Athletes and Staff - Themillenniumimmigration

Canada's Work Rules for Athletes

Due to the nature of their work, there are specific requirements for athletes and staff seeking to work in Canada, whether temporarily or permanently.

Canada welcomes athletes and staff from around the globe to enhance its economic, social, and cultural prosperity. Work permit regulations vary based on whether your team is based in Canada. This comprehensive page provides an overview of how you can work in Canada as an athlete or staff member.

Athletes and staff working for a non-Canadian employer

Many foreign athletes and coaches earn their livelihood through sport, and when they come to Canada for events, they are technically considered foreign workers. However, in most cases, the regulations of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program do not apply to visiting athletes and coaches. Subjecting them to the usual rules would be overly burdensome and could hinder Canada’s participation in international sporting events.

As long as these individuals are part of a foreign-based team or representing a foreign country, a work permit is generally not required. This also applies to essential personal and support staff of the foreign team or athlete.

Athletes and staff joining a Canadian employer

If a foreign national wishes to join a Canada-based sports team or represent Canada as an individual athlete, they typically need to obtain a work permit. However, much of the usual red tape associated with this process is streamlined. Athletes in this situation may be exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement, which is often the most challenging part of obtaining a work permit.

The LMIA demonstrates that a labor shortage exists and that the Canadian employer couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position. These applications are closely scrutinized; even minor errors can jeopardize success. In contrast, LMIA-exempt work permits do not require proof of this labor shortage. Therefore, it’s crucial for athletes to ensure they qualify for this type of work permit and submit a well-prepared application.

Contact THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION for Assistance

Would you like to enter Canada to work temporarily? THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION can help. THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION offers over 11 years of expertise in assisting workers and employers navigate Canadian immigration regulations.