If you’re planning to visit Canada and want to work while you’re there, you’ll need to obtain a work permit. However, there are some jobs that you can do in Canada without a work permit. In this article, we’ll explore some of these jobs and the requirements for working in them.
Jobs You Can Do in Canada Without a Work Permit

1. Business Visitor
If you’re visiting Canada for business purposes, you may be able to perform certain job duties without a work permit. These duties include attending meetings, conferences, and trade shows, conducting market research, and providing after-sales service. You’ll need to ensure that your job duties fall within the definition of a Business Visitor and that you are not receiving payment from a Canadian source.
2. Athlete or Coach
If you’re an athlete or coach who’s coming to Canada for a competition or event, you may be able to perform your job duties without a work permit. However, you’ll need to ensure that your event is recognized by the appropriate sports governing body and that you’re not receiving payment from a Canadian source.
3. Performing Artist
If you’re a performing artist coming to Canada to perform in a cultural event or festival, you may be able to perform your job duties without a work permit. However, you’ll need to ensure that your event is recognized by the appropriate arts governing body and that you’re not receiving payment from a Canadian source.
4. Film Crew Member
If you’re a foreign film crew member coming to Canada to work on a foreign-produced film or TV show, you may be able to perform your job duties without a work permit. However, you’ll need to ensure that your job duties are strictly limited to the specific production you’re working on and that you’re not receiving payment from a Canadian source.
5. Volunteer
If you’re coming to Canada to volunteer for a non-profit organization, you may be able to perform your job duties without a work permit. However, you’ll need to ensure that your volunteer work is not displacing a Canadian worker and that you’re not receiving payment from a Canadian source.
It’s important to note that even if you don’t require a work permit for these jobs, you may still need to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Additionally, some provinces may have specific regulations regarding work permits for certain jobs, so it’s important to check with the relevant provincial government.
Conclusion
There are some jobs that you can do in Canada without a work permit, including as a Business Visitor, athlete or coach, performing artist, film crew member, or volunteer. However, it’s important to ensure that your job duties fall within the requirements for these exemptions and that you’re not receiving payment from a Canadian source. Additionally, you may still need to obtain a TRV or eTA to enter Canada, and it’s important to check with the relevant provincial government for any specific regulations.