer.
