International Mobility Program

Supporting Religious and Charitable Work in Canada

Canada recognizes the significant contributions of religious and charitable organizations to society, and the country has specific provisions in place to facilitate the temporary entry of foreign nationals working in these sectors. The Religious and Charitable Work program allows individuals to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), provided their roles support non-commercial objectives that align with the country’s public interest.

Understanding the Religious and Charitable Work Program

The Religious and Charitable Work program is designed to allow foreign nationals to engage in activities that contribute to the welfare of Canadian communities through religious or charitable work. This program exempts eligible workers from the LMIA requirement, streamlining the process for organizations seeking to bring in foreign talent to support their missions.

Eligibility Criteria for Religious and Charitable Work

To qualify under the Religious and Charitable Work program, the following criteria must be met:‍

• Nature of the Work: The work performed by the employee must be charitable or religious in nature, meaning it should primarily benefit the public or a specific community rather than generate profits. Eligible roles often include religious instruction, spiritual care, community outreach, and direct involvement in charitable activities. The key requirement is that the work itself, not just the employer, must have a charitable or religious purpose.
• Employer Requirements: While it is not a requirement to be a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)-registered charity, the organization's work must be charitable in nature. For organizations not registered with the CRA, they may be required to demonstrate that the work meets the CRA’s definition of charitable purposes. Officers will carefully assess the nature of the work and the supporting documentation to ensure it qualifies under the Religious and Charitable Work program.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Assist

Navigating the Religious and Charitable Work program requires a deep understanding of both immigration law and the specific needs of religious and charitable organizations. Our immigration lawyers offer tailored guidance to ensure that applications are compliant with Canadian regulations and that the process is as smooth as possible. We assist with:

• Determining Eligibility: We help organizations and prospective workers assess whether they meet the program’s criteria, ensuring a clear understanding of the requirements.
• Document Preparation and Submission: Our team prepares all necessary documentation, including proof of the organization’s charitable or religious status, detailed job descriptions, and evidence of the charitable nature of the work, to support a strong application.
• Ongoing Compliance Support: We provide continued support to ensure that both the organization and the foreign worker remain compliant with Canadian immigration laws throughout the duration of the work period, helping to avoid potential legal issues.

Empowering Religious and Charitable Missions in Canada

The Religious and Charitable Work program offers a vital pathway for organizations to bring in dedicated individuals who can contribute to their missions and positively impact Canadian communities. With our legal expertise, we help ensure that your organization can effectively leverage this program, allowing you to focus on your core mission.