Performing in Canada for Musicians from the USA and Abroad
Performing in Canada for Musicians from the USA and Abroad
The Canadian government and the CFM (labour movement) are concerned about foreign workers being treated respectfully, paid fairly, and leaving our country better than when they came. To be able to monitor and inspect workplaces in Canada the government created the: Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, and the International Mobility Program.
The International Mobility Program is the program utilized by the performing arts sector.
Below are different scenarios and processes for the foreign artist. Please review and use the appropriate process.
If a foreign artist is coming into Canada to work for 2 weeks or less, and working at many venues:
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required under the International Mobility Program
- A work permit is not required when working in Canada for a “Time-limited engagement”
- Proof of engagement is required upon entry into Canada
- AFM members – are required to also present a cultural exchange letter from the CFM
If a foreign artist is coming into Canada for longer than 2 weeks, is an American citizen and an AFM member but working for various purchasers
- CFM provides a Cultural Exchange letter supporting the tour.
- A work permit is required, and may be approved for up to 3 months.
- The first venue or promoter, or Canadian band leader would act as Employer and register through the Employer portal https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/partners-service-providers/employer-portal.html.
If a foreign artist is entering into Canada for longer than 2 weeks, is an American citizen and working for one specific employer (including a Canadian based band):
- Then the employer registers with the Canadian government on the Employer Portal https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-foreign-worker/temporary/international-mobility-program.html , pays the fee of $230 per foreign artist, and obtain an Employer offer number and receipt of payment.
- The employer then provides the foreign artist with the employer offer number and the receipt of payment issued by the Employer Portal. This document is shown to the border officers upon arrival at the Canadian border or airport, and allows the processing of the Canadian work permit.
- CFM will process a Cultural Exchange Support Letter for musicians and crew.
- The foreign artist presents these documents along with passport and contract(s) to officer at the border and an employer specific work permit is obtained.
If the foreign artist is coming into Canada for longer than 2 weeks, from a country outside of North America and is working for one specific employer, the following process applies;
- The employer registers with the Canadian government on the Employer Portal https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-foreign-worker/temporary/international-mobility-program.html remits payment of $230 per foreign artist, and obtains an Employer offer number and receipt of payment.
- The employer provides to the foreign artist these documents.
- The foreign artist should also assess their need for a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (depending on the country they are traveling from. See this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp.
A foreign artist performing with a Canadian orchestra will receive their Letter of Reciprocity through the employing Canadian orchestra.
For the most up-to date information about the International Mobility Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-temporary-foreign/international-mobility-program.html
CFM/AFM forms Part One / Part Two
Live Engagement Contract for Canada
For information and assistance about performing in Canada, please contact:
Susan Whitfield—swhitfield@afm.org
The Administration fee for Cultural Exchange Letter is $50 CAD.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. Foreign Entertainers with Criminal Records Entry to Canada
If it has been less than five years since a charge or conviction, persons will be deemed “criminally inadmissible” to Canada and a Temporary Resident Permit is required instead of filing for a work permit (LMIA).
If the person has been:
Charged but not convicted: Temporary Resident Permit is NOT required.
Charged & Awaiting Trial - or - Warrant for Arrest: Temporary Resident Permit is required, but may not be granted until AFTER the conclusion of the trial.
On Parole: Five years after the completion of the parole period, the person may apply for Rehabilitation (explained further below).
If the offence committed was DUI in most situations, especially when a minimum of five years has not elapsed, persons are not deemed admissible, meaning a Temporary Resident Permit is required. To be certain, especially when there has been more than one DUI charge or if the accident was very serious (i.e. causing severe injury/death) a Canadian Consulate should be contacted as early as possible to ensure the Temporary Resident Permit is not necessary.
