Officer quick reference guide to occupations

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Use the below table to quickly reference details on occupations.

Occupations list
Occupational group Job title Work permit ESDC LMIA Details
Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Business visitors Exempt [R186(a)] Not required Activities covered under article 12.4 of the CPTPP
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager Required Exempt (T51) Executive or senior manager
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (T55) Specialist
CPTPP Investors Required Exempt (T50) Those seeking to establish, develop or administer an investment in a capacity that is supervisory or executive or that involves essential skills
CPTPP Professionals and technicians Required Exempt (T52) Those engaged in a specialty professional or technical occupation
CPTPP Spouses Required Exempt (T53) N/A
Accident or incident inspectors (aviation) Aviation accident or incident inspectors Exempt R186(r) Not required Under authority of Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act
Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program Non-seasonal work such as mushroom and greenhouse crop production, meat processing and livestock raising industries Bridging open work permit (BOWP) A75

The AFP Program is an economic pilot program designed to attract experienced, non-seasonal workers who can settle in Canada.

BOWP applications must be submitted online.

Airline personnel Flight crew Exempt R186(s) Not required Foreign-owned and registered aircraft or under wet lease arrangement
Airline personnel Flight crew Required Required Canadian aircraft or dry lease arrangement
Airline personnel Operational, ground and technical personnel Required Exempt (T11) IATA, ICAO, etc.
Airline personnel Station managers Required Exempt (C62) If they qualify as intra-company transferee
Airline personnel Security guards Exempt R186(s) Not required On aircraft
Airline personnel Security guards Required Exempt (C10) At airport
Airline Telecommunication and Information Services (SITA) N/A Required Exempt (T11) N/A
Arts and entertainment occupations Actors, directors, performing artists, technicians, creative personnel Required Required (unless exempt under Essential to TV/Film Production [C14] or Performing Arts [C23]) Canadian film, TV, theatre, and Internet or radio broadcasts
Arts and entertainment occupations Actors, directors, performing artists, technicians, creative personnel Exempt R186(g) Not required Interviewed for TV or radio or benefit show
Arts and entertainment occupations Actors, directors, performing artists, technicians, creative personnel Required Exempt (T11) Film co-production (international/inter-government agreement). Telefilm Canada 1.800.567.0890
Arts and entertainment occupations Adjudicators, artistic field Exempt R186(m) Not required N/A
Arts and entertainment occupations Air show performers Exempt R186(g) Not required N/A
Arts and entertainment occupations American Federation of Musicians (and CFM) Required Exempt (C20) May also qualify under R186(g) or Performing Arts (C23)
Arts and entertainment occupations Buskers, guest DJs Exempt R186(g) Not required N/A
Arts and entertainment occupations Circus acts and performers (and crew) Exempt R186(g) Not required If in a foreign circus
Arts and entertainment occupations Circus acts and performers (and crew) Required Required If employer is Canadian
Arts and entertainment occupations Circus acts and performers (and crew) Required Exempt (C10) Cirque du Soleil (exception)
Arts and entertainment occupations Conductors Exempt R186(g) Not required If guest conductor with Canadian company
Arts and entertainment occupations Conductors Required Required (unless exempt under Performing Arts [C23]) If hired full-time by Canadian orchestra
Arts and entertainment occupations Digital media/visual effects technicians in TV or film production Required Required N/A
Arts and entertainment occupations Directors (and essential personnel of commercial or advertising shoots) Exempt R187 Not required Business visitors; foreign-financed (for TV, magazines or other media) for short durations (typically no longer than 2 weeks)
Arts and entertainment occupations Film producers (film funded entirely from abroad) Exempt R187 Not required Business visitors
Arts and entertainment occupations Film and recording studio users Exempt R187 Not required Purchasing services or renting equipment in Canada
Arts and entertainment occupations Guest artists (contracted for one or two performances) Exempt R186(g) Not required Time-limited engagements only; including artists or musicians hired to perform at festivals, or weddings
Arts and entertainment occupations Guest artists under contract Required Required (unless exempt under Performing Arts [C23]) For full run of production, or for full season of the performing arts organization
Arts and entertainment occupations Guest appearances (on Canadian TV or radio broadcasts) Exempt R186(g) Not required Such as a musical guest artist or band featured on a segment of a Canadian TV or radio broadcast.
Arts and entertainment occupations Musical and theatre groups or individuals and essential crew of a foreign production Exempt R186(g) Not required N/A
Arts and entertainment occupations Permanent positions in performing arts venues Required Required

Employer-employee relationship

Temporary contract to fill a Canadian employer’s permanent position for longer than 4 weeks.

Arts and entertainment occupations Performing artists Required Exempt (C23)

Canadian non-profit performing arts organizations

Performing artists and other creative personnel in orchestral music, opera, live theatre or dance disciplines (NOT including erotic dance), where reciprocity exists internationally and there is funding from CCA (see program guidance).

Arts and entertainment occupations Rodeo contestants Exempt R186(g) Not required Bronco riders, steer ropers, barrel racers
Arts and entertainment occupations Rodeo performers/sideshow Required Required Rodeo clowns, announcers, horsemanship or trick riding displays, “half-time acts” and other specialty act entertainers
Arts and entertainment occupations World Wrestling Entertainment Exempt R186(g) Not required Performers
Purpose of the performance must be mainly for revenue from ticket sales or from the broadcast format, such as pay-per-view (not primarily for a TV or film production)
Arts and entertainment occupations World Wrestling Entertainment Required Required (unless exempt under TV/Film production [C14] or Performing Arts [C23]) Filming or broadcasting elements
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. Distinguished scientists or post-doctoral fellows Required Exempt (C31) N/A
Bridge and tunnel authorities employees working in Canada Bridge and tunnel authorities employees working in Canada Required Exempt (C20)

As an example, the Peace Bridge Authority manages the international crossing between Fort Erie and Buffalo and has approximately 50 US employees performing toll and administrative functions on the Canadian side of the border.

Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime

Case type: 20

Business visitors Such as buyers, computer specialists/system Analysts, financial services personnel, public relations/advertising personnel, trainers and trainees, translation/interpretation personnel, tour guides and bus operators Required Required Hired by a Canadian employer
Business visitors Such as buyers, computer specialists/system analyst, financial services personnel, public relations/advertising personnel, trainers and trainees, translation/interpretation personnel, tour guides and bus operators Exempt R186(a) Not required

Working for a foreign employer.

Primary source of remuneration and principal place of business remain outside Canada.

Camp counsellors Camp counsellors working in day camps Required Required N/A
Camp counsellors Camp counsellors working in residential camps Required Exempt (C24) Offer of employment must outline that their main duties will be to work as residential camp counsellors.
Camp counsellors In training Exempt (R2) Not required Do not meet definition of work if they are paying the same fee as other campers.
Camp counsellors Volunteer Required Exempt (C24) For camp counsellors who are unpaid, who work for charitable or religious organizations and whose main duties are religious or charitable in nature. See guidelines for R205(b). May be fee exempt.
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required Activities covered by CCFTA Appendix K-03.I.1
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager Required Exempt (F23) Executive or senior manager
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (F24) Specialized knowledge
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Investors Required Exempt (F21) Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Professionals Required Exempt (F22) Professionals identified in CCFTA Appendix K-03.IV.1
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Traders Required Exempt (F20) Executive, supervisory or essential skills
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required N/A
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee –executive or senior manager Required Exempt (F13) Employed continuously by the enterprise for 6 months within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission.
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (F15) Employed continuously by the enterprise for 6 months within the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission.
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Investors Required Exempt (F11) Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position.
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Professionals or technicians Required Exempt (F12) See Canada-Peru FTA for same list of professionals NOT covered and list of technicians covered.
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Traders Required Exempt (F10) Executive, supervisory or essential skills.
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Spouses Required Exempt (T25) N/A
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required N/A
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) Intra-corporate (company) transferee – executive or senior manager Required Exempt (T44) Have been employed by an enterprise or have been a partner in the enterprise for one year.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Intra-corporate (company) transferee – graduate trainee Required Exempt (T42) Have been employed by an enterprise or have been a partner in the enterprise for one year.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Intra-corporate (company) transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (T41) Have been employed by an enterprise or have been a partner in the enterprise for one year.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) Investors Required Exempt (T46) Will establish, develop, or administer the operation of an investment in a capacity that is supervisory or executive.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) Contractual service providers Required Exempt (T47) Engaged in the temporary supply of a service not to exceed 12 months and in accordance with the annex 10-E concordance table.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) Independent professionals Required Exempt (T43) Engaged in the temporary supply of a service not to exceed 12 months and in accordance with the annex 10-E concordance table.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement(CETA) Spouses of intra-corporate (company) transferees (T41, T42 or T44) Required Exempt (T45) Eligible for an open work permit for the same duration as their spouse’s work permit.
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required After-sales service also includes after-lease service. Not included (different from CUSMA) are harvest owners, customs brokers and tour bus operators.
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager Required Exempt (F33) Executive, managerial,
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee – management trainee Required Exempt (F34) Different from CUSMA: category expanded to also include “management trainee on professional development.”
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (F35) Specialized knowledge.
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Investors Required Exempt (F31) Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position.
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Professionals Required Exempt (F32) Contract service supplier or independent professional: providing pre-arranged professional service only. Professions identified in FTA Appendix 12-A-2.
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Traders Required Exempt (F30) Executive, supervisory or essential skills.
Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Spouses Required Exempt (F36) N/A
Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement Business visitors Exempt 186(a) and 187 Work permit exempt Applicants must possess the necessary documents
Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement Professionals Required Exempt (F42) Applicants must possess the necessary documents
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required N/A
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Intra-company transferee – executive or senior manager Required Exempt (F53) Employed continuously by the enterprise for six months within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission.
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Intra-company transferee – Management trainee Required Exempt (F54) Employed continuously by the enterprise for six months within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission.
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (F55) Employed continuously by the enterprise for six months within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of application for admission.
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Investors Required Exempt (F51) Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position.
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Professionals and technicians Required Exempt (F52) See list of professionals NOT covered and list of technicians covered under Professionals and Technicians.
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) Traders Required Exempt (F50) Executive, supervisory or essential skills.
Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required Activities covered by CUSMA Appendix 1603.A.1
Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Intra-company transferee – executive, senior or functional manager Required Exempt (T37) Executive, or senior manager
Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Intra-company transferee – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (T38) Specialized knowledge
Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Investors Required Exempt (T35) Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position
Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Professionals Required Exempt (T36) Professions identified in CUSMA Appendix 1603.D.1
Canada – USA – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Traders Required Exempt (T34) Executive, supervisory or essential skills
Canada World Youth Program N/A Required Exempt (C20) Fee exempt; medical required
Caregivers not part of the Live-in Caregiver Program Caregivers Required Required N/A
Caregivers whose permanent residence application is submitted under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCPP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) Caregivers, National Occupational Classification (NOC) specific (NOC 44100 or 44101) Required Exempt (C90) Occupation-restricted open work permit Work permit fee required
Civil aviation inspectors Civil aviation inspectors Exempt [R186(q)] Not required Employed by recognized aeronautical authority
Conventions, exhibitions and meetings Delegates/attendees Exempt R186(a) Not required To attend a conference or a meeting
Conventions, exhibitions and meetings Exhibitors Exempt R187(2)c Not required Sales aimed at wholesalers, retailers and institutions. Displays only or sales to others than the general public
Conventions, exhibitions and meetings Exhibitors Required Exempt (C10) Exhibitors of all nationalities who want to sell foreign-made goods to the general public and deliver them at the time of the sale.
Conventions, exhibitions and meetings Guest speakers or Seminar Leaders Exempt R186(j) Not required Seminar does not last longer than 5 days
Conventions, exhibitions and meetings Show/event service contractors Required Required All foreign service providers working under contract to Canadian events
Conventions, exhibitions and meetings Organizers/planners/
administrative support staff
Exempt R186(k) Not required Does not apply to “hands-on” service providers or to Canadian events
Cooperative Waterfowl Survey and Branding Program Biologists, research personnel and airline pilots Exempt R186(a) Not required Program conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Crew Maritime, air, highway and rail Exempt R186(s) Not required International transport, vehicles of foreign ownership and registry (limits on loading/unloading). Work permit and LMIA may be required in specific circumstances
Crew Drivers: bus, moving van, pilot cars, etc. Exempt R186(s) Not required Goods/passengers between Canada and foreign country. Work permit and LMIA may be required in specific circumstances
Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada Foreign representatives Exempt R186(b) Not required Must be accredited by GAC Office of Protocol
Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada Family of accredited foreign representatives Exempt R186(c) Not required Require GAC Office of Protocol "no objection" letter
Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada Service staff or private servant of high-level members of diplomatic mission Exempt R186(b) Not required Must be approved by GAC Office of Protocol
Diplomats and officials accredited to Canada - staff Locally engaged staff Required Exempt (C20) Require GAC Office of Protocol "no objection" letter
Direct sales organizations Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required Training/motivation, assisting recruits, taking orders
Educational institutions (Canadian) Canada research chair positions Required Exempt (C31) Nominated for their research excellence; partially or wholly funded by federal or provincial governments
Educational institutions (Canadian) Evaluators and examiners Exempt R186(n) Not required N/A
Educational institutions (Canadian) Graduate assistants Exempt R186(f) Not required On-campus work
Educational institutions (Canadian) Guest lecturers Required Exempt (C22) Period of less than 1 academic term/semester
Educational institutions (Canadian) Post-doctoral fellows Required Exempt (C44) N/A
Educational institutions (Canadian) Academic award recipients Required Exempt (C52) N/A
Educational institutions (Canadian) Teachers: preschool, elementary and secondary Required Exempt (C22**) **If reciprocal employment agreement exists
Educational institutions (Canadian) Family members of exchange teachers Required Exempt (C20) Where reciprocity exists. Australian and British
Educational institutions (Canadian) Visiting professors Required Exempt (C22) Not more than 2 academic years
Emergency repair personnel or preventative repairs for out-of-warranty equipment Repair personnel Required Exempt (C13) For industrial or commercial equipment, preventing disruption
Emergency services (protection of life or property) Emergency service providers Exempt R186(t) Not required Natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires.
Industrial or commercial accidents threatening the environment.
Medical emergency to preserve life regardless of whether it involves one or more persons.
Emergency services (protection of life or property) Emergency Preparedness Canada Exempt R186(t) Not required N/A
Emergency services (protection of life or property) Conditions not urgent but covered by agreement Required Exempt (T11) Agreements with Public Safety Canada
Entrepreneurs/self-employed persons Entrepreneurs/self-employed workers Required Exempt (C11) Temporary/seasonal; providing jobs/significant benefit
Essential workers for the production stage of television and film Essential workers for the production stage of television and film Required Exempt (C14) The work must be
- essential to a live-action TV or film project in the production stage (filming)
- high wage
- unionized
Expert witnesses or investigators Expert witnesses or investigators Exempt R186(o) Not required N/A
Farm workers Farm workers Required Required Includes Caribbean/Mexican seasonal workers
Farm workers Self-employed (e.g., harvester owners) Exempt (not "work"), R2 Not required Supervising harvesting crew admitted under the applicable law.
Federal economic class Bridging open work permits for certain federal economic class applicants Required Exempt (A75) Must have valid status on a work permit; must have received a positive eligibility assessment on their permanent residence application under one of the eligible economic class programs.
Fishing guides Fishing guides Required Exempt (C20) At border lakes
Fishing guides Fishing guides Required Required Canadian employer or on Canadian lakes
Fishing guides Self-employed (where no employer on either side exists) Required Exempt (C11) If activities attract tourism or benefit for Canadians and PRs
Foreign camp owners/directors (and spouse), and outfitters Foreign camp owners/directors and outfitters Required Exempt (C11) N/A
Foreign government officials not accredited by GAC Foreign government officials stationed in Canada Required Required In some cases, LMIA Exemption C62 or C63 can apply for senior officials of semi-official agencies who meet R205(a) requirements
Foreign government officials not accredited by GAC Foreign government officials seeking temporary entry Exempt R186(a) Not Required Includes government officials seeking to meet with foreign partners for meetings
Atlantic Immigration Programs (AIP) Foreign nationals seeking entry under the AIP Required Exempt (C18) Foreign nationals cannot apply at the port of entry
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required N/A
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Intra-company transferees – executives, senior managers and functional managers Required Exempt (C62) Executives, senior managers and functional managers
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Intra-company transferees – specialized knowledge Required Exempt (C63) Specialized knowledge
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Intra-company transferees - employees starting a qualifying business Required Exempt (C61) Employees starting a qualifying business
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Professionals (groups 1 and 2) Required Exempt (T33) Engineers, agrologists, architects, forestry and geomatics professionals, land surveyors, foreign legal consultants, urban planners, senior computer specialists
Global Skills Strategy Workers with job offer under TEER 0 or 1 Exempt under public policy short-term work permit exemption Not required

Worker coming to work for 15 consecutive calendar days or less and 6 months have passed since the first day of work under the previous use of this exemption.

Or for 30 days or less (16-30 days) and 12 months have passed since the first day of work under the previous use of this exemption

Workers who have a job offer under TEER 0 or 1 but who are coming for a longer period may be eligible to the priority processing of work permits under GSS

Global Skills Strategy Researchers (coming to work at a publicly funded, degree-granting institution at the college or university level or affiliated research institution) Exempt under public policy 120-day work permit exemption for researchers Not required Researchers coming to perform work for 120 consecutive calendar days or less and 12 months have passed since the first day of work under the previous use of this exemption
Government officers (foreign) Government officers (foreign) Exempt R186(e) Not required Officers coming to work for a department or agency of the Government of Canada or of a province
Government officers (foreign) Family members Required Exempt (C20) Where reciprocity exists
Government officers (foreign) Family members Required Required Where reciprocity does not exist. May qualify as spouse of skilled worker (C41)
Guest speakers Public speakers Exempt R186(j) Not required Includes academic speakers and commercial speakers (event must be less than 5 days)
Household service workers N/A Required Required May be work permit exempt if working for a foreign representative. See Diplomats and Officials.
International Experience Canada International Co-op (internship) (ICP) Required Exempt (C21) For students only. Employer-specific work permit. Work permit fee exempt but required to pay IEC fee
International Experience Canada Working Holiday (WHP) Required Exempt (C21) Travel and work. Open work permit. Work permit fee exempt, but are required to pay the IEC fee and the open work permit holder fee
International Experience Canada Young Professionals (YPP) Required Exempt (C21) Career development. Employer-specific work permit. Work permit fee exempt, but are required to pay the IEC fee.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Officers, employees or specialists contracted to IATA Required Exempt (T11) N/A
International Development Research Centre of Canada Researchers Required Exempt (C31) Temporary basis, research
International Pacific Halibut Commission Sea and port samplers Required Exempt (T11) Entry pursuant to the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (Canada/US Agreement)
Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) Interns Required Required N/A
Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) Self-funded researchers Exempt R186(a) Not required Conducting independent research or research for a foreign entity. Must not displace Canadian or PR workers. Canadian institution must not receive remuneration for the research
Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad)

Post-doctoral fellows awarded a Ph.D. (C44)

Academic award recipients (C52)

Foreign medical (or dental) residents and medical research fellows (C45)

Required Exempt (C44, C45 or C52) Work related to public policy, competitiveness and economy (R205(c)(ii))
Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) Reciprocal employment Required Exempt (C20) Cultural agreements; also includes some internships at foreign missions or international organizations.
Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) Interns under international co-op category Required Exempt (C21) International Experience Canada
Interns (foreign students studying or associated with institutions abroad) Charitable or religious workers Required

Exempt

Religious (C50)

Charitable (C51)

Carrying out duties for a Canadian charitable or religious organization when the duties are of a charitable or religious nature.
Interns with international organizations recognized under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act Interns Required Exempt (C10)

Fee exemption code “EC1”

Employer is not required to submit an offer of employment through the portal.

Case type 60

Intra-company transferees Executive, Senior manager or functional managers Required Exempt (C62) or various for FTA Executives/ Senior managers, Functional managers
Intra-company transferees Specialized knowledge workers Required Exempt (C63) or various for FTA Specialized knowledge workers
Intra-company transferees Starting a qualifying business in Canada Required Exempt (C61) Starting a new branch or affiliate of an existing global company in Canada
Jamaica: Seasonal Agricultural Program, Liaison Officers Jamaican Liaison Officers Required Exempt (C10) Appointed to work at the Jamaican Liaison Service office in Toronto.
Judges (amateur sport and cultural competitions) Judges, referees and similar officials Exempt R186(m) Not required Also see Sports, Occupations in
Live-in caregivers Live-in caregivers Required Required LMIA applications must have been received on or before November 30, 2014.
Live-in caregivers Eligible under in-Canada PR class Required Exempt (A70) Includes family members in Canada
Media (working for foreign companies) Announcers and broadcasters (as part of foreign crew) Exempt R186(i) Not required N/A
Media (working for foreign companies) Blimps (and crew) Exempt R186(i) Not required N/A
Media (working for foreign companies) News correspondents and reporters Exempt R186(i) Not required N/A
Media (working for foreign companies) News reporting crews Exempt R186(i) Not required N/A
Media (working for foreign companies) Media crews on tourism promotional tours Required Exempt (C10) North American Media Crews, < 3 weeks
Media (working for foreign companies) Media crews on tourism promotional tours Required Required North American media crews, > 3 weeks
Media (working for foreign companies) Media crews on tourism promotional tours Required Exempt (C10) Non-North American media crews, < 6 weeks
Media (working for foreign companies) Media crews on tourism promotional tours Required Required Non-North American media crews, > 6 weeks
Medical professions Health care students: clinical clerkships Exempt R186(p) Not required Requires medical exam R30(1)(a)(ii)
Medical professions Interns Required Required N/A
Medical professions Medical fellowship holders Required Exempt (C45) N/A
Medical professions Medical (or dental) residents Required Exempt (C45) N/A
Military personnel International Training Programs, non-VFA participants Exempt (not "work") Not required Requires a study permit if more than 6 months. May require a TRV
Military personnel Military Training Assistance Program, non-VFA Exempt (not "work") Not required Requires a study permit if more than 6 months. May require a TRV
Military personnel NATO Exempt R186(d) Not required Includes civilian component
Military personnel NATO Optional for facilitation Exempt (T11) If staying long term
Military personnel Visiting Forces Act (VFA) Exempt R186(d) Not required Other exemptions (passport, TRV, medical) may apply
Military personnel Visiting Forces Act (VFA) Optional for facilitation T11 Fees Exempt, Employer compliance exempt,
Other exemptions (passport, TRV, medical) may apply
Biometrics required
Military personnel Family members Required Exempt (C20) Where reciprocity exists. Require a "letter of approval of employment" from DND
Military personnel Family members Required Required or exempt C41 Where reciprocity does NOT exist. May also qualify as spouse of skilled workers under C41.
National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Distinguished scientists or scholars Required Exempt (C31) Coming to participate in research for the NRC
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Distinguished scientists or scholars Required Exempt (C31) Scientists participating in NRCan’s Postdoctoral Research Pilot Program (PRP)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Distinguished scientists or scholars Required Exempt (C31) Coming to participate in research for NSERC
Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) Conducting work within Canada’s 12-mile territorial limit Required Required Considered to be "in Canada"
Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) Conducting work within 12-200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Required Required Considered to be "in Canada"
Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) Vessels operating within the EEZ and NOT "attached to" or anchored to seabed OR on or under any artificial island constructed, erected or placed on the continental shelf or seabed. Not required Not required Not considered to be "in Canada"
Oceans Act (working aboard marine installation) Vessels operating beyond the 200-mile zone Not required Not required Not considered to be "in Canada"
OECD (exchange arranged in Canada through the Public Service Commission) N/A Required Exempt (T11) May qualify for WP exemptions under R186(e)
Open work permit pilot program for permanent residence applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada (SCLPC) class Applicants in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class Required A74 Must have submitted a complete PR application
Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) Samplers and scientists Required Exempt (T11) N/A
Persons subject to an unenforceable removal order N/A Required Exempt (S62)

WP processing fee required

Open WP holder fee exempt

Public policy, competitiveness and economy Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers Valid work permit OR
authorized to work in Canada without a permit under the authority of section R186, except R186(w)
C41 Spouses or common-law partners of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders
Spouses or common-law partners of Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holders
Spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominees
Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders
Spouses or common-law partners of open work permit holders other than BOWP
Public policy, competitiveness and economy Foreign medical (or dental) residents and medical research fellows Required C45 Wages must be paid from non-public source
Professionals Such as accountants, architects, consultants, computer specialists/systems analyst, designers (graphic, industrial, interior, urban planners), engineers, insurance, legal and medical professionals, managers, scientists, teachers Required Required Hired by a Canadian employer
Professionals Entering under CUSMA or other FTA Required Exempt (CUSMA -T36) or various FTAs Professions identified in the respective agreement. See Canada – USA - Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA), Canada-Chile FTA, Canada-Peru FTA, Canada-Colombia FTA, Canada-Korea FTA
Professionals Entering under the Canada-European Union FTA Required Exempt (T43) Independent profession identified in the agreement
Professionals GATS Professionals (Groups 1 and 2) Required Exempt (T33) Engineers, agrologists, architects, forestry and geomatics professionals, land surveyors, foreign legal consultants, urban planners, senior computer specialists
Protected persons (in-Canada class) N/A Required Exempt (A70) Includes family members in Canada
Provincial nominees (for PR) N/A Required Exempt (T13) N/A
Quebec Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), Work permit for certain CSQ holders currently in Quebec Required Exempt (A73) Work permit is valid for the duration of the job offer and cannot exceed two 2 years; possibility to extend for a year on a case-by-case basis; Oonly employer specific work permits are to be issued (no open work permits)
Not allowed to apply at the POE.
Rail grinders (Sperry or other specialized track maintenance) Rail grinders (Sperry or other specialized track maintenance) Required Exempt (C10) Under contract to Canadian company
Reciprocal programs not listed N/A Required Exempt (C20) Reciprocity demonstrated by Canadian employer
Refugee claimants N/A Required Exempt (S61) Fee exempt
Religious workers Clergy and related workers Exempt R186(l) Not required N/A
Religious workers Missionaries Exempt R186(l) Not required N/A
Religious workers Persons who carry out non-spiritual roles Required Exempt (C50) May be fee exempt
Roosevelt Campobello International Park N/A Required Exempt (T11) Fee exempt. Offer of employment from the Park’s Commission required
Sales representatives/agents Sales negotiations Exempt R187(2)(c) Not required Taking orders/negotiating contracts for goods/services. In some situations, a work permit may be required.
Sales representatives/agents Sales to the general public Required Required N/A
Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement between Canada and Germany N/A Required Exempt (T11) N/A
Servants/personal assistants with visiting employer Servants/personal assistants Exempt R187(3)(a)(b) Not required Business visitor, unless employer stays >6 months
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Exempt R186(h) Not required Amateur (includes Junior A, B Hockey)
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Exempt (not "work") Not required Individual competitions (for prize money)
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Required Exempt (C24) Professional or semi-professional - Canadian-based team
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Exempt R186(h) Not required Professional or semi-professional - foreign-based team
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Exempt R186(h) Not required Professional or semi-professional - coming for trials, before contract is awarded
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Required Exempt (C24) Professional or semi-professional - coming for trials, once contract is signed
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Exempt R186(h) Not required Racing car drivers
Sport, Occupations in Athletes Exempt R186(h) Not required Recreation athletes
Sport, Occupations in Coaches Required Exempt (C24) Canadian employer
Sport, Occupations in Coaches Exempt R186(h) Not required Foreign employer
Sport, Occupations in Dog handlers Exempt R186(h) Not required Pet owners entering their own animals in a show
Sport, Occupations in Horse racing: jockeys - western provinces and Ontario, Required

Required

Exempt (C11)

Canadian-based stables in western provinces and Ontario only are LMIA-exempt
Sport, Occupations in Horse racing: jockeys, agents, & stable personnel, Exempt R186(h) Not required Foreign-based stables
Sport, Occupations in Officials Exempt R186(m) Not required Referees, umpires, judges - international amateur sporting event
Sport, Occupations in Officials Required Required**

Referees, umpires, judges - professional/semi-professional events
**Unless reciprocity exists, then C20

Sport, Occupations in Trainers and sports therapists Required Exempt (C24) Canadian employer
Sport, Occupations in Trainers and sports therapists Exempt R186(h) Not required Foreign employer
Spouses of Temporary skilled workers (spouses or common-law partners only) Required Exempt (C41) Spouses or common-law partners of valid work permit holders OR authorized to work in Canada without a permit under the authority of section R186, except R186(w).
See requirements for specific situations.
Spouses of Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holders Required Exempt (C41)
Spouses of Study permit holders Required Exempt C42 The dependent spouse or common-law partner should be providing documentary evidence
Spouses of Holders of work permits in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Required Exempt (C41)
Students Destitute Required Exempt (H81) If on-campus employment [R186(f)] is insufficient
Students Post-secondary co-op Required Exempt (C32) Temporary employment that is an essential part of post-secondary course of study. Course requirement for designated Canadian institutions. The work cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study.
Students Secondary school co-op Required Exempt (C33) Temporary employment that is an essential part of a program at the secondary level. Includes vocational training programs offered by a designated learning institution in Quebec
Students Off-campus Exempt R186(v) Not required Up to 20 hours a week during regular academic year and full time during scheduled breaks. 
Students Off campus – transition from study to work permit Exempt R186(w) Not required Allow students who have completed their program of study to work while waiting for a decision on their post-grad work permit application. 
Students On-campus Exempt R186(f) Not required Full-time students as per R186(v).
Students Post-graduate work permit Required Exempt (C43) Within 180 days of completion of studies
Students Spouses/common-law partners of study permit holders Required Exempt (C42) Study permit holder must be full-time student in a PGWP eligible program
Temporary resident permit holders N/A Required Exempt (H82) TRP must be valid for at least 6 months
USA government personnel

Official US government personnel: Supervisory staff

USCIS inspectors
US customs inspectors
International Joint Commission employees and others

US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees

Required Exempt (T11)

Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime

Work permit case type 20 must be entered manually- (not 22-Official)

The occupational codes are as follows:

  • Supervisory staff: NOC 43203
  • USCIS inspectors: NOC 43203
  • US customs inspectors: NOC 43203
  • US grain inspectors: NOC 22111
  • International Joint Commission employees and others: NOC 21120
  • US IRS employees: NOC 12104

Family members may obtain open or unrestricted work permits.

USA government personnel Business visitors Exempt R186(a) Not required Short-term entry
USA government personnel Family members of US government personnel Required Exempt (C20) Fee exempt under code (E03)
Open work permits for vulnerable workers Vulnerable workers Required
Open work permit
R207.1
A72
Case-type: 20
Definition of abuse in section R196.2
Special program code: VWOWP – in Canada applications only
Volunteers Volunteers if incidental to main purpose of entry Exempt (not work) Not required See definition of work.
Yukon Community Pilot (YCP) Foreign national Required
YCP work permit
Case-type 20
Exempt
A75

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