Canada Visa For Musicians
You want to pursue your passion — you’ve decided to move to Canada. Now all you have to do is to decide on a Canadian Music Visa. Here are the steps you need to take and tips for making it happen.
Canada is a great destination for many reasons. One of the lesser known, but not least important reason is its immigration policy for artists, entertainers and athletes. In this article, we’ll take you through this policy’s requirements, who qualifies and how can you apply.
Right here on Touriangle you can rest easy to obtain all the relevant information you need on immigration Canada, musician jobs in Canada, self employed visa Canada, self employed artist visa Canada, and so much more. Take out time to surf through our catalog for more information on related topics.
Visitor Visa For Artist In Canada
Are you an international musician? Are you looking to move to Canada? If so, there are a few things you need to know before applying for a Canadian visa. In this article, we’ll go over the most important information for those planning on moving to Canada as a musician.
It may be dream job for musician but it’s a tough nut to crack. Canada is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich place. Some of the best musical talents in the world are always welcome there. But not just anyone can move to Canada and perform anywhere they want. If you’re interested in performing in Canada, you need a work visa. If your career will depend on live performances, then getting a Work Permit opens the gateway for you to stay longer.
For the purpose of immigration, the Government of Canada has divided its territory into classes. Each class has its specific set of rules and regulations that determine who can apply for a visa, who will be granted a visa, for what duration and what type of job is eligible for visa issuance.
Do I Need A Visa To Perform In Canada
Work with and without a work permit
We have successfully assisted musicians, athletes, and other performing artists apply for and obtain TRVs (temporary resident visa), if applicable, and work permits. If you think you may qualify for a TRV and/or a work permit or would like to know if you may qualify please contact us for a free consultation.
Work permits are useful for artists, musicians, entertainers, lecturers, and other performers and persons of special talent who wish to come to Canada to perform. A temporary work permit is a non-immigrant status which may be granted for a period of time up to three years.
In order to qualify for the work permit as a performing artist the applicant must establish that he or she is an “alien of extraordinary ability.” Thus, the applicant must be able to establish that he or she is recognized in the field in which he or she claims to have special talent or extraordinary ability.
The performing artist category also allows aliens who will accompany or assist the alien artist in his or her performance. Such aliens may enter Canada with a work permit also. In order to obtain temporary worker status, it must be established that the alien is an “integral part” of the actual performance and has “critical skills and experience” with the alien performing artist which cannot be filled by a Canadian worker.
The petition for a TRV and/or work permit must be filed by an agent or employer in Canada. The petition for the work permit may not be filed by the alien performer personally. In many cases, the applicant will be required a letter of recommendation LMO (labour market opinion) from Human Resource and Skills Development of Canada.
The list below outlines which types of activities according to CIC/HRSDC meet the requirements of IRPA (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), and which types of activities will require an LMO and work permits.
Entry Without A Work Permit
- Foreign-based musical and theatrical individuals and groups and their essential crew, working outside bars and restaurants;
- Street performers (buskers), DJs working outside a bar, restaurant or similar establishment;
- A foreign or traveling circus;
- Guest artists (not employed) within a Canadian performance group for a time-limited engagement;
- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestlers (& similar groups);
- Persons performing at a private event, such as a wedding;
- Sir show performers;
- Srtists attending or working at a showcase; including visual artists creating or displaying their own work. rodeo contestants, e.g. bronc-riders, steer-ropers, barrel racers
- Visual artists coming to create or display their own work’
Note: The following persons will be granted entry as visitors
- Business visitors:
- Film producers;
- Film and recording studio users (limited to small groups renting studios not entering the labour market);
- Guest speakers:
- Persons doing guest spots on Canadian TV and radio broadcasts.
Work Permit And LMO Required
- Bands performing at bars, pubs, restaurants, etc.;
- Exotic/erotic (new NOC title) dancers performing in a bar or club;
- Actors, singers, crew, etc. in Canadian theatrical productions, shows, circuses;
- Any individual involved in making films, TV, internet and radio broadcasts
- Any individual who will be in an employment relationship with the organization or business contracting for their services in Canada;
- A performer in a Canadian-based production or show.
- Rodeo performers or side show workers, e.g. rodeo clowns and announcers, horsemanship or trick riding displays, half-time acts‘ and other specialty act entertainers.
Work Permit For Musicians In Canada
Are you a musician searching for the best way to immigrate to Canada? The first thing that strikes your mind is obviously acquiring a job offer so that you can move there and chase your dreams. But what if this is not an option? What if you don’t have connections in Canada or a company willing to sponsor you? Well, we’ve got some good news for those interested in moving to Canada without having an employer in the country that’s willing to hire them.
The following performing artists may enter Canada without a work permit:
- Foreign-based musical and theatrical performers or groups and their essential crew
- Street performers (buskers)
- DJs
- Traveling circus performers
- Guest artists who are performing with a Canadian performance group for a time-limited engagement. Note: In order to be exempt from the work permit requirement, it must be obvious that the guest performer will cease his/her work with the Canadian group after a certain period of time
- Wrestlers from the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and similar groups
- Persons performing for a limited time at a private event such as a wedding
- Air show performers
- Artists working at or attending a showcase or workshop. Under this group, only entry for five days or less will normally be allowed. Duties under this category may include:
- Competing.
- Judging competitors.
- Demonstrating certain skills.
- Holding a class related to the showcase or workshop.
- Visual artists creating or displaying their own work at a showcase or workshop. Under this category, only entry for five days or less will normally be allowed.
- Rodeo contestants (e.g., bronco-riders, steer-ropers, barrel racers)
- Film producers
- Small groups that intend to use a film or recording studio
- Guest speakers that will make live appearances or appearances on Canadian TV or radio
Note: The following performing artists must obtain a work permit and LMIA before entering Canada:
- Actors, singers and crew in Canadian theatrical productions, shows, or circuses
- Persons involved in making films, television, Internet and radio broadcasts
- Performers in Canadian-based productions or shows
- Rodeo performers or side show workers (e.g., rodeo clowns, announcers, horsemanship specialists, trick riders, ‘half-time acts’ and other specialty act entertainers).
- Performers who will be in an employment relationship with a Canadian organization or business.
Note: An “employment relationship” is only created when a performer signs a contract AND agrees to perform for an employer on a regular basis such as five nights a week for a period of four weeks. If a performer is hired to perform only once or twice, the performer is still exempt from the work permit requirement even if a contract is signed.
