Work without a permit list [R186 and public policies] – International Mobility Program

Officers should follow the steps provided in Steps to determine work and assessment of work permit applications to determine what permit or authorization, if any, is required.

Regulatory authorization to work without a work permit

• General information
• R186(a) – Business visitors
• R186(b) – Foreign representatives
• R186(c) – Family members of foreign representatives
  • Locally engaged staff of diplomatic and consular missions and international organizations: Reciprocal employment (LMIA exemption code C20)
• R186(d) – Military personnel
  • Military personnel and family members
• R186(e) – Foreign government officers
• R186(f) – On-campus employment
• R186(g) – Performing artists
  • Artistic and performing arts occupations – Authorization to work without a work permit (International Mobility Program)
• R186(h) – Athletes and team members
• R186(i) – News reporters, media crews
• R186(j) – Public speakers
• R186(k) – Convention organizers
  • Sales
• R186(l) – Religious leaders
• R186(m) – Judges, referees and similar officials
• R186(n) – Examiners and evaluators
• R186(o) – Expert witnesses or investigators
• R186(p) – Short-term students in a foreign health care program
  • Immigration medical examination: Health care students who are work permit-exempt
• R186(q) – Civil aviation inspector
• R186(r) – Aviation accident or incident inspector
• R186(s) – Crew
• R186(t) – Emergency service providers
• R186(u) – Pending decision on work permit renewal
• R186(v) – Off-campus work
• R186(w) – Transition to work permit
• R186(x) – Registered Indians

Public policy authorization to work without a permit

• Public policy: Short-term work permit exemption
• Public policy: 120-day work permit exemption for researchers

Registered Indians

Per paragraph 186(x) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, registered Indians, as defined under the Indian Act, are exempt from having to apply for a work permit.

For more information on determining registered Indian status, see section 10, Examining people who are registered under the Indian Act at ports of entry, in ENF 4: Port of entry examinations (PDF, 1.6 MB).