Who to Contact?Self-Employed Photographer Requiring Work Permit?

[ACS]

Can anyone suggest who would be the appropriate contact to determine if a Work Permit is actually required for a Self-Employed Photographer?

I cannot find the link right now, but there are exceptions for self-employed people who are not directly competing with the Canadian Labor Market. From what I read, seems to be a bit of a grey area that could be interpreted either way. I'm hoping for a # I can call to get a definitive yes or no.

We applied for an Open Work Permit along with our Inland PR for my husband, but that would be for a full time position with an employer.

As a photographer, with all his own equipment, he could be doing part time work right now if it's allowed. I don't see that it would directly compete with Canadians, because he doesn't do like weddings, or regular family portraits. He does more artistic work. There are some bands who have seen his work, and want him to do an album cover for them, and people who want to buy some of his prints of pictures he has taken from around the world, etc. His work is pretty one of a kind, so I wouldn't consider it competing directly with the Canadian Labor Market? But that is just my opinion...

I guess you would call it Free Lance Photography?

So any idea on what government # we could call for a definitive answer? Tried asking CIC before and they didn't know..... *Surprise, surprise!* I could try calling again and seeing if I can get an answer, but to save myself the frustration I thought I'd check if anyone here knows who would be the right contact to ask about this?!?

 

[ACS]

P.s. He has been turning down invites to participate in Photography & Arts Festival’s and Events, like La Nuit Blanche, Contact Festival, etc. I told him I think he could do them, but he didn’t want his name out there too much if he’s unable to follow up and do the work….

 

[scylla]

Yes - he definitely needs a work permit. Even if he is self employed as a photographer.

You may not consider what he is doing as competing directly with the Canadian labour market. CIC will take the opposite view (e.g. a Canadian could be taking photos of the bands, people could be buying photos from around the world from a Canadian photographer rather than your spouse).

He needs a work permit to work. To obtain a work permit he'll need an employer and approved LMO. Alternatively, he can wait until the OWP is approved. The OWP is not just for full time employment with an employer - it also covers self employment.