How to Work in Canada Without a Work Permit June 2024
Most people who want to work in Canada need a work permit. This is a legal paper that lets them work and get paid by a Canadian employer. But there are some jobs where you don’t need a work permit. Let’s look at these special jobs and how you can work in Canada without a work permit.
Jobs That Do Not Need a Work Permit
Certain jobs in Canada let you work without a work permit. Just being in one of these jobs doesn’t mean you automatically don’t need a work permit. You must also meet other rules found on the International Mobility Program page.
Here are the jobs:
- 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
- Family Member of Foreign Representative
- Foreign Government Officer or Representative
- Health Care Student
- Judge, Referee, or Similar Official
- Military Personnel
- News Reporter or Film and Media Crew
- Producer or Staff Member Working on Advertisements
- Performing Artist
- Public Speaker
- Short-term Highly-skilled Worker
- Short-term Researcher
- Student Working Off-campus
- Student Working On-campus
If you are in one of these jobs, you might not need a work permit.
Athlete or Coach
If you are an athlete or coach on a foreign team playing in Canada, you don’t need a work permit. This also applies to other team members. But if you are on a Canadian team, you do need a work permit.
Aviation Accident Investigators
Agents or advisers investigating aviation accidents in Canada may not need a work permit. This is for investigations under the Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act.
Business Visitors
Business visitors do business activities in Canada without joining the labor market. They may not need a work permit. Make sure to know the difference between a business visitor and a business person to meet the rules.
Civil Aviation Inspectors
Inspectors who check international flight operations and cabin safety may not need a work permit.
Religious Workers
People doing religious work like preaching, leading worship, or giving spiritual advice may not need a work permit. This includes ordained ministers, laypersons, or members of religious orders.
Convention Organizers
People who organize or oversee international conventions or meetings may not need a work permit. But this is only for organizers. Those doing hands-on services, like audio-visual services, need the right work papers.
Crew Members
Foreign nationals working as truck drivers, bus drivers, or in shipping or airlines may not need a work permit if:
- They operate vehicles owned and registered by foreign companies used for international transport.
- Their duties are directly related to vehicle operation or passenger service.
Emergency Service Providers
People providing emergency services to save lives or property in Canada may not need a work permit. This includes services during natural disasters like fires or floods, or industrial accidents posing environmental threats.
Examiners and Evaluators
Professors or academic experts may not need a work permit to evaluate or supervise academic projects, research proposals, and theses. They can be employed by Canadian schools or research groups.
Producer or Staff Member Working on Advertisements
People working on a foreign-financed commercial or ad shoot for TV, magazines, or other media may not need a work permit if they are:
- Film producers
- Actors
- Directors
- Technicians
- Other essential personnel
This is usually for short-term work, not more than two weeks.
Performing Artist
Some foreign performing artists can work in Canada without a work permit if:
- They are the artist or the artist’s key support staff.
- Their performance is for a limited time.
- They are not hired for ongoing Canadian employment by the group.
- They are not making broadcasts for TV, radio, or film.
Public Speaker
Guest speakers, commercial speakers, or seminar leaders may not need a work permit if their event lasts no longer than five days.
Short-Term Highly-Skilled Worker
High-skilled workers may not need a work permit for short-term work in Canada if:
- They work for 15 days or less, and six months have passed since the first day of work under the last use of this rule.
- They work for 30 days or less, and 12 months have passed since the first day of work under the last use of this rule.
This rule is for foreign nationals living outside of Canada. Those living in Canada can’t use this rule.
Short-Term Researcher
Short-term researchers may not need a work permit if:
- Their research is at a public degree-granting institution or an affiliated research institution.
- The job lasts no more than 120 days.
- They have not used this rule in the last 12 months.
Student Working Off-Campus
Full-time international students can work off-campus during their studies without a work permit. They can work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during school breaks.
Student Working On-Campus
Full-time international students in Canada can work on-campus without a work permit. They can work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during school breaks.
Assistance with Migration to Canada
Pelican Migration Consultants help people move to Canada. They offer many services like permanent residence visas, study visas, and tourist visas. They guide you through the process, making it easier for you to move to Canada.
Permanent Residence Visas
Pelican Migration Consultants help with permanent residence visas like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). They help you create a profile, prepare documents, and submit applications, increasing your chances of getting selected as a skilled worker.
Study Visas
Pelican Migration Consultants help students who want to study in Canada. They provide information about study programs, schools, and application processes. They also help with visa applications, making sure you have all the necessary documents.
Tourist Visas
If you want to visit Canada as a tourist, Pelican Migration Consultants can help. They guide you through the visa application process, helping you prepare documents and comply with travel rules.
Benefits of Using Pelican Migration Consultants
- Expert Guidance: They have in-depth knowledge of Canadian immigration laws and procedures.
- Personalized Service: They offer tailored assistance based on your needs.
- Comprehensive Support: They help with everything from permanent residence visas to study and tourist visas.
Important Information
| Job Category | Work Permit Needed? |
|---|---|
| Athlete or Coach | No |
| Aviation Accident Investigator | No |
| Business Visitor | No |
| Civil Aviation Inspector | No |
| Religious Worker | No |
| Convention Organizer | No |
| Crew Member | No |
| Emergency Service Provider | No |
| Examiner and Evaluator | No |
| Expert Witness or Investigator | No |
| Family Member of Foreign Representative | No |
| Foreign Government Officer or Representative | No |
| Health Care Student | No |
| Judge, Referee, or Similar Official | No |
| Military Personnel | No |
| News Reporter or Film and Media Crew | No |
| Producer or Staff Member Working on Advertisements | No |
| Performing Artist | No |
| Public Speaker | No |
| Short-term Highly-skilled Worker | No |
| Short-term Researcher | No |
| Student Working Off-campus | No |
| Student Working On-campus | No |
This table shows which jobs do not need a work permit in Canada.
Conclusion
Working in Canada without a work permit is possible in certain jobs. If you meet the rules, you can work in Canada without this legal paper. Pelican Migration Consultants can help you move to Canada easily, whether you want to work, study, or visit as a tourist. They offer expert guidance and personalized support, making your move to Canada smooth and successful.
