Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Breaking Barriers: Opportunities Through CETA in Canada

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU) came into effect on September 21, 2017. It aims to enhance trade and investment between Canada and the European Union. One of the key provisions of CETA is the introduction of CETA work permits, which allow EU citizens to work in Canada for up to one year without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

CETA work permits are available to EU citizens who are employed by a Canadian employer and are coming to Canada to work in a skilled occupation

To be eligible, the worker must meet the following criteria:

• The worker must be a citizen of an EU member state and be legally able to work in Canada.
• The worker must have a job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation that falls under TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• The job offer must be for a period of up to one year.
• The worker must have the necessary qualifications, experience, and language skills to perform the job.

CETA work permits are exempt from the LMIA process

Which means that Canadian employers do not need to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment before hiring a foreign worker. This exemption makes it easier for Canadian employers to hire EU citizens for skilled positions.To obtain a CETA work permit, the worker must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application must include the following documents:

• A job offer letter from the Canadian employer, which includes details such as the job title, job duties, duration of employment, and salary.
• Proof of qualifications and experience, such as educational certificates, employment references, and language test results.
• A valid passport or travel document.
• A completed work permit application form, along with any other required forms or documents.

The following categories of individuals may be eligible to come to Canada under CETA

1. Business visitors: This category includes individuals who come to Canada for short-term business purposes, such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or conducting research. Business visitors are not permitted to engage in hands-on work or receive payment from a Canadian source.
2. Investors: This category includes individuals who have made or are in the process of making a significant investment in a Canadian business. Investors may be eligible for a work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) without the need for an LMIA.
3. Intra-corporate transferees: This category includes employees of a company who are transferred from an EU branch to a Canadian branch of the same company. Intra-corporate transferees may be eligible for a work permit under the IMP without the need for an LMIA.
4. Independent Professionals: This category includes individuals who come to Canada to work in a profession that requires specific qualifications or credentials. To be eligible, the profession must fall under TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Professionals may be eligible for a work permit under the IMP without the need for an LMIA.
5. Short-term business visitors for investment purposes: This category includes individuals who come to Canada for short-term business purposes related to investment, such as attending investor meetings or conducting due diligence. Short-term business visitors for investment purposes are not permitted to engage in hands-on work or receive payment from a Canadian source.

CETA work permits may be renewed for an additional period if the worker meets the eligibility criteria.

It’s important to note that while CETA allows for certain categories of individuals to come to Canada without the need for an LMIA or a work permit, they may still require a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Important

On April 1, 2021, the Agreement on Trade Continuity between Canada and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (CUKTCA) came into force.
For individuals operating under CUKTCA, the same Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption codes used for CETA will be extended in order to collect information about foreign nationals entering Canada for employment and business.