Can One Work in Canada Without a Work Permit 2024?

Canada presents enticing employment prospects, drawing in a multitude of international individuals.

Fortunately, in certain scenarios, you may bypass the necessity of obtaining a work permit to labor within Canada.

Here’s a summary of 22 circumstances wherein a work permit is deemed unnecessary:

Business Visitors

Focus: Business activities, not entering the Canadian job market.

Key Points:

No pay from Canada.

International business activities.

Employed by a foreign company with main income and work location outside Canada.

Proof of business visitor status may be required upon entry (support letter, invitation letter).

Foreign Representatives & Family

time studies at a designated institution.

Institutions: Public post-secondary schools, CEGEPs, authorized private colleges in Quebec, Canadian private institutions awarding degrees.

Work duration: Throughout valid study permit, if full-time studies continue.

Research/teaching assistants (off-campus): Considered on-campus workers if:

Recommended by their academic department.

Work directed by a department head or faculty member.

Work takes place in a research institute or affiliated program.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Allows full-time work while waiting for the permit, as long as the study permit is valid.

Performing Artists

Certain performers can work without a permit, while others may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and work permit.

IRCC allows entry without a permit for some performers, including:

Bands in bars, pubs, restaurants, etc.

Foreign-based musical/theatrical individuals and crews (outside bars/restaurants).

Guest artists for a limited time within a Canadian performance group.

Performers at private events (weddings).

Additional categories (no permit required):

Film producers (business visitors).

Film/recording studio users (business visitors).

Guest speakers on Canadian TV/radio broadcasts.