Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Institutional links

Working under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

NAFTA simplifies the cross-border movement of business people who are citizens of Canada, the United States or Mexico (NAFTA does not apply to permanent residents or “green card” holders). This information is brought to you directly from International Trade Canada.

Cross Border Movement of Business Persons

Temporary Entry into the United States and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement

A Guide for Canadian Businesspersons

A Guide for Canadian Businesspersons

Published by International Trade Canada

To obtain additional copies of this publication, visit our Web site or write to us at:

Enquiries Service
Foreign Affairs Canada
and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Tel.: 1 800-267-8376 (toll free in Canada)
or (613) 944-4000 (in the National Capital region and outside Canada)
Fax: (613) 996-9709
TTY for the Deaf: (613) 944-9136

© International Trade Canada, 2004

Catalogue No. IT4-2/2004E-HTML; ISBN 0-662-38721-X

This guide provides readers with general information on the criteria and procedures for entering the United States and Mexico temporarily for business purposes and the related immigration requirements under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The content of this guide is not the actual “legal text” of the NAFTA or a member country’s immigration regulations. Although the guide includes basic information, it is subject to change and should be verified before seeking temporary entry for business purposes.

In addition to this guide, travellers heading to the United States or Mexico are strongly encouraged to read the country-specific guides published by the Consular Affairs Bureau at Foreign Affairs Canada. These guides contain detailed information not contained in this publication. You can obtain a free copy by contacting the enquiry service above, or on-line.

Available on-line through the International Trade Canada Web site.

A pdf version is available for download (PDF, 828 Kb)

  1. Temporary Entry into the United States and Mexico under the NAFTA
    Am I eligible to enter the United States or Mexico temporarily on business?
    What is temporary entry?
    Can my family accompany me?
    Be prepared!!!
  2. Business Visitors
    How do I qualify as a NAFTA Business Visitor?
    What documentation do I need at the border?

    UNITED STATES
    How can I apply as a Business Visitor?
    How can I change or renew my status?

    MEXICO
    How can I apply as a Business Visitor?
    How can I change or renew my status?
  3. Professionals
    How do I qualify as a NAFTA Professional?
    What documentation do I need at the border?

    UNITED STATES
    How can I apply as a Professional?
    How can I change or renew my status?

    MEXICO
    How can I apply as a Professional?
    How can I change or renew my status?
  4. Intra-company Transferees
    How do I qualify as a NAFT Intra-company Transferee?
    What documentation do I need at the border?

    UNITED STATES
    How can I apply as an Intra-company Transferee?
    How can I change or renew my status?

    MEXICO
    How can I apply as an Intra-company Transferee?
    How can I change or renew my status?
  5. Traders and Investors
    How do I qualify as a NAFTA Trader?
    How do I qualify as a NAFTA Investor?
    What documentation do I need at the border?

    UNITED STATES
    How can I apply as a Trader or Investor?
    How can I change or renew my status?

    MEXICO
    How can I apply as a Trader or Investor?
    How can I change or renew my status?
  6. Non-NAFTA Temporary Entry Visas in the United States
    Specialty occupations
    Performing artists
    Medium- or lower-skilled workers
  7. Additional Information

Frequently asked questions for this section:

Related Links