The goal of the more than 100 immigration programs that the Canadian government offers is to streamline the immigration process by ensuring that these programs address a broad range of needs and situations.
Most candidates will require a work permit to enter Canada, so keep that in mind. But don’t worry about it. We’ll review a few immigration initiatives that can help you live and work in Canada by helping you get a work permit.
Is it Possible for Someone to Work in Canada Without a Work Permit? Yes, that is possible. There is a workaround for relocating to Canada without a work visa. You might be surprised that you can accomplish many things in Canada without requiring a work visa. Continue reading!
Which People Can Work Without a Work Permit?
In certain professions, foreign nationals can work temporarily in Canada without a work permit if they meet the additional conditions specific to that employment type. Some jobs may exempt you from need a 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
- 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
Which Particular Circumstances and Jobs Affect Business Travelers Who Don’t Have Work Permits?
A “business visitor” is a person who is allowed to conduct business abroad without having to re-enter the Canadian labour force right away. When it comes to business travellers operating without a work visa, the following categories apply:
Warranty/After-Sale Service
After-sale service providers can come to Canada for specialist installations, maintenance, and commercial or industrial machinery repairs. These services are a requirement of the agreement to sell equipment in Canada.
Speakers on Invite in Canada
Those who wish to travel to Canada as guest speakers, seminar leaders, or commercial speakers do not need a work permit.
Business Visitors Entertainers
Foreign artists are not required to have a work permit to perform in Canada. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and a work visa are required for some performances. However, if a guest artist is invited for a temporary commitment, this exclusion does not apply to them and their performance.
Convention Organizers
Visitors who come to Canada to plan a convention or conference fall under this category. You are not required to have a work permit if you attend a convention and are considered a business guest.
Tour Guides Operating Within Canada
Tour guides chaperoning or acting as authoritative figures for a group of individuals are examples of business visitors. A work visa is optional if the trip begins or ends outside Canada. Tour guides and tour bus drivers should consult an experienced immigration lawyer before departing on vacation.
IT Workers as Business Visitors
Under some circumstances, foreign nationals working in the information technology (IT) industry may be allowed access to Canada as business travellers. This decision is deemed reasonable by information technology staff because business travellers are permitted to work in Canada without a work permit.
Exemption from Short-Term Work Permit Requirements
This exemption from work permits permits high-value, short-term labor that helps transmit knowledge and skills to Canadian workers. Only 15 to 30 calendar days are allotted for this.
Working Off-Campus
During the regular academic semester, international students with study permits can work up to 20 hours per week without a work permit. During specified breaks, they are permitted to work full-time.
Ways to Enter the Country Without a Work Permit
Do you need a work permit to be employed in a profession that permits you to live and work in Canada? In that case, you can apply for any of the following categories of immigration:
Express Entry
Immigration decisions can be made more swiftly for those who want to live and work in Canada thanks to an online point-based system called Express Entry. The system will screen and manage applications for skilled workers and Canadian permanent residents. The top scorers will be contacted to apply (ITA).
The system consists of three parts. They are the following:
- Federal skilled worker (FSW)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs meet the Express Entry System eligibility requirements.
Program Eligibility Criteria for the Express Entry System
Federal Skilled Workers (FSW)
Qualified personnel who can attest to their education, job experience, and language fluency in French or English are required to apply for this program. Additionally, foreign individuals must prove they can fit in with the workplace culture and have a real job offer in Canada. You should research and apply for high-paying skilled positions in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
If you’re a skilled worker, is it feasible to get employment in Canada without a work permit? Then, you should use this application.
Talented professionals who wish to remain in Canada permanently are eligible for the program. Candidates will be selected according to how well they can prove their professional qualifications. Language proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading will be assessed for applicants.
In the five years before applying, candidates should have two years of work experience in the particular trade they seek.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for skilled professionals wishing to remain in Canada and have Canadian job experience. Professionals need to have one year of proven experience within the last three years in their industry.
The candidates’ fluency in either French or English is assessed as well. Take a Canadian Experience Class to find out more about the process of becoming a permanent resident.