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) 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 Foreign Worker Application for a labour market opinion (LMO) to the HRSDC Foreign Worker office responsible for your area.

   Learn more about the HRSDC 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 LMO to the HRSDC office nearest the first work or performance site.

2. Once HRSDC has approved your job offer, send a copy of the HRSDC 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.