Border check

Canada, the US and Mexico let people in certain professions work across the border without a lottery or a labour market test. Canadians use TN status in the US. Americans use the CUSMA professional work permit in Canada. Here is how pharma jobs line up with the list.

A guide, not legal advice. Border officers decide each case on the job's main duties and your credentials. Talk to an immigration lawyer or your employer's immigration team before you rely on it.

Canadians working in the US (TN)

  • No visa needed for Canadian citizens. You apply at a US port of entry.
  • Bring a letter from the US employer: job title, duties, length of stay, pay, and your qualifications.
  • Bring proof of your degree or licence, and proof of Canadian citizenship.
  • Admission is usually for up to 3 years and can be extended.
  • A spouse or child can come with TD status. Canadian family members need no visa.

Americans working in Canada (CUSMA)

  • You need a job offer from a Canadian employer, submitted through the IRCC Employer Portal.
  • No labour market impact assessment is needed (exemption code T36).
  • Bring proof of US citizenship and of the education or credentials the list requires.
  • The permit can be issued for up to 3 years, and extended in 3-year steps.

By job group

The job title does not decide it. What you will mainly do, and your degree, decide it.

Research (biology, chemistry, computational)

Often a fit

Possible categories: Biologist, Biochemist, Chemist, Pharmacologist, Geneticist, Scientific Technician/Technologist

Scientist roles fit when the work is the listed science and you hold a matching degree. Research associates can fit as Scientific Technician/Technologist when they directly support a listed professional.

CMC and Development

Often a fit

Possible categories: Chemist, Biochemist, Engineer, Scientific Technician/Technologist

Analytical and process development roles usually map to Chemist, Biochemist or a chemical or biomedical Engineer, depending on your degree.

Engineering and Facilities

Often a fit

Possible categories: Engineer, Scientific Technician/Technologist

Needs a degree in a related engineering field. Construction trades, such as electricians or welders, do not qualify.

Biostatistics

Often a fit

Possible categories: Mathematician (including Statistician), Epidemiologist

Statistician is listed under Mathematician. Epidemiologist fits epidemiology roles.

Data and IT

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Computer Systems Analyst, Engineer, Mathematician (including Statistician)

Software roles under Engineer need an engineering degree. Computer Systems Analyst fits analysis and design work, not pure programming.

Quality (QA, QC, validation)

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Chemist, Biologist, Engineer, Scientific Technician/Technologist

QC lab roles often fit Chemist or Biologist. Validation can fit Engineer. Document-focused QA roles are harder, since QA itself is not a listed profession.

Manufacturing and Tech Ops

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Engineer, Scientific Technician/Technologist, Chemist

Process and MSAT engineers can fit Engineer. Production operators and packaging roles are not listed.

Clinical

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Epidemiologist, Physician (teaching or research only), Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Mathematician (including Statistician)

Clinical science can fit. Clinical operations roles, such as CRA or study manager, are not listed professions, so they are hard to fit.

Drug Safety

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Pharmacist, Physician (teaching or research only), Registered Nurse, Pharmacologist, Epidemiologist

Fit depends on your licence or degree and on the duties being the work of that profession, not case processing alone.

Medical Affairs

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Pharmacist, Physician (teaching or research only), Technical Publications Writer

Medical writers may fit Technical Publications Writer. MSL roles are not a listed profession; some apply under Pharmacist, but expect questions.

Regulatory

Rarely a fit

Possible categories: Chemist, Biologist, Pharmacist

Regulatory affairs is not a listed profession. It only works when the duties are mainly those of a listed science.

Supply Chain

Rarely a fit

Possible categories: Engineer, Management Consultant

Supply chain roles are not listed. An industrial engineer doing engineering work may fit Engineer.

Commercial (sales, marketing, market access)

Rarely a fit

Possible categories: Economist, Management Consultant

Sales and marketing are not listed. Health economics roles may fit Economist.

Corporate (finance, HR, legal, admin)

Sometimes a fit

Possible categories: Accountant, Lawyer, Management Consultant

Accountant and Lawyer are listed. HR and admin roles are not.

Professions most used in pharma

From the official list (CUSMA Chapter 16, Appendix 2). The same list applies in both countries.

ProfessionMinimum credential
BiochemistBachelor's degree
BiologistBachelor's degree
ChemistBachelor's degree
PharmacologistBachelor's degree
GeneticistBachelor's degree
EpidemiologistBachelor's degree
EngineerBachelor's degree in a related engineering field, or a state or provincial licence
Scientific Technician/TechnologistTheory in a listed science (such as biology or chemistry) and the ability to solve practical problems; a degree is not requiredMust work in direct support of a professional in that science, under their supervision.
Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada) / Medical Technologist (US)Bachelor's degree, or a post-secondary diploma or certificate plus three years of experienceLab tests and analyses to diagnose, treat or prevent disease.
PharmacistBachelor's degree, or a state or provincial licence
Physician (teaching or research only)M.D., or a state or provincial licenceNo direct patient care, except care that is incidental to teaching or research.
Registered NurseState or provincial licence, or a licenciatura degreeNeeds a licence from the state or province where you will work.
Mathematician (including Statistician)Bachelor's degree
Computer Systems AnalystBachelor's degree, or a post-secondary diploma or certificate plus three years of experience
Management ConsultantBachelor's degree, or five years of experience in consulting or a related fieldUsually a consultant or consulting firm employee filling a temporary, non-routine role.
EconomistBachelor's degree
Technical Publications WriterBachelor's degree, or a post-secondary diploma or certificate plus three years of experience
AccountantBachelor's degree, or CPA, CA, CGA or CMA
LawyerLaw degree, or membership in a state or provincial bar

"Scientist" on its own is not a listed profession. The role has to match a listed one, such as Chemist or Biologist.

Official pages

Checked October 2026. Rules can change, especially while CUSMA is under review.