Under Canada's International Mobility Program, many professionals in sports, arts, and entertainment can enter and work in their respective fields without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a work permit. However, in some cases, these professionals may still require one or the other. With some of these requirements waived, the program facilitates a streamlined entry process, allowing these professionals to participate in Canadian activities with fewer administrative hurdles.
Key Services and Areas of Expertise
- Sports and Entertainment: We offer guidance for athletes, coaches, and essential team members participating in Canadian sports activities without a work permit. Our services extend to supporting professional and semi-professional coaches and athletes working with Canadian teams, as well as assisting their spouses with obtaining necessary permits and documentation.
- Artists and Performers: Assistance is available for a variety of artists and performers, including musicians, actors, technicians, and street performers, who can enter Canada for specific engagements without a work permit. We navigate the requirements for time-limited engagements and the specifics of employment relationships that might necessitate work permits and LMIAs.
- Film and Television Industry: We provide support for professionals requiring work permits and LMIAs, including actors, screenwriters, and technicians. Our expertise also encompasses assistance for those involved in international co-productions and cultural exchange programs, ensuring all legal and documentation needs are comprehensively met.
- Special Exemptions and Programs: Our firm possesses detailed knowledge of immigration exemptions applicable to guest artists, circus performers, festival artists, and adjudicators. Additionally, we manage cases involving significant cultural exchanges, such as those facilitated between the American Federation of Musicians and the Canadian Federation of Musicians.
Why Choose Azzi Law
We provide comprehensive legal expertise, personalized client services, and family support to professionals in sports, entertainment, and the arts navigating Canadian immigration. Our team ensures seamless preparation of documentation and compliance with immigration laws, assists dependents with obtaining necessary permits, and offers strategic guidance on complex regulations involving work permits, LMIAs, and exemptions.