Canada Entertainment Visas

Canada Entertainment Visas

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (sometimes called a Visitor Visa) allows individuals who do not have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency to enter the country on a time-limited basis.

To be eligible for a TRV, you will need to prove that:

• you intend to leave Canada before your TRV expires
• you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members while in Canada
• you are not a risk to Canada’s security or public order

TRVs are usually issued for six months for tourists, but can be granted for longer periods of time for temporary foreign workers.

Individuals from certain countries may be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) instead of a TRV. An eTA can be issued for up to five years, though usually with the caveat that no single visit lasts longer than six months.

Work Permits for Entertainers in Canada

Whether you will require a work permit in order to work in the entertainment industry in Canada will depend on the nature of the work you intend to perform, and for how long you intend to do it.

For example, individuals working on a television or film production in Canada typically require an employer-specific work permit (which itself may  also require the completion of an LMIA). There are however numerous exemptions to the work permit requirement which may apply to specific types of role or occupation, such as professional wrestlers or film and television producers.

The following are examples of some entertainment industry roles which typically require both a work permit and an LMIA:

• Workers in Canadian theatrical productions, circuses and shows (e.g. actors, crew, singers)
• Anyone contributing to the production of films, television, and radio or internet broadcasts
• Anyone directly employed by the business or organization which has contracted their services in Canada
• Anyone performing in a Canadian-based show or production
• Performers in rodeos and side show workers

Someone taking up one of the above roles may be exempt from the work permit and LMIA requirements if the work is one-off or short-term.

The following is a selection of popular entertainment roles which are typically exempt from requiring a work permit (and therefore also exempt from requiring an LMIA):

• DJs
• Street performers (buskers)
• Musical and theatrical groups and individuals (foreign-based), and their essential crew
• Professional wrestlers
• Airshow performers
• Rodeo contestants
• Guest artists performing time-limited engagements with a Canadian group
• Artists performing time-limited engagements at a private event (e.g. weddings)
• Artists attending or working at a workshop, showcase or competition usually lasting no more than five days

A limited number of entertainment purposes can be classed as business travel rather than work, and therefore would only require a visa and not a work permit. Such purposes include:

• film producers
• guest speakers (e.g. on Canadian television or radio)
• individuals or small groups renting a Canadian film or recording studio for their own use

Canadian immigration rules can be highly complex, therefore individuals are strongly advised to seek professional advice on their personal situation before making plans to travel to Canada to work in the entertainment industry. Failure to ensure that you have the appropriate visa and/or work permit could result in denial of entry at the border or inability to legally undertake the work you intend to do.

Our licensed immigration advisors have a hard-earned reputation for providing the best possible visa and immigration advice to businesses and individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada to live and work. For the most accurate and comprehensive advice which takes into account your unique circumstances and specific needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Application Fees

The application fee for a temporary Canadian visitor visa varies depending on which specific visa your nationality and circumstances permit. Those able to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can expect to pay just CAD $7, with individual six-month Visitor Visas costing CAD $100. Individuals who may not ordinarily be eligible for an ETA or Visitor Visa may be able to apply for a more expensive Temporary Resident Permit costing around CAD $230.