Do you want to work in Canada without a work permit? In certain circumstances, yes you can. Work permits for certain activities and situations are exempt in Canada, subject to certain eligibility requirements.

There is no specific occupation that is required to qualify. The type of labor you are going to perform, how long it takes to perform it and your status as an immigrant are all important. These exemptions are not a separate programme for Pakistani applicants, but for foreign nationals who qualify.

What categories are eligible?

The following 24 different categories are identified in IRCC’s public guidance:

1. Business Visitors

2. Examiners and Evaluators

3. Public Speakers

4. Short-term Researchers

5. Short-term High-skilled Workers

6. Convention Organizers

Aviation Accident/Incident Investigators

8. Civil Aviation Inspectors

9. Crew Members

10. Emergency Service Providers

Expert witnesses and investigators.

12. Representatives of foreign governments, diplomats and UN officials

13. Families of some foreign government representatives

14. Military Personnel

15. Advertising or Commercial Crews

16. Athletes and Coaches

17. Judges and Referees

18. News Reporters and Film or Media Crews

19. Short-term Performing Artists

20. Some Health Care Students

21. Canadian DLI Graduates who have applied for Work Permit and are eligible.

22. Full-time Study Permit Holders working off-campus (eligible)

23. Full-time Study Permit Holders who work on campus while holding their Study Permit.

24. Religious Leaders

Conditions apply to each category. It does not imply a right to work when someone is listed. 

For business visitors what activities are permitted?

A business visitor may qualify if travelling to Canada for business purposes like for meetings, conferences, and trade fairs. They can usually continue to hold onto their primary business and source of income outside of Canada and are not allowed to become working in Canada.

For instance, a Pakistani business person who meets with their suppliers in Canada can be a business visitor. Not owning a business does not automatically give the person the authority to work for a Canadian employer.

The supporting documents can include an invitation from the Canadian host, a letter from the overseas company and proof of the purpose of the visit. ([www.canada.ca][3])

Short-term researchers: exemption with stipulation

Researchers may qualify if they are employed in a Canadian public degree-granting institution or affiliated research institutions for 120 consecutive days or less, but not more than 12 months from when they were last employed under this exemption.

The host institution, research plans and length are to be compatible with requirements. Research background or academic qualification is not enough. ([www.canada.ca][4])

Is there a training or qualification requirement for engineers and IT maintenance staff?

The short-term high skilled worker exemption is for skilled workers who are qualified for a NOC TEER 0 or 1 Canadian occupation.

The allowed time period is:

* Up to 15 consecutive days, once every six months; or

Once per year 30 days long.

An exemption does not mean that a person is allowed to work without restriction or permanently. Eligible workers must also have the necessary visa record entry with work authorization comments when they arrive.

What about international students and recent graduates?

Work under the conditions imposed on their study permit is permitted for eligible international students either on or off campus. In normal academic terms off-campus work may be no more than 24 hours per week.

Some graduates may also be employed pending a decision on their work permit application. This will rely on meeting the requirements such as applying for a study permit before it expires. Not all individuals who graduate from a Canadian institution will receive work authorization.

Is work permit exemption equal to visa exemption?

Work permit exemption is not the same as visa exemption. However, an eligible applicant may still be required to obtain a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization to enter Canada, depending on their nationality and circumstances. 

How should you assess your situation?

Start by explaining what you intend to do in Canada, rather than relying only on your job title. For an initial assessment, prepare: 

• Your new CV and/or your current job.
• The reason for and length of your stay.
• Details of the proposed work or activity.
• Any invitation, contract or correspondence from a Canadian host.
• The information about your immigration status in Canada 

This information is used to determine whether an exemption is applicable and what information needs to be verified.

Get a Free Initial Assessment with Immigration Experts

Want to find out what category you might fit into? Give them your information, so they can advise on your situation:

👉 https://immigrationexperts.pk/free-assessment

What job field you are in and what kind of work will you pursue in Canada? Let us know in the comments.