If you’re planning to work in Canada, did you know that some jobs don’t require a work permit? Depending on what type of work you’re doing and how long you’ll be staying, you might not need a work permit at all.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand:
- Who doesn’t need a work permit in Canada
- Examples of work permit-exempt jobs
👉 Note: If you’re visiting Canada for business purposes, you might also be exempt from needing a work permit. To learn more, check out our dedicated guide on business visitors to Canada.
Who Doesn’t Need a Work Permit in Canada?
Here are some common examples of people who can work in Canada without needing a work permit:
| Category | What It Means | Conditions You Must Meet |
|---|---|---|
| Maintained Status | Foreign nationals already in Canada who applied to renew their work permit before it expired. | You can keep working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision on your new work permit application. |
| International Students | Students studying in Canada with a valid study permit. | You can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus during classes and unlimited hours on campus or during school breaks. |
| Foreign Representatives | Diplomats and officials from international organizations (like the United Nations). | You must be officially recognized by Global Affairs Canada and performing your duties as a diplomatic or consular representative. |
| Foreign Government Officers | Government officers from another country working with Canada through exchange programs. | Executive-level officers need a contract from Canada’s Public Service Commission (PSC). |
| Military Personnel | Members of the armed forces visiting under the Visiting Forces Act. | You must be on official orders and come from a country that is part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). |
| Convention Organizers | Organizers of corporate meetings, trade shows, or exhibitions. | This applies only to the organizers, not to the service providers who set up or provide event services. |
| News Reporters | Journalists and their crews covering events in Canada for foreign media companies. | Your media company must be based outside Canada. |
| Public Speakers | Guest speakers, commercial speakers, or seminar leaders visiting for short-term events. | The event must be no longer than 5 days. If it’s longer, you’ll need a work permit. |
Detailed Explanation of Common Work Permit Exemptions
Let’s break down some of these categories so it’s easier to understand.
1. Maintained Status
If you’re already in Canada on a work permit and you’ve applied for a new one before your current permit expires, you automatically get maintained status. This means you can continue working under the same conditions until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on your new permit.
However, maintained status only applies while you stay in Canada. If you leave Canada while your application is being processed, you won’t be able to work until your new permit is approved.
If you return to Canada during this time, you may be allowed back as a visitor, but you won’t have the right to work until your new permit is issued.
2. International Students
If you’re an international student in Canada with a valid study permit, you can work part-time or full-time under certain conditions:
- During regular school terms: Up to 24 hours per week off-campus.
- During school breaks (like summer or winter vacation): Unlimited hours.
- On-campus work: No restrictions on hours.
Co-op Work Permits: If your study program includes a work placement, you’ll need to apply for a separate co-op work permit.
3. Foreign Representatives and Their Families
Foreign representatives (like diplomats or United Nations officials) can work in Canada without a work permit if they’re officially recognized by Global Affairs Canada. Their family members can also apply for work authorization without needing a work permit if they get a “no objection” letter from the Protocol Department of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development (DFATD).
4. Foreign Government Officers
Canada has agreements with other countries that allow foreign government officers to work for Canadian federal or provincial government bodies.
- Executive-level officers: Require a contract from Canada’s Public Service Commission.
- Non-executive officers: Don’t need a formal contract but should have a written agreement if their work exceeds three months.
- Spouses: May qualify for an open work permit.
5. Military Personnel
If you’re a member of a country’s armed forces visiting under the Visiting Forces Act (VFA), you can work in Canada without a work permit. This also applies to certain civilians traveling with the military.
6. Convention Organizers
Convention organizers can work without a permit if they’re organizing:
- Corporate meetings
- Trade shows
- Consumer exhibitions
Note: Service providers at these events (like audio-visual technicians or decorators) will need a work permit.
7. News Reporters and Media Crews
Journalists working for foreign media companies can report on Canadian news without a work permit. This includes reporters working in print, broadcast, or online media.
Important: If you’re part of a media crew producing documentaries or promotional content, you may need a work permit.
8. Public Speakers
Guest speakers and seminar leaders don’t need a work permit if their event is less than five days long. This applies to both academic speakers (at universities) and commercial speakers.
If the event is longer than five days, you’ll need to apply for a work permit.
Entering Canada Without a Work Permit
Even if you’re work permit-exempt, you still need to meet the usual entry requirements for Canada, including:
- Having a valid electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa (if required).
- Being admissible to Canada.
An experienced immigration consultant can help you:
- Determine if you qualify for a work permit exemption.
- Draft a letter to present at the border to strengthen your case.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need assistance, consult with Ask Kubeir to get expert advice and make your journey to Canada easier.
📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.
📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”
📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services:
- (+𝟭) 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟳𝟳𝟳-𝟯𝟳𝟳𝟳 (Canada)
- +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.