Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Hiring Foreign Workers in Entertainment and Film-Related Occupations

Hiring foreign workers in film and entertainment can be an important part of making a production or holding a cultural or entertainment event in Canada. The entry of foreign workers in film and entertainment can also bring unique international talent to Canada and support cultural exchange.

In most cases, Canadian employers hiring foreign workers in film and entertainment must get a Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)/Service Canada Labour Market Opinion (LMO). The foreign worker also requires a Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) work permit to work in Canada. These conditions are designed to take into account career development and employment opportunities for Canadians.

Hiring Steps:

Employers hiring foreign workers in film and entertainment in Canada must :

1. Submit an HRSDC/Service Canada Foreign Worker Application (PDF 768KB) - HTML version for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) to the Service Canada Centre responsible for your area.

   Learn more about the HRSDC/Service Canada LMO assessment criteria noting that a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (QAC) issued by the province is also required in Quebec. 

   Multiple Locations: Employers of foreign workers working in multiple locations must submit their HRSDC/Service Canada LMO to the HRSDC/Service Canada office nearest the first work or performance site.

2. Once HRSDC/Service Canada has approved your job offer, send a copy of the HRSDC/Service Canada confirmation letter to the foreign worker.
   
3. Tell the foreign worker to apply for a work permit from CIC.

   Next, CIC decides whether the foreign worker will get a work permit according to the requirements to work and reside temporarily in Canada.

Some countries may require that their citizens meet certain conditions if they want to work in Canada (e.g. approval to leave the country, employer to pay transportation costs and/or medical coverage). Ask the foreign worker to verify if additional conditions apply in his/her country, contact the country's consulate in Canada or check its website to find out if you must meet additional requirements.

Note:

If you are an employer interested in hiring foreign exotic dancers, you need to be aware that there are additional requirements that you need to meet to employ foreign workers in this occupation.

• For more information, please review the Employer Information Bulletin for hiring foreign exotic dancers in Canada. 

Exemptions:

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), there are specific instances where employers do not need an HRSDC/Service Canada LMO confirmation to hire foreign workers in film and entertainment, and/or the foreign workers do not need a Citizenship and Immigration Canada work permit.

• Learn about film and entertainment exemptions.

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