If you don’t qualify for CUSMA (for example, if you’re not a U.S. or Mexican citizen, or your occupation isn’t on the professionals list), consider these alternatives:

For Business Owners and Entrepreneurs:

• C11 Entrepreneur Work Permits – For business owners whose work provides significant benefit to Canada
• Owner-Operator LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) – For business owners creating Canadian jobs
• Provincial Nominee Programs – Many provinces have entrepreneur streams

For Skilled Workers:

• International Mobility Program – Various LMIA-exempt categories
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program with LMIA – For positions with approved job offers
• Global Talent Stream – For high-skilled technology workers (2-week processing)

For Multinational Companies:

• Intra-Company Transfers (non-CUSMA) – Available to companies from any country
• Significant Benefit category – For workers providing significant economic/cultural benefit

View Answers under “Economic / Skilled Worker Immigrants” for more information on these alternatives to CUSMA.

A criminal record will delay, and can even prevent you from getting your immigration status. To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

Get Legal Help

For strategic guidance on expanding your business to Canada—whether through the C11, ICT, LMIA, or investment-driven pathways — contact our preferred immigration lawyer, Sobirovs Law Firm at 1-416-895-3026 or wecare@sobirovs.com. The Sobirovs team helps entrepreneurs navigate Canada’s business immigration system with clarity and a structured plan for long-term success.

								
You now have 3 options:
								

									
More answers about Immigration Law
									
Master List: 2,500 Legal Answers
																													
																		
Government Links