The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) facilitates temporary entry for business visitors from member countries. This article clarifies the eligibility requirements, allowed activities, and necessary documentation for business visitors entering the United States, Canada, or Mexico under the USMCA.
Who Qualifies as a Business Visitor?
Under USMCA, a business visitor is a citizen from one of the three countries—Canada, Mexico, or the United States—seeking temporary entry to conduct specific business activities without entering the local labor market. To qualify, visitors must show:
- Proof of citizenship from a USMCA member country.
- Documents describing their intended business activities.
- Evidence the activity is international and does not involve local employment.
Permitted Activities for Business Visitors
The USMCA outlines certain activities business visitors can engage in, grouped into categories such as:
- Research and Design: Includes independent or enterprise-sponsored research by technical, scientific, or statistical researchers.
- Marketing: Market analysts or trade fair participants conducting research or promotional work.
- Sales: Sales representatives or agents taking orders or negotiating contracts for services or goods produced outside the host country.
- After-Sales Service: Technicians or supervisors providing services like installation or repair based on warranty agreements for foreign-manufactured goods.
- Tourism and Translation: Tour guides, translators, or interpreters providing services as employees of a foreign business.
Documentation to Prepare
To ease the entry process, business visitors should prepare:
- Valid identification proving USMCA-member citizenship.
- Business documents describing the purpose and scope of activities.
- Proof that the business is primarily based outside the host country.
Conclusion
USMCA provides a streamlined entry process for business visitors in qualifying activities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Preparing the proper documents and understanding the scope of permissible activities will ensure a smooth entry. For more information, consulting an immigration lawyer can guide you through specific scenarios and requirements.
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We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding business visitor requirements, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
