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Work Permit Exemption
It is possible to work in Canada without a work permit. If your occupation is part of the list of jobs that are work permit exempt, then you can enter Canada without a work permit. You may need other documents for entry such as a Visitor visa or an ETA, however a work permit is not necessary for individuals who meet special circumstances under Immigration Canada’s public policy.
Who can work in Canada without a work permit?
- Business visitors
- Guest speakers
- News Reporters working for a foreign news company
- Examiners and evaluators of research proposals
- Expert witnesses or Investigators of evidence before courts
- Health Students taking part in medical training
- Military Personnel of a country that is a designated state under the Visiting forces act
- Executive committee members taking part in the organization of a committee in Canada
- Civil aviation inspectors conducting inspections of the flight operation procedures
- Accredited Aviation accident inspectors
- Foreign representatives carrying out diplomatic duties
- Family members of foreign representatives
- Foreign government officer
- Participants of sports and activities in Canada
- In-flight security officer
- Emergency services providers
- Study permit holders with implied status
- Workers with implied status until the decision is made on their work permit application
- Full time study permit holders
- Foreign Crew members that take part in international transportation
- Judge/referee for an international competition
- Members of Clergy
- Registered Indians
In taking a look at this small category of work permit exempt jobs, you may notice many of these jobs are critical jobs; whether it’s an aviation inspector or an emergency services provider, it can be understood why such policies exist, to streamline essential work that would otherwise be delayed by work permit/immigration processing.
Other special jobs also fall under this policy where workers are required to enter Canada for an international event or convention, including performers, athletes, referees, speakers, taking part in these events.
The important takeaway is is that this is a narrow and highly specific list, and the onus is on the the foreign national to provide the necessary information to demonstrate to the examining Immigration officer that their work meets the criteria for exemption.
If you’d like more information on work permits. Click here.
