Officer quick reference guide to occupations
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada staff. It is posted on the Department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Use the below table to quickly reference details on occupations.
| 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 |
| CPTPP | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (T51) | Executive, managerial, specialist and management trainees |
| 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 |
| 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 & technical personnel | Required | Exempt (T11) | IATA, ICAO, etc. |
| Airline personnel | Station managers | Required | Exempt (C12) | 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 & 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 ‘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, i.e., 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 & 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 & theatre groups or individuals & 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/side-show | 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, i.e. 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 |
| Bermuda, professional trainees | Professional trainee | Required | Exempt (T11) | Temporary employment in Canada under the terms set out in the MOU between Canada and Bermuda |
| 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 U.S. employees performing toll and administrative functions on the Canadian side of the border. Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime Case type: 60 Work permit fee exempt code “EC1” |
| Business visitors | Such as buyers, computer specialists/system Analysts, financial services personnel, public relations/advertising personnel, trainers & trainees, translation/interpretation personnel, tour guides & 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 & trainees, translation/interpretation personnel, tour guides & 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 (C20) | 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 |
| Camp counsellors | Volunteer | Required | Exempt (C50) | 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(d). 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 transferees | Required | Exempt (T24) | executive, managerial or specialized knowledge |
| Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Investors | Required | Exempt (T22) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position |
| Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Professionals | Required | Exempt (T23) | Professionals identified in CCFTA Appendix K-03.IV.1 |
| Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement | Traders | Required | Exempt (T21) | 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 transferees | Required | Exempt (T24) | 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 (T22) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Professionals & technicians | Required | Exempt (T23) | See Canada-Peru FTA for same list of Professionals NOT covered; and list of technicians covered. |
| Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement | Traders | Required | Exempt (T21) | 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) transferees | 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) | 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 and independent professionals | Required | Exempt (T47) for CSS and (T43) for IP | 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 | 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 (i.e. different from NAFTA) are harvest owners, customs brokers and tour bus operators. |
| Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (T24) | Executive, managerial, specialized knowledge. Different from NAFTA: category expanded to also include ‘management trainee on professional development.’ |
| Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Investors | Required | Exempt (T22) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Professionals | Required | Exempt (T23) | 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 (T21) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills. |
| Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement | Spouses | Required | Exempt (T25) | N/A |
| 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 transferees | Required | Exempt (T24) | 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 (T22) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position. |
| Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (citizens and PRs) | Professionals & technicians | Required | Exempt (T23) | 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 (T21) | 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 4411 or 4412) | 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, & meetings | Delegates/attendees | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | To attend a conference or a meeting |
| Conventions, exhibitions, & meetings | Exhibitors | Exempt R187(2)c | Not required | Sales aimed at wholesalers, retailers & institutions. Displays only or sales to others than the general public |
| Conventions, exhibitions, & 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, & meetings | Guest speakers or Seminar Leaders | Exempt R186(j) | Not required | Seminar does not last longer than 5 days |
| Conventions, exhibitions, & meetings | Show/event service contractors | Required | Required | All foreign service providers working under contract to Canadian events |
| Conventions, exhibitions, & meetings | Organizers/planners/ administrative support staff |
Exempt R186(k) | Not required | Does not apply to 'hands-on' service providers and/or to Canadian event |
| Cooperative Waterfowl Survey & 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 & 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 & foreign country. Work permit and LMIA may be required in specific circumstances |
| Diplomats & officials accredited to Canada | Foreign representatives | Exempt R186(b) | Not required | Must be accredited by GAC Office of Protocol |
| Diplomats & officials accredited to Canada | Family of accredited foreign representatives | Exempt R186(c) | Not required | Require GAC Office of Protocol 'no objection' letter |
| Diplomats & 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 & 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 & 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 & award recipients | Required | Exempt (C44) | N/A |
| Educational institutions (Canadian) | Teachers: pre-school, 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 & 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 |
| Expert witnesses or investigators | Expert witnesses or investigators | Exempt R186(o) | Not required | N/A |
| Family of: | Temporary skilled workers (spouses or common-law partners only) | Required | Exempt (C41) | See requirements for specific situations. |
| 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 that is due to expire in 4 months or less; 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 & PRs |
| Foreign camp owners/directors (& 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 C12 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 |
| 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 | Required | Exempt (C12) | N/A |
| General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Professionals (groups 1 & 2) | Required | Exempt (T33) | Engineers, agrologists, architects, forestry & geomatics professionals, land surveyors, foreign legal consultants, urban planners, senior computer specialists |
| Global Skills Strategy | Workers with job offer under NOC 0 or A | 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 NOC 0 or A but who are coming for a longer period may be eligible to the priority processing of work permits under GSS |
| Global Skills Strategy | Reshearcers (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 & 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 & 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 participation 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 participation 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 participation 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/U.S. 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. and award recipients (C44) Foreign medical (or dental) residents and medical research fellows (C45) |
Required | Exempt (C44) or (C45) | 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 (C50) | 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” Case type 60 |
| Intra-company transferees | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (C12) or T24 for FTA | Executives/ Senior managers, Functional managers and Specialized knowledge workers |
| Jamaica: Seasonal Agricultural Program, Liaison Officers | Jamaican Liaison Officers | Required | Exempt (T11) | Appointed to work at the Jamaican Liaison Service office in Toronto. |
| Judges (amateur sport & 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 |
| Malaysia, Professional Accounting Trainees | Professional accounting trainees | Required | Exempt (T11) | Refer to MOU eligibility |
| Media (working for foreign companies) | Announcers & 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 & 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 | 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 | Family members | Required | Exempt (C20) | Where reciprocity exists. Require a ‘letter of approval of employment’ from DND |
| Military personnel | Family members | Required | Required | 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 |
| North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) | Business visitors | Exempt R186(a) | Not required | Activities covered by NAFTA Appendix 1603.A.1 |
| North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) | Intra-company transferees | Required | Exempt (T24) | Executive, managerial or specialized knowledge |
| North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) | Investors | Required | Exempt (T22) | Owner, executive, supervisor or essential skill position |
| North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) | Professionals | Required | Exempt (T23) | Professions identified in NAFTA Appendix 1603.D.1 |
| North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) | Traders | Required | Exempt (T21) | Executive, supervisory or essential skills |
| 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) |
| Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) | Samplers and scientists | Required | Exempt (T11) | N/A |
| Persons subject to an unenforceable removal order | N/A | Required | Exempt (S62) | Fees apply |
| Professionals | Such as accountants, architects, consultants, computer Sspecialists/systems analyst, designers (graphic, industrial, interior, urban planners), engineers, insurance, legal & medical professionals, managers, scientists, teachers | Required | Required | Hired by a Canadian employer |
| Professionals | Entering under NAFTA or other FTA | Required | Exempt (T23) | Professions identified in the respective agreement. See North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Chile FTA, Canada-Peru FTA, Canada-Colombia FTA, Canada-Korea FTA |
| Professionals | Entering under the Canada-European Union FTA | Required | Exempt (T43) or (T47) | Professions identified in the agreement |
| Professionals | GATS Professionals (Groups 1 & 2) | Required | Exempt (T33) | Engineers, agrologists, architects, forestry & 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 | Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), Work permit renewals and extensions for certain CSQ holders currently in Quebec | Required | Exempt (A75) | Work permit is valid for the duration of the job offer and cannot exceed two years; possibility to extend for a year on a case-by-case basis; only employer specific work permits are to be issued (no open work permits) |
| 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 and charitable workers | Clergy and related workers | Exempt R186(l) | Not required | N/A |
| Religious and charitable workers | Missionaries | Exempt R186(l) | Not required | N/A |
| Religious and charitable 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 (C20) | 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 (C20) | 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 (C20) | 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, agents, & stable personnel, | Required | Required | Canadian-based stables |
| 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 |
| Sport, Occupations in | Trainers and sports therapists | Required | Exempt (C20) | Canadian employer |
| Sport, Occupations in | Trainers and sports therapists | Exempt R186(h) | Not required | Foreign employer |
| 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 to post-grad | 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. |
| Students | Post-graduate | Required | Exempt (C43) | N/A |
| Students | Spouses/common-law partners of foreign students | Required | Exempt (C42) | Study permit holder must be full-time student |
| Temporary resident permit holders | N/A | Required | Exempt (H82) | TRP must be valid for at least 6 months |
| USA government personnel | Official U.S. government personnel: Supervisory staff USCIS inspectors |
Required | Exempt (T11) | Employer is exempt from the employer compliance regime Work permit case type 60 must be entered manually- (not 22-Official) The occupational codes are as follows:
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 USA government personnel | Required | Exempt (C20) | Fee exempt under code (E03) |
| Volunteers | Volunteers | Exempt (not work) | Not required | See definition of work. |
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