Work Without a Work Permit?
While foreign nationals must have authorization (a work permit) to work in Canada, there are some exceptions that allow a foreign national to work without a work permit for a limited time, and they must meet additional exemption criteria for their specific job type.
If you are eligible to work in Canada without a work permit, you may still require a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. You need to provide immigration or visa officers with the necessary documents to support your desired status in Canada.
The documents will vary depending on your situation, however, a letter of support from a parent company or an invitation letter from a Canadian company may increase your chances of success.
What Occupations Do Not Require Work Permit?
Athlete or Coach
Aviation Accident or Incident Investigator
Business Visitor
Civil Aviation Inspector
Clergy
Convention Organizer
Crew Member
Emergency Service Provider
Examiner
and evaluator
Expert witness or investigator
A Family Member of a Foreign Representative
Foreign Government Officer or Representative
Health Care Student
Implied Status
Judges, Referees, and similar officials
Military Personnel
News Reporters, Media Crews
On-campus and off-campus work
Performing Artists
Public Speakers
Short Term
Researchers
Business Visitors Who May WORK WITHOUT WORK PERMIT
Business Visitors
are individuals who desire to visit Canada to participate in international business activities without being part of the Canadian labour market or individuals visiting Canada temporarily to look for ways to grow a business, invest or promote business relationships.
Canada has a prosperous economy and belongs to key economic blocs such as the Group of 7 countries (G7), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), positioning Canada as an attractive destination for business leaders and investors.
Business visitors fall into the following category of workers who can work without a work permit.
After Sales Service Providers
After sales service providers may visit Canada to perform specific functions including repairs, service, test or install commercial or industrial equipment.
Such services must be specified in the original contract of sale for the equipment or extended sales agreement, lease or rental agreement, warranty or service contract.
You may also visit Canada as a trainer of trainees for prospective users or maintenance workers for a Canadian subsidiary of a foreign corporation.
Employee of Short-Term Temporary Residents
You may qualify as a business visitor if you are employed in a personal capacity on a full-time basis by temporary residents in Canada such as personal assistants or Caregivers.
If the short-term temporary resident, and thus their employee (s) extends their stay beyond 6 months, a Labour Market Impact Assessment may be required.
Board of Directors
Directors of boards who need to enter Canada to attend a meeting may do so as business visitors. While these individuals may receive stipends for attending meetings, conferences etc it does not constitute entry into the Canadian labour market.
Entertainment Artists
Foreign artists performing in Canada are not required to have a work permit. While certain types of performances may necessitate a Labour Market Impact Assessment as well as a work permit, guest artists who been invited to perform are exempt from this rule if their invitation is for a short period.
Convention Organizers
Individuals or groups may be eligible to come to Canada to organize a convention or a conference under this category. If you are attending a conference or a convention you may be considered a business visitor without needing a work permit.
IT Experts and Technicians
Foreign nationals working in the Information Technology industry may come to Canada as business visitors under certain conditions. Work permit exemptions enable short-term high-value work that facilitates knowledge transfer to Canadian workers. The activity should typically last 15 to 30 calendar days.
International Students Working Off-Campus
During the regular academic semester, international students on a study permit are permitted to work off campus without a work permit for up to 20 hours per week.
International Students can now work off campus for more than 20 hours per week. This policy was extended to 2025.