Modernizing CUSMA Professions List: Opportunities and Impact

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), known as the USMCA in the United States, has been a pivotal framework facilitating trade and labor mobility across North America since its inception in 2020, succeeding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As CUSMA is set for review in 2026, there is growing advocacy for updating the list of eligible professions to encompass emerging roles in the digital and clean-tech sectors.

Understanding the Current CUSMA Professions List

The existing CUSMA professions list, originally established under NAFTA in 1994, includes 63 professions such as Accountant, Engineer, and Computer Systems Analyst, among others. These professions are eligible for facilitated work permits under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), bypassing the more stringent requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Under the current agreement, professionals in these fields can apply for CUSMA work permits, provided they have pre-arranged employment in Canada and meet specific qualifications related to education and licensing. This streamlined process is particularly advantageous for industries requiring highly skilled workers.

The Need for Modernization

With technological advancements dramatically reshaping the global job market, there is a pressing need to update the CUSMA professions list. Stakeholders have advocated for the inclusion of roles such as cybersecurity analyst, data scientist, and UI/UX designer. These professions are increasingly vital in today’s economy, driven by the rapid growth of the digital and clean-tech sectors.

Advantages of Expanding the Professions List

Expanding the CUSMA professions list offers multiple benefits. It aligns the agreement with current labor market demands and enhances North America’s competitiveness in the global economy. By including digital and clean-tech roles, CUSMA can better support industries crucial for future economic growth.

Moreover, this expansion could facilitate smoother cross-border employment, fostering innovation and collaboration among businesses in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As companies increasingly rely on specialized digital skills, the ability to hire from a broader talent pool becomes essential for maintaining competitive advantage.

Challenges and Considerations

However, expanding the professions list is not without challenges. Regulatory frameworks need careful adjustment to ensure that new roles meet the standards required for work permits. Additionally, balancing the interests of domestic labor markets with the benefits of foreign expertise requires a nuanced approach.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Directions

Stakeholders have expressed a strong desire for modernizing the CUSMA professions list, emphasizing the importance of including professions that reflect current and future economic needs. This sentiment was echoed during consultations conducted by Global Affairs Canada from September to November 2025, with findings published in February 2026.

In addition to expanding the list of eligible professions, stakeholders have called for streamlined import/export and border procedures and simpler origin certification processes. These enhancements aim to make cross-border trade and labor mobility more efficient.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As CUSMA approaches its 2026 review, the prospect of modernizing the professions list represents a significant opportunity for North American economies. By adapting to the evolving landscape of work, CUSMA can continue to facilitate economic growth and innovation. The inclusion of digital and clean-tech professions is a step toward ensuring that the agreement remains relevant and effective in the coming decades.

Ultimately, the success of these updates will depend on collaborative efforts among Canada, the United States, and Mexico to address the complexities of labor mobility while safeguarding the interests of domestic workers. CUSMA's modernization could set a precedent for future trade agreements, demonstrating a commitment to adaptability and forward-thinking policies.