While foreign workers require a Canadian work permit to secure employment, exceptions exist. Here’s who can work in Canada without a work permit. Well, foreign nationals are increasingly drawn to Canada for its diverse & promising work opportunities. 

By fulfilling the eligibility criteria of one of the following 22 groups, foreign nationals might explore work opportunities without a work permit in Canada. 

Business Visitors 

This group streamlines access for individuals involved in business or trade within Canada as long as they aren’t entering the Canadian labor market. While various subcategories exist within this classification, all business visitors must satisfy the following criteria:

  • There should be no intent to enter the Canadian labor market
  • The worker’s activity in Canada should be international in scope

For business visitors working for a foreign/ international employer, the following criteria are assumed: 

  • The primary source of worker’s compensation is outside of Canada
  • The principal place of employment is situated outside of Canada
  • The profits of employers are accrued outside of Canada 

When coming to Canada, individuals on business visits should be ready to provide immigration officials with documentation verifying their intended status in the nation. Moreover, the required documentation will differ depending on the specific circumstances. A support letter from the parent company or an invitation letter from a company in Canada can increase your chances of being accepted as a business visitor. 

Foreign Representatives & Their Family Members 

Foreign representatives, along with their personal staff & family members, are eligible to work in Canada without the need for a work permit. In order to qualify for this exemption, foreign representatives must obtain accreditation from the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade. This exception also extends to diplomatic representatives appointed to United Nations offices in Canada. 

For family members of foreign representatives to work in Canada without a work permit, they must obtain a ‘no objection letter’ from the Protocol Department of DFAIT. 

Military Personnel 

Military or civilians stationed in Canada under the Visiting Forces Act are permitted to work & study without the need for work/ study permits. This exemption extends to the families of these individuals, too. 

In addition, military personnel are exempt from passport requirements, temporary resident visas, & foreign national medical examinations. However, civilians & their family members are still obligated to obtain these documents if deemed necessary. 

Foreign Government Officers 

Canada partakes in agreements with other nations that encourage the international exchange of government employees. These agreements enable foreign nationals to come to Canada & work for a department/ agency within federal or provincial governments. These individuals aren’t affiliated with a foreign mission or organization & do not hold accreditation from the DFAIT. 

A contract from Canada’s Public Service Commission is necessary for executive-level officers engaged in such roles. However, officers operating below an executive capacity do not require a contract, although assignments lasting beyond three months should involve a formal letter of agreement between the officer & their Canadian employer. 

Family members of officers covered by this exemption usually obtain an open work permit or are exempt from the permit requirement while in Canada. 

American Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Officers 

Certain law enforcement vessels operating across borders are operated by joint Canadian & American crews. These personnel operate on both sides of the US/ Canada border & when within Canadian territory, American crew members are allowed to perform their job responsibilities without the necessity of obtaining additional work authorization. 

In-Flight Security Officers 

Foreign International Flight Security Officers (IFSOs) are recruited by foreign governments to ensure safety on foreign aircraft. Given their designation by a foreign/ international government, they are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit, as long as their responsibilities are limited to providing security onboard a foreign aircraft. 

However, IFSOs from nations mandating a Temporary Resident Visa for entry into Canada must obtain this visa to carry out their duties in Canadian airspace.

On-Campus Employment   

A student can work on-campus at their educational institution if they hold a valid study permit & they are a full-time student at one of the following kinds of schools: 

  • A public post-secondary institution 
  • A college-level private institution in the province of Quebec
  • A Canadian private institution authorized to grant degrees 
  • A collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP)

A student can work on-campus throughout the duration of their study permit if the student is in full-time studies. The employment scope can encompass various standard on-campus jobs. 

Individuals working as research/ teaching assistants off-campus as part of a research grant can be considered on-campus workers. The student must also meet all the following additional criteria: 

  • Be recommended by their academic department 
  • The work should occur in a research institute/ program in an affiliated hospital/ other research location
  • A department head or faculty member should direct the work to be performed  

Moreover, once a student has completed their studies & has applied for the PGWP, they are eligible to work full-time while waiting for the Post Graduation Work Permit
as long as they still hold a valid study permit. 

Performing Artists 

Many performing artists can work in Canada without a work permit. However, some types of performers/ performances require an LMIA & a work permit. 

IRCC has highlighted some common performers that can enter & work in Canada without a work permit. They are: 

  • Bands performing at pubs, bars, & restaurants
  • Foreign-based musical & theatrical individuals, as well as groups along with their essential crew, working outside bars & restaurants
  • People performing at a private event, like a wedding
  • Guest artists in a Canadian performance group for a time-limited engagement 

Moreover, certain performers might work in Canada without a work permit under the different subcategories. These include: 

  • Film producers
  • Film & recording studio users 
  • People doing guest spots on Canadian TV & radio broadcasts 

Athletes & Team Members 

Both professionals & amateur athletes have the alternatives to come to Canada for individual or team-based sports activities or events. Similarly, foreign coaches, trainers, & other essential team members are eligible to travel to Canada to take part in these events. 

The examples provided by IRCC of individuals who might qualify under this exemption are as follows: 

  • Full or part-time coaches and trainers
  • Amateur players on Canadian teams
  • Foreign/ international team members participating in a competition in Canada
  • Jockeys racing horses from foreign-based stables
  • Race car drivers
  • Foreign pet owners entering their animals in a show
  • Individuals attending professional team tryouts
  • Grooms or team support members

The spouses/partners of professional athletes are eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit for their time in Canada. 

News Reporters & Media Crews 

News reporters & their crews are allowed to report on events in Canada without obtaining a work permit. This applies to journalists, given that their employing company isn’t Canadian. However, this exemption doesn’t extend to managerial/ clerical personnel unless the individuals are covering special events lasting for six months or less. 

In most cases, media crews coming to Canada to produce travelogies & documentaries are obligated to obtain work permits. Nevertheless, the final decision is with the Canadian visa officer reviewing their application. 

Public Speakers 

Presenters at events, like guest speakers. Commercial speakers & seminar lears, are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit. 

Moreover, commercial speakers falling into this category have a vested interest in the event where they are presenting. This often involves renting a commercial space, charging admission, advertising the event, etc. However, if a Canadian entity recruits commercial speakers, they must obtain an LMIA & a work permit for their time in Canada.   

Convention Organizers

This group encompasses people who come to Canada to coordinate a conference/ convention, along with the administrative support staff of the organizing committee. These events might include corporate meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, & similar gatherings. Moreover, hands-on service providers like audio-visual specialists do not fall under this category.  

Convention organizers hired to work on a Canadian event aren’t permitted to work without a work permit. IRCC specifies a ‘Canadian Event’ as one organized by an entity located & actively conducting business in Canada. 

Individuals attending conferences & meetings are regarded as business visitors & are exempt from the necessity of obtaining a work permit. 

Clergy 

Those in the profession of preaching, overseeing religious services, or providing spiritual counseling are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit. This applies to ordained ministers, laypeople, or members of religious orders. The main responsibility of a temporary worker must align with a distinct religious objective, like offering religious instructions or promoting a specific faith. 

Individuals who wish to enter Canada under this exemption must submit necessary documentation to confirm the authenticity of the employment offer & their capacity to minister to a congregation, including credentials & past employment records.  

Individuals conducting charitable or religious work in Canada still need a work permit. However, this work permit is exempt from the LMIA process.  

Judges, Referees, & Similar Officials 

Judges, referees, & similar officials can come to Canada to participate in international amateur events & competitions in the realm of sport, culture, arts, & agriculture. 

For amateur sports competitions, the events must be coordinated by an international sports organization & hosted by a Canadian entity. In this context, ‘amateur’ signifies a competition in which athletes aren’t reimbursed for their participation. However, judges, referees, & comparable officials intending to participate in professional sport competitions are required to undergo positive LMIA & obtain work permit.

Examiners & Evaluators 

Foreign professors & researchers might enter Canada to judge theses & projects completed by students without requiring a work permit. 

Expert Witnesses & Investigators 

Experts who need to enter Canada for surveys or analyses serving as evidence or to testify before a regulatory body or court are exempt from obtaining a work permit.

Healthcare Students

Foreign healthcare students from international institutions can work short-term practicums or clinical clerkships in Canada without requiring a work permit. The fields can include medicine, nursing, medical technology, & occupational & physical therapy. Moreover, these practicums must be unpaid & not exceed four months. However, paid work/ stays beyond four months necessitate a work permit. 

Civil Aviation Inspectors 

Flight operations & cabin safety inspectors inspecting commercial international flights do not need work permits if employed by a recognized aeronautical authority & have valid documentation. 

Aviation Accident Or Incident Inspector 

Accredited representatives & advisors aiding in aviation accident or incident investigations under the Canadian Transport Accident Investigation & Safety Board Act are exempt from work permit requirements. 

Crew 

Crew members on foreign-owned means of transportation not registered in Canada & primarily engaged in international transportation do not require work permits covering operations, maintenance, or passenger service roles. 

Emergency Service Providers 

Workers coming to Canada for emergency services during natural disasters/ commercial accidents can do so without work permits. Moreover, Canada-US agreements facilitate the entry of emergency aid workers, including doctors, medical teams, appraisers, and foreign insurance adjusters.  

Maintained Status 

Individuals can continue to work under the conditions of an expired work permit, provided they applied for a new one before the original expiration. While awaiting a response, they should stay in Canada to maintain their status. Once a decision is made, they can continue working under the new permit or leave Canada.