Summer has witnessed the resumption of foreign workers in Canada, attracting visitors from across the world and covering everything from technology to agriculture. Well, it is significant for visitors visiting Canada to understand what entry requirements they have to meet to participate in foreign/ international events in different capacities. Here are the Canadian work permit requirements for international conferences.
Note: The Canadian Government defines a foreign event as an event held by an organization that is located in – conducts business from a country other than Canada. For example, the Collision Conference in Toronto, Ontario, which is hosted by an organization called Web Summit, is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. This foreign/ international event draws thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to Canada annually and is set to take place in Vancouver next year under the new name – ‘Web Summit Vancouver’ from May 27 – 30, 2025.
Entry Requirements For Attendees
There are specific Canadian work permit requirements for international conferences. Entry requirements for attendees of foreign events in Canada are straightforward. Attendees are technically tourists to Canada. Attendees should simply meet entry requirements for visitors – like obtaining a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Entry Requirements For Foreign Service Providers
Entry requirements for non-Canadiand working foreign/ international events in Canada are more complex. Foreign service providers working under contract for international events do not require work permits if they are:
- event accommodation consultants
- event planners
- destination marketing company personnel
- exhibit managers
- professional conference organizers
However, foreign service providers working under contract to provide the following services do require work permits:
- Lighting, carpet laying, carpentry, or electrical work
- Installing or dismantling shows/exhibits
- Audio video, staging, or show decorating services
What Kind Of Work Permit Is Required For Service Providers At Foreign Events In Canada?
There are specific Canadian work permit requirements for international conferences. Non-Canadian service providers at international events in Canada typically do not require an LMIA. Instead, they qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit, known as the significant benefit work permit.
To qualify for the LMIA-exempt work permit, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You should be working under contract for a foreign event organizer or exhibitor.
- You must be providing services like audio-visual services or electrical work, and
- Lastly, you must be supervising and directing local fires at the foreign event
The final requirement is significant. You need to prove that your role is supervisory, i.e., you will be overseeing local labor rather than completing all the hands-on work yourself. This is because international event organizers and exhibitors need to hire Canadians to perform labor on the convention floor.
Suppose you believe you are eligible for this significant benefit work permit. In that case, your work permit application should address all the key requirements above by including documents like the formal service agreement, your CV/ resume, and more.
Visa Requirements For Foreign Service Providers and Exhibitors
In addition to the work permit, foreign service providers working in international events in Canada will require valid visitor visas or eTAs.
Those who are visa-exempt might apply for their work permit at the entry port to Canada. Those who require visas must apply for their work permit online. If you are applying online, it is important to check processing times to ensure you will meet timelines and obtain your work permit before the event.
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