Are there special immigration rules for NAFTA countries?
As the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) liberalized trade among the three member states, it became necessary to loosen immigration restrictions among the countries in order to facilitate their freer commercial relationship. Annex 1603 to the NAFTA directly addresses the status of businesspeople and professionals moving among NAFTA countries. Generally, NAFTA countries agreed to allow temporary entry to businesspeople and professionals who do not pose health or national security risks. The fees charged for NAFTA business entrants must comprise the approximate cost of the services rendered, unlike other immigration fees. Businesspeople and professionals are admitted if they present: proof of citizenship of a NAFTA country, documentation demonstrating and describing the business purpose of the visit, and evidence showing the proposed business activity is international and that the businessperson does not seek to enter the host state’s labor market. The annex bars NAFTA countrie
