Free trade agreements facilitate temporary mobility, that is, the movement of workers and business visitors among the signatory countries.

Canada has free trade agreements with Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Panama, the European Union, and through the Trans-Pacific Agreement with Japan, Mexico, Australia, Peru, and Malaysia.

Almost all free trade agreements have categories for professionals/skilled workers, investors, and traders.

Each agreement includes lists of professions/occupations that have the possibility to apply for a work permit in a simplified manner, provided they already have a job offer.