Do models need work permit

[jils]

HI

I am a Fashion and commercial model signed with an agency in Canada. I am currently on student permit here but I would like to work as a full time model. Do i need a work permit to work as a fashion model?

 

[scylla]

Yes - you would need a work permit to work full time. To qualify to apply for a work permit you would need a job offer from your employer and an approved LMIA (also from your employer).

 

[jils]

But my agency is not my employer but a middle man to my clients.I have a contract which doesn't guarantees any work as it all depends on the clients.

 

[scylla]

But my agency is not my employer but a middle man to my clients.I have a contract which doesn't guarantees any work as it all depends on the clients.

In that case you are probably out of luck until you can finish school and qualify for a PGWP that will allow you to work full time.

 

[jils]

I just did some more research. I think I come under self employed program.

 

[scylla]

I just did some more research. I think I come under self employed program.

Self Employment is an immigration program - not a work permit program. It takes several years for CIC to process a self employment stream immigration application.

 

[Lammawitch]

1. Is your job in this list? http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-nopermit.asp

No = you need a WP.

2. You can't work full time on a study permit, but usually you can work p-t. Is there no way to do that for you? Modelling is rarely full time.

As Scylla said, the self-employment programme is not suitable for your immediate wishes.

If you are really good, & really in demand, & your agency is one of the "big" (& reputable) ones, your agency can & will advise you on the possibilities for a WP.

 

[jils]

Thanks I appreciate everybody's response here. I just got signed so i was just inquiring.

 

[scylla]

If you signed with a reputable agency, they should be well aware of the requirements for you to work full time in Canada (i.e. LMIA + work permit) - and they should be easily able to explain these requirements to you.

If your agency is not familiar with these requirements, then I would be concerned about how legitimate they are. There are lots of scams out there. Make sure you don't pay for any head shots or any other photos to support your portfolio. If the agency starts asking you to pay for any photos - that's one of the signs of a scam.

 

[pfse]

Thanks I appreciate everybody's response here. I just got signed so i was just inquiring.

The agency may not ask you for wp as you're not working for modeling agency. They just taking commission from the payments for work you're doing for their clients. But the client for which you're going to work will ask you for wp. An employer may face penalties for employing illegal workers.

 

[scylla]

The agency may not ask you for wp as you're not working for modeling agency. They just taking commission from the payments for work you're doing for their clients. But the client for which you're going to work will ask you for wp. An employer may face penalties for employing illegal workers.

This is a very good point.

Also keep in mind that working illegally would put your status and study permit in Canada in jeopardy. Once someone is asked to leave Canada for illegal work, it tends to be quite difficult to return.

 

[jils]

I wont be working for more than 20 hours a week as this was made very clear by my agency. Yes, I represent one of the top agencies in Toronto.

 

[scylla]

I wont be working for more than 20 hours a week as this was made very clear by my agency. Yes, I represent one of the top agencies in Toronto.
[/quote

Then why were you asking about working full time?

 

[pfse]

I wont be working for more than 20 hours a week as this was made very clear by my agency. Yes, I represent one of the top agencies in Toronto.

Make sure you're meeting the requirements for working off campus without work permit:

- Have a valid study permit,
- Attend a designated learning institution,
- Maintain full-time status at the designated learning institution, and
- Be enrolled in an academic, vocational or professional training program that is six months or longer and that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.

If you're not meeting the requirements - see scylla's post above.
Here you can find if you're eligible to work 20 hours off campus w/o wp:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-assess.asp

 

[jils]

I wont be working for more than 20 hours a week as this was made very clear by my agency. Yes, I represent one of the top agencies in Toronto.
[/quote

Then why were you asking about working full time?

I am Currently working part time as for now but want to make it full time after few months.