Mexico: Your Pathway to Canada

At Pathway2Canada, we understand the unique position of our Mexican clients and the various opportunities and challenges they face when applying for visas in Canada. Given the close relations between Canada and Mexico, there are several programs specifically tailored for Mexican nationals, enabling smoother immigration processes. Here, we explore some of these key programs and their specific requirements.

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)

Most Mexican nationals require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. To apply, you must prove you have no criminal record, are in good health, have sufficient funds for your stay, and have significant ties that would compel you to return to Mexico, such as a job, home, or family.

Study Permit:

Mexicans seeking to study in Canada will need to secure a Study Permit. This requires acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada, proof of sufficient funds, and assurance that you will leave Canada upon completion of your studies. With recent educational agreements, Mexican students also have access to specific scholarships and exchange programs.

Work Permit:

Mexican citizens can explore several work visa options. The most common is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), where you will need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approved job offer from a Canadian employer. Additionally, Mexico, as a CUSMA member, offers professionals the ability to work in Canada under the CUSMA Work Permit.

CUSMA Work Permit and LMIA Exemption:

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as NAFTA, facilitates the entry of certain categories of workers among the three member countries. This treaty has created a special CUSMA Work Permit category for Mexican and American citizens looking to work in Canada.

To qualify for a CUSMA Work Permit, Mexican citizens must fall into one of the four specific occupational categories:

• Professionals: This category covers a list of more than 60 professional occupations, such as accountants, engineers, doctors, nurses, and scientists. Each profession has its own minimum qualification requirements.

• Intra-Company Transferees: This applies to individuals who have been continuously employed by a company in the U.S or Mexico for at least one year in the preceding three-year period and are being transferred to Canada to work in a managerial or executive role, or in a role that involves specialized knowledge.

• Investors: This category applies to individuals who will establish, develop, or administer the operation of an investment to which they, or their business, have committed a substantial amount of capital.

• Traders: This is for individuals who carry out substantial trade in goods or services between Canada and the U.S or Mexico.

One significant advantage of the CUSMA Work Permit is that it falls under the International Mobility Program, meaning it is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It is a labor market verification process where Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assesses an offer of employment to ensure that the employment of a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market.

However, CUSMA work permit applicants do not need to undergo this process, thus making the permit much quicker and easier to obtain. The employer does not need to demonstrate that they made efforts to hire Canadians for the position (as typically required for an LMIA), nor pay the processing fee associated with an LMIA. The LMIA exemption makes the CUSMA work permit a preferred choice for eligible Mexican nationals seeking employment in Canada.

Express Entry:

This is a fast-track system for immigration for those who wish to permanently settle in Canada. Mexican nationals can apply under the Federal Skilled Workers Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. Key factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability determine eligibility.

Family Sponsorship:

If you have close relatives living in Canada as citizens or permanent residents, they may sponsor your immigration under the Family Class. This includes spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

Remember, each program has its unique requirements and processes. At Pathway2Canada, our dedicated and multicultural team is ready to guide you through these steps, providing you with a tailored strategy for your journey to Canada. As fluent speakers of English, Spanish, and various other languages, we can ensure clear and comprehensive communication throughout your process. Contact us today to begin your Canadian adventure.