IMMIGRATION STRATEGIES
THE UNITED STATES MEXICO CANADA TRADE AGREEMENT
Chapter 16 of The United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (formerly NAFTA) provides ways for businesspersons who are citizens of the United States, Mexico, and Canada to enter each other’s countries for the purpose of engaging in trade of goods, services, or investments. The Agreement addresses four major entry categories: the business visitor; intra-company transferee; professionals; and traders and investors.
THE BUSINESS VISITOR
Canadians wishing to visit the United States for business purposes are able to have their requests decided at the port of entry. Individuals should submit a detailed letter on their employer’s letterhead outlining the proposed business activities and that the individual will continue to be employed and paid in Canada.
INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE
A business person seeking temporary entry as an intracompany transferee must meet legal requirements before entry. The person must have been employed with the organization for at least one year within the three years prior to the application for entry, as a manager, executive or in a position of specialized knowledge. Further, the person must be planning to work in such a capacity at a United States or Mexican branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Canadian company. Pursuant to The United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement, an individual application supported by documentation may be decided at a port of entry.
PROFESSIONALS
Professionals with Canadian citizenship may be admitted to the United States for employment as non-immigrants. Their admission is also decided at the port of entry and is called a “TN” or TN Visa.
A letter is required from the United States employer outlining the professional activity and purpose, the educational qualifications or credentials supporting the professional status and that the applicant complies with state laws or licensing requirements for such professionals, the financial and wage arrangements, and the anticipated length of stay in the United States.
For qualified Canadian professionals TN status is an alternative to the professional and skilled worker categories under the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Unlike the INA, The United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement provides a clear listing of specific professionals in an appendix to Chapter 16.
The category of management consultant under the appendix allows for some flexibility when the applicant is without formal degrees or professional credentials. This category is for those Canadian experts who have five years of professional consulting experience or industry-related experience.
TRADERS AND INVESTORS
The treaty trader/investor (E-1/E-2), entering temporarily as a supervisory executive or one with essential skills, must be going to the United States to substantially trade in goods, services, or investments principally between Canada, and the United States or Mexico. The treaty investor must be entering to develop and direct an enterprise in which a substantial investment (not yet defined) has been made or is in the process of being made.
The trader/investor must submit an application for a visa at a United States Consulate. The various consulates have developed their own questionnaires and have designated treaty officers.
SUMMARY
In retrospect, The United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement remains similar to its predecessor NAFTA. It continues to provide a welcome expansion of options and flexibility for Canadian citizens wishing to do business in the United States.
