Working in the Canadian Entertainment Industry


Canada welcomes international workers in the entertainment industry, but how does an industry worker obtain the right to work in Canada?

Depending on the situation, the work project, and other factors, there may be ways for entertainment industry workers to enter the Canadian labour market temporarily. After all, Canada's cities and towns cater to a vast array of entertainment productions and spectacles across film and television media, performing arts, and more. Consequently, the government of Canada facilitates the entry of necessary personnel to the country in a number of ways.

Man Working in Canada in the Entertainment Industry

Options for working in Canada

One of the following options may apply to your specific needs.

  • Qualify as a business visitor

    This options refers to a category of foreign nationals intending to work in Canada who, due to the nature and/or duration of the work to be performed in Canada, do not require a work permit.
  • LMIA exemption

    Certain entertainment industry workers could be eligible for a work permit that is exempt from the need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), thereby simplifying the application process and reducing the wait time. A LMIA is a document that serves as proof that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to perform the job.
  • LMIA advertising exemption

    If a LMIA is required in order for the entertainment industry worker(s) to begin working in Canada, there may nonetheless be a facilitated process whereby the position does not need to be advertised in order for the LMIA to be issued successfully.
  • Ordinary LMIA process

    If none of the above scenarios apply, entertainment industry workers may still go through the standard LMIA process before working in Canada.

Contact us

Please complete this short form to submit your work permit query directly to our specialists.

Please describe the nature of work to be performed by the foreign worker in Canada, and also include information about the foreign worker (e.g. qualifications, nationality)