In Canada, most foreign nationals intending to work must obtain a work permit, which serves as a legal document allowing them to lawfully work in the country and receive remuneration from Canadian employers. However, there are specific conditions under which foreign nationals may work in Canada without a work permit. Below are some situations where a work permit is not required:
- Athletes and Team Members
- Civil Aviation Inspectors
- Emergency Service Providers
- Aviation or Accident Investigators
- Health Care Students
- Expert Witnesses and Investigators
- Judges, Referees, and Similar Officials
- News Reporters and Media Crews
- Performing Artists
- Expert Witnesses and Investigators
Business Visitors Exempt from Work Permits:
- Short-Term Workers of Temporary Residents: Individuals employed full-time by temporary residents of Canada may qualify as business visitors, including domestic helpers, personal assistants, and live-in caretakers. However, if they stay more than six months, a Labour Market Impact Assessment and Work Permit are required.
- After-Sales Service: Workers visiting Canada to install, set up, test, and repair commercial or industrial equipment may do so without a work permit if specified in the equipment’s contract of sale. Training potential users or maintenance staff is also allowed under this category.
- Board of Directors: Board members attending meetings in Canada as business visitors may receive compensation for their time, as long as it does not involve employment in the Canadian labour market.
- Foreign Companies Hiring Canadian Companies: When a foreign business hires a Canadian company to provide services in Canada, they may send employees to support or supervise the task without a work permit.
- International Representatives: International representatives and their personal staff can work in Canada without a permit, but family members require a ‘no objection letter’ from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).
- Military Members: Military and civilian members, along with their relatives, can work and study in Canada without a work permit under the Visiting Forces Act.
- Foreign Government Officials: International government employees working for federal or provincial government agencies can do so without a work permit under specific agreements.
- S. Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Agents: American law enforcement agents working on joint cross-border law enforcement operations can work on Canadian soil without a work permit.
- Aircraft Security Personnel: Foreign IFSOs designated by foreign governments to oversee safety on foreign airplanes can work in Canada without a work visa.
Business Visitors Eligibility:
Foreign workers engaged in business or trade operations in Canada without intending to enter the Canadian labour market fall under the general business visitor category. The requirements for all business visitors include no intention to enter the Canadian labour market and engaging in international-scale activities while in Canada. Business visitors must provide proper documentation attesting to their stay, which may include a letter of support from the parent company and an invitation letter from a Canadian company. The required documents may vary depending on the specific case.