- New short term visas allow managerial or professional-level foreign workers to work in Canada on short-term assignments without a work permit, or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Visas are available for single-entries of up to 15 days once every six months, or up to 30 days once every year
The Canadian government has introduced a new visa, or short term work permit exemption, under its Global Skills Strategy, which allows high-skill foreign workers to enter Canada on short term work assignments without a work permit or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The new visa is available only to managerial and professional-level personnel who have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
In the case of foreign workers who must apply for their visa at a Canadian visa office, the government has committed to processing their applications in 14 days. Foreign workers who are eligible to apply at an airport or land border port of entry can have their applications processed on arrival in Canada.
The visa can be issued for one of the following periods of time (duration):
- Up to 15 consecutive days once every six months, OR
- Up to 30 consecutive days once every 12 months
The visa is issued as a single-entry visa only, and multiple entries while the visa is in effect are not permitted.
Renewal of the visa is only permitted after the six month or 12 month period, as applicable, has ended.
The short term work permit exemption will be of significant interest to employers and Human Resources managers who need to employ managerial and professional-level foreign workers in Canada on short-term assignments without the need to obtain a work permit or a LMIA.
