Military Personnel

Military personnel who are members of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act can work in Canada without a work permit. This exemption does not apply to military attachés, who are employed by diplomatic missions.

Foreign Government Officers

Foreign government officers working under an exchange agreement between Canada and their country of origin can work in Canada without a work permit.

On-Campus Work

Full-time international students with a valid study permit can work on their campus without a work permit.

Performing Artists

Performing artists, including musicians, actors, and other performers, can work in Canada without a work permit for events such as concerts, festivals, and theatrical performances.

Athletes and Team Members

Professional and amateur athletes, along with their coaches and other team members, can participate in Canadian sporting events without needing a work permit. Spouses of professional athletes, however, must obtain a work permit but are exempt from the LMIA requirement.

News Reporters and Media Crews

Journalists and media crew members working on news reporting or filming activities can work in Canada without a work permit.

Public Speakers

Guest speakers, commercial speakers, and seminar leaders can work in Canada without a work permit for speaking engagements lasting no more than five days.

Convention Organizers

Individuals, committees, and support staff organizing conventions or conferences do not need a work permit to work in Canada, provided the event is not organized by a business actively doing business in Canada.

Clergy

Members of the clergy can work in Canada without a work permit if their duties involve preaching doctrine, presiding at religious events, or providing spiritual guidance.

Judges, Referees, and Similar Officials

Judges, referees, and similar officials participating in international amateur sports, cultural events, or agricultural contests do not need a work permit.

Examiners and Evaluators

Academics who evaluate student theses, review academic programs, or conduct research evaluations can work in Canada without a work permit.

Expert Witnesses or Investigators

Experts conducting surveys, analyses, or serving as witnesses in regulatory or judicial proceedings can work in Canada without a work permit.

Health Care Students

Health care students participating in clinical clerkships as part of their educational program can work in Canada without a work permit.

Civil Aviation Inspectors

Flight operations and cabin safety inspectors conducting inspections on commercial international flights can work in Canada without a work permit.

Aviation Accident or Incident Inspectors

Inspectors involved in aviation accident or incident investigations under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act are exempt from the work permit requirement.

Crew

Crew members working on foreign-owned and registered transportation vessels or aircraft can work in Canada without a work permit.

Emergency Service Providers

Individuals providing emergency services during medical, industrial, or environmental crises, or natural disasters can work in Canada without a work permit.

Implied Status

Workers can continue working in Canada under the conditions of an expired work permit if they have applied for a new permit before the initial one expired and still reside in Canada.

Off-Campus Work

Full-time international students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks without a work permit.

Farm Work

Individuals can engage in farm work without a work permit if the work is on a volunteer basis, their primary reason for coming to Canada is something other than farm work, and the farm is non-commercial.