Sample Content before the main content
| Job title | Occupation group | Work permit | ESDC LMIA | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
272 occupations |
||||
| Aviation accident or incident inspectors | Accident or incident inspectors (aviation) | Exempt R186(r) | Not required | Under authority of Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act |
| Non-seasonal work such as mushroom and greenhouse crop production, meat processing and livestock raising industries | Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program | Bridging open work permit (BOWP) | A75 | The AFP Program is an economic pilot program designed to attract experienced, non-seasonal workers who can settle in Canada. BOWP applications must be submitted online. |
| Station managers | Airline personnel | Required | Exempt (C62) | If they qualify as intra-company transferee |
| Security guards | Airline personnel | Exempt R186(s) | Not required | On aircraft |
| Security guards | Airline personnel | Required | Exempt (C10) | At airport |
| Flight crew | Airline personnel | Exempt R186(s) | Not required | Foreign-owned and registered aircraft or under wet lease arrangement |
| Flight crew | Airline personnel | Required | Required | Canadian aircraft or dry lease arrangement |
| Operational, ground and technical personnel | Airline personnel | Required | Exempt (T11) | IATA, ICAO, etc. |
| N/A | Airline Telecommunication and Information Services (SITA) | Required | Exempt (T11) | N/A |
| Actors, directors, performing artists, technicians, creative personnel | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required (unless exempt under Essential to TV/Film Production [C14] or Performing Arts [C23]) | Canadian film, TV, theatre, and Internet or radio broadcasts |
| Circus acts and performers (and crew) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Exempt (C10) | Cirque du Soleil (exception) |
| Conductors | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | If guest conductor with Canadian company |
| Conductors | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required (unless exempt under Performing Arts [C23]) | If hired full-time by Canadian orchestra |
| Directors (and essential personnel of commercial or advertising shoots) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R187 | Not required | Business visitors; foreign-financed (for TV, magazines or other media) for short durations (typically no longer than 2 weeks) |
| Film producers (film funded entirely from abroad) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R187 | Not required | Business visitors |
| Film and recording studio users | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R187 | Not required | Purchasing services or renting equipment in Canada |
| Guest artists (contracted for one or two performances) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | Time-limited engagements only; including artists or musicians hired to perform at festivals, or weddings |
| Guest artists under contract | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required (unless exempt under Performing Arts [C23]) | For full run of production, or for full season of the performing arts organization |
| Guest appearances (on Canadian TV or radio broadcasts) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | Such as a musical guest artist or band featured on a segment of a Canadian TV or radio broadcast. |
| Actors, directors, performing artists, technicians, creative personnel | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | Interviewed for TV or radio or benefit show |
| Musical and theatre groups or individuals and essential crew of a foreign production | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | N/A |
| Permanent positions in performing arts venues | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required | Employer-employee relationship Temporary contract to fill a Canadian employer’s permanent position for longer than 4 weeks. |
| Performing artists | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Exempt (C23) | Canadian non-profit performing arts organizations Performing artists and other creative personnel in orchestral music, opera, live theatre or dance disciplines (NOT including erotic dance), where reciprocity exists internationally and there is funding from CCA (see program guidance). |
| Rodeo contestants | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | Bronco riders, steer ropers, barrel racers |
| Rodeo performers/sideshow | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required | Rodeo clowns, announcers, horsemanship or trick riding displays, “half-time acts” and other specialty act entertainers |
| World Wrestling Entertainment | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | Performers Purpose of the performance must be mainly for revenue from ticket sales or from the broadcast format, such as pay-per-view (not primarily for a TV or film production) |
| World Wrestling Entertainment | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required (unless exempt under Essential to TV/Film Production [C14] or Performing Arts [C23]) | Filming or broadcasting elements |
| Actors, directors, performing artists, technicians, creative personnel | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Exempt (T11) | Film co-production (international/inter-government agreement). Telefilm Canada 1.800.567.0890 |
| Adjudicators, artistic field | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(m) | Not required | N/A |
| Air show performers | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | N/A |
| American Federation of Musicians (and CFM) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Exempt (C20) | May also qualify under R186(g) or Performing Arts (C23) |
| Buskers, guest DJs | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | N/A |
| Circus acts and performers (and crew) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Exempt R186(g) | Not required | If in a foreign circus |
| Circus acts and performers (and crew) | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required | If employer is Canadian |
| Digital media/visual effects technicians in TV or film production | Arts and entertainment occupations | Required | Required | N/A |
| Foreign nationals seeking entry under the AIP | Atlantic Immigration Programs (AIP) | Required | Exempt (C18) | Foreign nationals cannot apply at the port of entry |
| Distinguished scientists or post-doctoral fellows | Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. | Required | Exempt (C31) | N/A |
| Bridge and tunnel authorities employees working in Canada | Bridge and tunnel authorities employees working in Canada | Required | Exempt (C20) | As an example, the Peace Bridge Authority Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime Case type: 20 |
| Such as buyers, computer specialists/system Analysts, financial services personnel, public relations/advertising personnel, trainers and trainees, translation/interpretation personnel, tour guides and bus operators | Business visitors | Required | Required | Hired by a Canadian employer |
| Such as buyers, computer specialists/system analyst, financial services personnel, public relations/advertising personnel, trainers and trainees, translation/interpretation personnel, tour guides and bus operators | Business visitors | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Working for a foreign employer. Primary source of remuneration and principal place of business remain outside Canada. |
| Volunteer | Camp counsellors | Required | Exempt (C24) | For camp counsellors who are unpaid, who work for charitable or religious organizations and whose main duties are religious or charitable in nature. See guidelines for R205(b). May be fee exempt. |
| Camp counsellors working in day camps | Camp counsellors | Required | Required | N/A |
| Camp counsellors working in residential camps | Camp counsellors | Required | Exempt (C24) | Offer of employment must outline that their main duties will be to work as residential camp counsellors. |
| In training | Camp counsellors | Exempt (R2) | Not required | Do not meet definition of work if they are paying the same fee as other campers. |
| Volunteer | Camp counsellors | Required | Exempt (C24) | For camp counsellors who are unpaid, who work for charitable or religious organizations and whose main duties are religious or charitable in nature. See guidelines for R205(b). May be fee exempt. |
| Business visitors | Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Activities covered by CUSMA Appendix 1603.A.1 |
| Intra-company transferee – executive, senior or functional manager | Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Required | Exempt (T37) | Executive, or senior manager |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Required | Exempt (T38) | Specialized knowledge |
| Investors | Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Required | Exempt (T35) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position |
| Professionals | Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Required | Exempt (T36) | Professions identified in CUSMA Appendix 1603.D.1 |
| Traders | Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Required | Exempt (T34) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills |
| Professionals | Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F22) | Professionals identified in CCFTA Appendix K-03.IV.1 |
| Business visitors | Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Activities covered by CCFTA Appendix K-03.I.1 |
| Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager | Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F23) | Executive or senior manager |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F24) | Specialized knowledge |
| Investors | Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F21) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position |
| Traders | Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F20) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills |
| Investors | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F11) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Professionals or technicians | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F12) | See Canada-Peru FTA for same list of professionals NOT covered and list of technicians covered. |
| Traders | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F10) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills. |
| Spouses | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (T25) | N/A |
| Business visitors | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | N/A |
| Intra-company transferee –executive or senior manager | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F13) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for 6 months within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F15) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for 6 months within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Business visitors | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | N/A |
| Intra-company transferee –executive or senior manager | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F13) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for 6 months within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F15) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for 6 months within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Investors | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F11) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Professionals or technicians | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F12) | See Canada-Peru FTA for same list of professionals NOT covered and list of technicians covered. |
| Traders | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F10) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills. |
| Spouses | Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (T25) | N/A |
| Intra-corporate (company) transferee – graduate trainee | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) | Required | Exempt (T42) | Have been employed by an enterprise or have been a partner in the enterprise for one year. |
| Intra-corporate (company) transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) | Required | Exempt (T41) | Have been employed by an enterprise or have been a partner in the enterprise for one year. |
| Business visitors | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | N/A |
| Intra-corporate (company) transferee – executive or senior manager | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) | Required | Exempt (T44) | Have been employed by an enterprise or have been a partner in the enterprise for one year. |
| Investors | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) | Required | Exempt (T46) | Will establish, develop, or administer the operation of an investment in a capacity that is supervisory or executive. |
| Contractual service providers | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) | Required | Exempt (T47) | Engaged in the temporary supply of a service not to exceed 12 months and in accordance with the annex 10-E concordance table. |
| Independent professionals | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) | Required | Exempt (T43) | Engaged in the temporary supply of a service not to exceed 12 months and in accordance with the annex 10-E concordance table. |
| Spouses of intra-corporate (company) transferees (T41, T42 or T44) | Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) | Required | Exempt (T45) | Eligible for an open work permit for the same duration as their spouse’s work permit. |
| Traders | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F30) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills. |
| Business visitors | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | After-sales service also includes after-lease service. Not included (different from CUSMA) are harvest owners, customs brokers and tour bus operators. |
| Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F33) | Executive, managerial, |
| Intra-company transferee – management trainee | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F34) | Different from CUSMA: category expanded to also include “management trainee on professional development.” |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F35) | Specialized knowledge. |
| Investors | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F31) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Professionals | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F32) | Contract service supplier or independent professional: providing pre-arranged professional service only. Professions identified in FTA Appendix 12-A-2. |
| Spouses | Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F36) | N/A |
| Business visitors | Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement | Exempt 186(a) and 187 | Work permit exempt | Applicants must possess the necessary documents |
| Professionals | Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement | Required | Exempt (F42) | Applicants must possess the necessary documents |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Required | Exempt (F55) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for six months within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Investors | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Required | Exempt (F51) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Professionals and technicians | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Required | Exempt (F52) | See list of professionals NOT covered and list of technicians covered under Professionals and Technicians. |
| Traders | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Required | Exempt (F50) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills. |
| Business visitors | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | N/A |
| Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Required | Exempt (F53) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for six months within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Intra-company transferee – Management trainee | Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Required | Exempt (F54) | Employed continuously by the enterprise for six months within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission. |
| Caregivers | Caregivers not part of the Live-in Caregiver Program | Required | Required | N/A |
| Caregivers, National Occupational Classification (NOC) specific (NOC 44100 or 44101) | Caregivers whose permanent residence application is submitted under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCPP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) | Required | Exempt (C90) | Occupation-restricted open work permit Work permit fee required |
| Civil aviation inspectors | Civil aviation inspectors | Exempt [R186(q)] | Not required | Employed by recognized aeronautical authority |
| Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager | Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) | Required | Exempt (T51) | Executive or senior manager |
| Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge | Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) | Required | Exempt (T55) | Specialist |
| Business visitors | Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) | Exempt [R186(a)] | Not required | Activities covered under article 12.4 of the CPTPP |
| Delegates/attendees | Conventions, exhibitions and meetings | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | To attend a conference or a meeting |
| Exhibitors | Conventions, exhibitions and meetings | Exempt R187(2)c | Not required | Sales aimed at wholesalers, retailers and institutions. Displays only or sales to others than the general public |
| Exhibitors | Conventions, exhibitions and meetings | Required | Exempt (C10) | Exhibitors of all nationalities who want to sell foreign-made goods to the general public and deliver them at the time of the sale. |
| Guest speakers or Seminar Leaders | Conventions, exhibitions and meetings | Exempt R186(j) | Not required | Seminar does not last longer than 5 days |
| Show/event service contractors | Conventions, exhibitions and meetings | Required | Required | All foreign service providers working under contract to Canadian events |
| Organizers/planners/ administrative support staff | Conventions, exhibitions and meetings | Exempt R186(k) | Not required | Does not apply to “hands-on” service providers or to Canadian events |
| Biologists, research personnel and airline pilots | Cooperative Waterfowl Survey and Branding Program | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Program conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Investors | CPTPP | Required | Exempt (T50) | Those seeking to establish, develop or administer an investment in a capacity that is supervisory or executive or that involves essential skills |
| Professionals and technicians | CPTPP | Required | Exempt (T52) | Those engaged in a specialty professional or technical occupation |
| Spouses | CPTPP | Required | Exempt (T53) | N/A |
| Maritime, air, highway and rail | Crew | Exempt R186(s) | Not required | International transport, vehicles of foreign ownership and registry (limits on loading/unloading). Work permit and LMIA may be required in specific circumstances |
| Drivers: bus, moving van, pilot cars, etc. | Crew | Exempt R186(s) | Not required | Goods/passengers between Canada and foreign country. Work permit and LMIA may be required in specific circumstances |
| Locally engaged staff | Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada - staff | Required | Exempt (C20) | Require GAC Office of Protocol "no objection" letter |
| Foreign representatives | Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada | Exempt R186(b) | Not required | Must be accredited by GAC Office of Protocol |
| Family of accredited foreign representatives | Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada | Exempt R186(c) | Not required | Require GAC Office of Protocol "no objection" letter |
| Service staff or private servant of high-level members of diplomatic mission | Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada | Exempt R186(b) | Not required | Must be approved by GAC Office of Protocol |
| Business visitors | Direct sales organizations | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Training/motivation, assisting recruits, taking orders |
| Canada research chair positions | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C31) | Nominated for their research excellence; partially or wholly funded by federal or provincial governments |
| Evaluators and examiners | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Exempt R186(n) | Not required | N/A |
| Graduate assistants | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Exempt R186(f) | Not required | On-campus work |
| Guest lecturers | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C22) | Period of less than 1 academic term/semester |
| Post-doctoral fellows | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C44) | N/A |
| Academic award recipients | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C52) | N/A |
| Teachers: preschool, elementary and secondary | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C22**) | (C22**) **If reciprocal employment agreement exists |
| Family members of exchange teachers | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C20) | Where reciprocity exists. Australian and British |
| Visiting professors | Educational institutions (Canadian) | Required | Exempt (C22) | Not more than 2 academic years |
| Repair personnel | Emergency repair personnel or preventative repairs for out-of-warranty equipment | Required | Exempt (C13) | For industrial or commercial equipment, preventing disruption |
| Exempt R186(t) | Emergency service providers | Not required | Not required | Natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires. Industrial or commercial accidents threatening the environment. Medical emergency to preserve life regardless of whether it involves one or more persons. |
| Emergency Preparedness Canada | Emergency services (protection of life or property) | Exempt R186(t) | Not required | N/A |
| Conditions not urgent but covered by agreement | Emergency services (protection of life or property) | Required | Exempt (T11) | Agreements with Public Safety Canada |
| Entrepreneurs/self-employed persons | Required | Exempt (C11) | Temporary/seasonal; providing jobs/significant benefit | |
| Essential workers for the production stage of television and film | Essential workers for the production stage of television and film | Required | Exempt (C14) | The work must be - essential to a live-action TV or film project in the production stage (filming) - high wage - unionized |
| Expert witnesses or investigators | Expert witnesses or investigators | Exempt R186(o) | Not required | N/A |
| Farm workers | Farm workers | Required | Required | Includes Caribbean/Mexican seasonal workers |
| Self-employed (e.g., harvester owners) | Farm workers | Exempt (not "work"), R2 | Not required | Supervising harvesting crew admitted under the applicable law. |
| Bridging open work permits for certain federal economic class applicants | Federal economic class | Required | Exempt (A75) | Must have valid status on a work permit; must have received a positive eligibility assessment on their permanent residence application under one of the eligible economic class programs. |
| Fishing guides | Fishing guides | Required | Exempt (C20) | At border lakes |
| Fishing guides | Fishing guides | Required | Required | Canadian employer or on Canadian lakes |
| Self-employed (where no employer on either side exists) | Fishing guides | Required | Exempt (C11) | If activities attract tourism or benefit for Canadians and PRs |
| Foreign camp owners/directors and outfitters | Foreign camp owners/directors (and spouse), and outfitters | Required | Exempt (C11) | N/A |
| Foreign government officials stationed in Canada | Foreign government officials not accredited by GAC | Required | Required | In some cases, LMIA Exemption C62 or C63 can apply for senior officials of semi-official agencies who meet R205(a) requirements |
| Foreign government officials seeking temporary entry | Foreign government officials not accredited by GAC | Exempt R186(a) | Not Required | Includes government officials seeking to meet with foreign partners for meetings |
| Business visitors | General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | N/A |
| Intra-company transferees – executives, senior managers and functional managers | General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Required | Exempt (C62) | Executives, senior managers and functional managers |
| Intra-company transferees – specialized knowledge | General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Required | Exempt (C63) | Specialized knowledge |
| Intra-company transferees - employees starting a qualifying business | General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Required | Exempt (C61) | Employees starting a qualifying business |
| Professionals (groups 1 and 2) | General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Required | Exempt (T33) | Engineers, agrologists, architects, forestry and geomatics professionals, land surveyors, foreign legal consultants, urban planners, senior computer specialists |
| Workers with job offer under TEER 0 or 1 | Global Skills Strategy | Exempt under public policy short-term work permit exemption | Not required | Worker coming to work for 15 consecutive calendar days or less and 6 months have passed since the first day of work under the previous use of this exemption. Or for 30 days or less (16-30 days) and 12 months have passed since the first day of work under the previous use of this exemption Workers who have a job offer under TEER 0 or 1 but who are coming for a longer period may be eligible to the priority processing of work permits under GSS |
| Researchers (coming to work at a publicly funded, degree-granting institution at the college or university level or affiliated research institution) | Global Skills Strategy | Exempt under public policy 120-day work permit exemption for researchers | Not required | Researchers coming to perform work for 120 consecutive calendar days or less and 12 months have passed since the first day of work under the previous use of this exemption |
| Government officers (foreign) | Government officers (foreign) | Exempt R186(e) | Not required | Officers coming to work for a department or agency of the Government of Canada or of a province |
| Family members | Government officers (foreign) | Required | Exempt (C20) | Where reciprocity exists |
| Family members | Government officers (foreign) | Required | Required | Where reciprocity does not exist. May qualify as spouse of skilled worker (C41) |
| Public speakers | Guest speakers | Exempt R186(j) | Not required | Includes academic speakers and commercial speakers (event must be less than 5 days) |
| N/A | Household service workers | Required | Required | May be work permit exempt if working for a foreign representative. See Diplomats and Officials. |
| Officers, employees or specialists contracted to IATA | International Air Transport Association (IATA) | Required | Exempt (T11) | N/A |
| Researchers | International Development Research Centre of Canada | Required | Exempt (C31) | Temporary basis, research |
| International Co-op (internship) (ICP) | International Experience Canada | Required | Exempt (C21) | For students only. Employer-specific work permit. Work permit fee exempt but required to pay IEC fee |
| Working Holiday (WHP) | International Experience Canada | Required | Exempt (C21) | Travel and work. Open work permit. Work permit fee exempt, but are required to pay the IEC fee and the open work permit holder fee |
| Young Professionals (YPP) | International Experience Canada | Required | Exempt (C21) | Career development. Employer-specific work permit. Work permit fee exempt, but are required to pay the IEC fee. |
| Sea and port samplers | International Pacific Halibut Commission | Required | Exempt (T11) | Entry pursuant to the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (Canada/US Agreement) |
| Interns | Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) | Required | Required | N/A |
| Self-funded researchers | Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Conducting independent research or research for a foreign entity. Must not displace Canadian or PR workers. Canadian institution must not receive remuneration for the research |
| Post-doctoral fellows awarded a Ph.D. (C44) Academic award recipients (C52) Foreign medical (or dental) residents and medical research fellows (C45) | Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) | Required | Exempt (C44, C45 or C52) | Work related to public policy, competitiveness and economy (R205(c)(ii)) |
| Reciprocal employment | Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) | Required | Exempt (C20) | Cultural agreements; also includes some internships at foreign missions or international organizations. |
| Interns under international co-op category | Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) | Required | Exempt (C21) | International Experience Canada |
| Charitable or religious workers | Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) | Required | Exempt Religious (C50) Charitable (C51) | Carrying out duties for a Canadian charitable or religious organization when the duties are of a charitable or religious nature. |
| Interns | Interns with international organizations recognized under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act | Required | Exempt (C10) | Fee exemption code “EC1” Employer is not required to submit an offer of employment through the portal. Case type 60 |
| Executive, Senior manager or functional managers | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (C62) or various for FTA | Executives/ Senior managers, Functional managers |
| Specialized knowledge workers | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (C63) or various for FTA | Specialized knowledge workers |
| Starting a qualifying business in Canada | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (C61) | Starting a new branch or affiliate of an existing global company in Canada |
| Jamaican Liaison Officers | Jamaica: Seasonal Agricultural Program, Liaison Officers | Required | Exempt (C10) | Appointed to work at the Jamaican Liaison Service office in Toronto. |
| Judges, referees and similar officials | Judges (amateur sport and cultural competitions) | Exempt R186(m) | Not required | Also see Sports, Occupations in |
| Live-in caregivers | Live-in caregivers | Required | Required | LMIA applications must have been received on or before November 30, 2014. |
| Eligible under in-Canada PR class | Live-in caregivers | Required | Exempt (A70) | Includes family members in Canada |
| Announcers and broadcasters (as part of foreign crew) | Media (working for foreign companies) | Exempt R186(i) | Not required | N/A |
| Blimps (and crew) | Media (working for foreign companies) | Exempt R186(i) | Not required | N/A |
| News correspondents and reporters | Media (working for foreign companies) | Exempt R186(i) | Not required | N/A |
| News reporting crews | Media (working for foreign companies) | Exempt R186(i) | Not required | N/A |
| Media crews on tourism promotional tours | Media (working for foreign companies) | Required | Exempt (C10) | North American Media Crews, < 3 weeks |
| Media crews on tourism promotional tours | Media (working for foreign companies) | Required | Required | North American media crews, > 3 weeks |
| Media crews on tourism promotional tours | Media (working for foreign companies) | Required | Exempt (C10) | Non-North American media crews, < 6 weeks |
| Media crews on tourism promotional tours | Media (working for foreign companies) | Required | Required | Non-North American media crews, > 6 weeks |
| Health care students: clinical clerkships | Medical professions | Exempt R186(p) | Not required | Requires medical exam R30(1)(a)(ii) |
| Interns | Medical professions | Required | Required | N/A |
| Medical fellowship holders | Medical professions | Required | Exempt (C45) | N/A |
| Medical (or dental) residents | Medical professions | Required | Exempt (C45) | N/A |
| International Training Programs, non-VFA participants | Military personnel | Exempt (not "work") | Not required | Requires a study permit if more than 6 months. May require a TRV |
| Military Training Assistance Program, non-VFA | Military personnel | Exempt (not "work") | Not required | Requires a study permit if more than 6 months. May require a TRV |
| NATO | Military personnel | Exempt R186(d) | Not required | Includes civilian component |
| NATO | Military personnel | Optional for facilitation | Exempt (T11) | If staying long term |
| Visiting Forces Act (VFA) | Military personnel | Exempt R186(d) | Not required | Other exemptions (passport, TRV, medical) may apply |
| Visiting Forces Act (VFA) | Military personnel | Optional for facilitation | T11 | Fees Exempt, Employer compliance exempt, Other exemptions (passport, TRV, medical) may apply Biometrics required |
| Family members | Military personnel | Required | Exempt (C20) | Where reciprocity exists. Require a "letter of approval of employment" from DND |
| Family members | Military personnel | Required | Required or exempt C41 | Where reciprocity does NOT exist. May also qualify as spouse of skilled workers under C41. |
| Distinguished scientists or scholars | National Research Council of Canada (NRC) | Required | Exempt (C31) | Coming to participate in research for the NRC |
| Distinguished scientists or scholars | Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) | Required | Exempt (C31) | Scientists participating in NRCan’s Postdoctoral Research Pilot Program (PRP) |
| Distinguished scientists or scholars | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council | Required | Exempt (C31) | Coming to participate in research for NSERC |
| Conducting work within Canada’s 12-mile territorial limit | Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) | Required | Required | Considered to be "in Canada" |
| Conducting work within 12-200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) | Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) | Required | Required | Considered to be "in Canada" |
| Vessels operating within the EEZ and NOT "attached to" or anchored to seabed OR on or under any artificial island constructed, erected or placed on the continental shelf or seabed. | Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) | Not required | Not required | Not considered to be "in Canada" |
| Vessels operating beyond the 200-mile zone | Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) | Not required | Not required | Not considered to be "in Canada" |
| N/A | OECD (exchange arranged in Canada through the Public Service Commission) | Required | Exempt (T11) | May qualify for WP exemptions under R186(e) |
| N/A | OECD (exchange arranged in Canada through the Public Service Commission) | Required | A72 | May qualify for WP exemptions under R186(e) |
| N/A | OECD (exchange arranged in Canada through the Public Service Commission) | Required | Exempt (T11) | May qualify for WP exemptions under R186(e) |
| Applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class | Open work permit pilot program for permanent residence applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada (SCLPC) class | Required | A74 | Must have submitted a complete PR application |
| Applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class | Open work permit pilot program for permanent residence applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada (SCLPC) class | Required | A74 | Must have submitted a complete PR application |
| Vulnerable workers | Open work permits for vulnerable workers | Required | R207.1 | Definition of abuse in section R196.2 Special program code: VWOWP – in Canada applications only |
| Vulnerable workers | Open work permits for vulnerable workers | Required Open work permit | R207.1 A72 Case-type: 20 | Definition of abuse in section R196.2 Special program code: VWOWP – in Canada applications only |
| Samplers and scientists | Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) | Required | Exempt (T11) | N/A |
| Samplers and scientists | Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) | Required | Exempt (T11) | N/A |
| N/A | Persons subject to an unenforceable removal order | Required | Exempt (S62) | WP processing fee required Open WP holder fee exempt |
| Such as accountants, architects, consultants, computer specialists/systems analyst, designers (graphic, industrial, interior, urban planners), engineers, insurance, legal and medical professionals, managers, scientists, teachers | Professionals | Required | Required | Hired by a Canadian employer |
| Entering under CUSMA or other FTA | Professionals | Required | Exempt (CUSMA -T36) or various FTAs | Professions identified in the respective agreement. See Canada – USA - Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA), Canada-Chile FTA, Canada-Peru FTA, Canada-Colombia FTA, Canada-Korea FTA |
| Entering under the Canada-European Union FTA | Professionals | Required | Exempt (T43) | Independent profession identified in the agreement |
| GATS Professionals (Groups 1 and 2) | Professionals | Required | Exempt (T33) | Engineers, agrologists, architects, forestry and geomatics professionals, land surveyors, foreign legal consultants, urban planners, senior computer specialists |
| N/A | Protected persons (in-Canada class) | Required | Exempt (A70) | Includes family members in Canada |
| N/A | Provincial nominees (for PR) | Required | Exempt (T13) | N/A |
| Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers | Public policy, competitiveness and economy | Valid work permit OR authorized to work in Canada without a permit under the authority of section R186, except R186(w) | C41 | Spouses or common-law partners of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders Spouses or common-law partners of Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holders Spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominees Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders Spouses or common-law partners of open work permit holders other than BOWP |
| Foreign medical (or dental) residents and medical research fellows | Public policy, competitiveness and economy | Required | C45 | Wages must be paid from non-public source |
| Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), Work permit for certain CSQ holders currently in Quebec | Quebec | Required | Exempt (A73) | Work permit is valid for the duration of the job offer and cannot exceed two 2 years; possibility to extend for a year on a case-by-case basis; Only employer specific work permits are to be issued (no open work permits) Not allowed to apply at the POE. |
| Rail grinders (Sperry or other specialized track maintenance) | Rail grinders (Sperry or other specialized track maintenance) | Required | Exempt (C10) | Under contract to Canadian company Under contract to Canadian company |
| N/A | Reciprocal programs not listed | Required | Exempt (C20) | Reciprocity demonstrated by Canadian employer |
| N/A | Refugee claimants | Required | Exempt (S61) | Fee exempt |
| Clergy and related workers | Religious workers | Exempt R186(l) | Not required | N/A |
| Missionaries | Religious workers | Exempt R186(l) | Not required | N/A |
| Persons who carry out non-spiritual roles | Religious workers | Required | Exempt (C50) | May be fee exempt |
| N/A | Roosevelt Campobello International Park | Required | Exempt (T11) | Fee exempt. Offer of employment from the Park’s Commission required |
| Sales negotiations | Sales representatives/agents | Exempt R187(2)(c) | Not required | Taking orders/negotiating contracts for goods/services. In some situations, a work permit may be required. |
| Sales to the general public | Sales representatives/agents | Required | Required | N/A |
| N/A | Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement between Canada and Germany | Required | Exempt (T11) | N/A |
| Servants/personal assistants | Servants/personal assistants with visiting employer | Exempt R187(3)(a)(b) | Not required | Business visitor, unless employer stays >6 months |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Amateur (includes Junior A, B Hockey) |
| Coaches | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Foreign employer |
| Dog handlers | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Pet owners entering their own animals in a show |
| Horse racing: jockeys - western provinces and Ontario, | Sport, Occupations in | Required | Required Exempt (C11) | Canadian-based stables in western provinces and Ontario only are LMIA-exempt |
| Horse racing: jockeys, agents, & stable personnel, | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Foreign-based stables |
| Officials | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(m) | Not required | Referees, umpires, judges - international amateur sporting event |
| Officials | Sport, Occupations in | Required | Required** | Referees, umpires, judges - professional/semi-professional events **Unless reciprocity exists, then C20 |
| Trainers and sports therapists | Sport, Occupations in | Required | Exempt (C24) | Canadian employer |
| Trainers and sports therapists | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Foreign employer |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt (not "work") | Not required | Individual competitions (for prize money) |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Required | Exempt (C24) | Professional or semi-professional - Canadian-based team |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Professional or semi-professional - foreign-based team |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Professional or semi-professional - coming for trials, before contract is awarded |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Required | Exempt (C24) | Professional or semi-professional - coming for trials, once contract is signed |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Racing car drivers |
| Athletes | Sport, Occupations in | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Recreation athletes |
| Coaches | Sport, Occupations in | Required | Exempt (C24) | Canadian employer |
| Temporary skilled workers (spouses or common-law partners only) | Spouses of | Required | Exempt (C41) | Spouses or common-law partners of valid work permit holders OR authorized to work in Canada without a permit under the authority of section R186, except R186(w). See requirements for specific situations. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders | Spouses of | Required | Exempt (C41) | |
| Study permit holders | Spouses of | Required | Exempt C42 | The dependent spouse or common-law partner should be providing documentary evidence |
| Holders of work permits in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program | Spouses of | Required | Exempt (C41) | |
| Destitute | Students | Required | Exempt (H81) | If on-campus employment [R186(f)] is insufficient |
| Post-secondary co-op | Students | Required | Exempt (C32) | Temporary employment that is an essential part of post-secondary course of study. Course requirement for designated Canadian institutions. The work cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study. |
| Secondary school co-op | Students | Required | Exempt (C33) | Temporary employment that is an essential part of a program at the secondary level. Includes vocational training programs offered by a designated learning institution in Quebec |
| Off-campus | Students | Exempt R186(v) | Not required | Up to 20 hours a week during regular academic year and full time during scheduled breaks. |
| Off campus – transition from study to work permit | Students | Exempt R186(w) | Not required | Allow students who have completed their program of study to work while waiting for a decision on their post-grad work permit application. |
| On-campus | Students | Exempt R186(f) | Not required | Full-time students as per R186(v). |
| Post-graduate work permit | Students | Required | Exempt (C43) | Within 180 days of completion of studies |
| Spouses/common-law partners of study permit holders | Students | Required | Exempt (C42) | Study permit holder must be full-time student in a PGWP eligible program |
| N/A | Temporary resident permit holders | Required | Work permit exempt | TRP must be valid for at least 6 months |
| N/A | Temporary resident permit holders | Required | Exempt (H82) | TRP must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Official US government personnel: Supervisory staff USCIS inspectors US customs inspectors International Joint Commission employees and others US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees | USA government personnel | Required | Exempt (T11) | Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime Work permit case type 20 must be entered manually- (not 22-Official) The occupational codes are as follows: Supervisory staff: NOC 43203 USCIS inspectors: NOC 43203 US customs inspectors: NOC 43203 US grain inspectors: NOC 22111 International Joint Commission employees and others: NOC 21120 US IRS employees: NOC 12104 Family members may obtain open or unrestricted work permits. |
| Official US government personnel: Supervisory staff USCIS inspectors US customs inspectors International Joint Commission employees and others US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees | USA government personnel | Required | Exempt (T11) | Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime Work permit case type 20 must be entered manually- (not 22-Official) The occupational codes are as follows: Supervisory staff: NOC 43203 USCIS inspectors: NOC 43203 US customs inspectors: NOC 43203 US grain inspectors: NOC 22111 International Joint Commission employees and others: NOC 21120 US IRS employees: NOC 12104 Family members may obtain open or unrestricted work permits. |
| Business visitors | USA government personnel | Exempt R186(a) | A72 | Short-term entry |
| Business visitors | USA government personnel | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Short-term entry |
| Family members of US government personnel | USA government personnel | Required | Exempt (C20) | Fee exempt under code (E03) |
| Family members of US government personnel | USA government personnel | Required | Exempt (C20) | Fee exempt under code (E03) |
| Yukon Community Pilot (YCP) | Required | Exempt (A75) | ||
| Foreign national | Yukon Community Pilot (YCP) | Required YCP work permit Case-type 20 | Exempt A75 |
Content after the main page content
Last modified on 03:53 AM (EST) 07/08/2024
