Working an international conference in Canada? Find out if you need a work permit

Summer has seen the resumption of foreign events in Canada, attracting visitors from around the world and covering everything from technology to agriculture.

It is important for visitors to Canada understand exactly what entry requirements they should meet to participate in foreign events in different capacities. This article will outline entry requirements for foreign service providers working under contract at foreign events.

Note: the Government of Canada defines a “foreign event” as an event held by an organization which is located in – and conducts business from – a country other than Canada. For example, the Collision Conference in Toronto, Ontario, which is hosted by an organization called Web Summit, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. This foreign event draws thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to Canada annually, and is set to take place in Vancouver next year under the new name ‘Web Summit Vancouver’ from May 27 – 30, 2025.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Entry requirements for attendees

Entry requirements for attendees (those simply attending the event as guests) of foreign events in Canada are straightforward. Attendees are technically tourists to Canada. Attendees must simply meet entry requirements for visitors – like obtaining a visitor visa, or (if from a visa-exempt country) an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Entry requirements for foreign service providers

Entry requirements for non-Canadians working foreign events in Canada are more complex. Foreign service providers working under contract for foreign events do not need work permits if they are:

event planners;
exhibit managers;
professional conference organizers;
destination marketing company personnel; or
event accommodation consultants.

However, foreign service providers working under contract to provide the following services do need work permits:

Installing or dismantling shows/exhibits;
Audio video, staging, or show decorating services; and/or
Lighting, carpet laying, carpentry, or electrical work.

What kind of work permit is needed for service providers at foreign events in Canada?

Non-Canadian service providers at foreign events in Canada typically do not require an LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment. Instead, they qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit known as the significant benefit work permit.

To qualify for this LMIA-exempt work permit, you must meet three requirements:

You must be working under contract for a foreign event organizer or exhibitor;
You must be providing services like audio visual services or electrical work (see the full list of eligible activities above); and
You must be supervising and directing local hires at the foreign event.

The final requirement is important. You must prove that your role is supervisory–that you will be overseeing local labour rather than completing all the hands-on work yourself. This is because foreign event organizers and exhibitors are expected to hire Canadians to perform labour on the convention floor.

If you believe you are eligible for this significant benefit work permit, your work permit application should address all key requirements above by including documents like the formal service agreement, your CV / resume, and more.

Visa requirements for foreign service providers and exhibitors

In addition to the work permit, foreign service providers (like visitors) working foreign events in Canada will need valid visitor visas or eTAs.

Those who are visa-exempt may apply for their work permit at the port of entry to Canada. Those who require visas must apply for their work permit online. If you are applying online, it is important to check processing times to ensure you will meet timelines and obtain your work permit before the event.

Contact Cohen Immigration Law for assistance

If you plan to work under contract at a foreign event in Canada, the first step is to figure out if you qualify for the significant benefit work permit.

Cohen Immigration Law has over 45 years of experience in helping foreign workers and employers navigate Canadian immigration regulations. The law firm can help assess your eligibility and prepare your work permit application, so you can focus on delivering services to your client.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm