The Film Industry Worker Immigration Program in Canada allows skilled labour to come to Canada on a temporary basis. Many productions choose to film in Canada based on excellent settings, resources infrastructures for the film industry found in Toronto and Vancouver, and other areas. The tax credit system run by the Canadian government is also a huge incentive to film in Canada. Strict observance must be made to the criteria in order to take advantage of Canadian tax credits. For production companies must be comprised of a minimum percentage of Canadian workers versus foreign workers in order to qualify for the generous Canadian federal and provincial tax credits.
Companies may choose to bring in crew members with special skills for a specific production, and that is where we come in. Ask for our help with this program to avoid any time delays with errors or omissions. We know all the programs that affect such applications.
We can arrange temporary work permits to work in Canada’s film industry on a single production, or immigrated as a permanent resident, based on your skilled labour as a technician, engineer, grip, script master, talent, etc.
If you’re working on a film or television production, you may be eligible for an employer-specific work permit if:
- your work is essential to the film production
- the production will create and maintain significant economic benefits for Canadians and permanent residents
- your job is high wage and unionized
You also need to meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit. Before you submit your work permit application, your employer must submit an offer of employment to Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, pay a fee, and provide you with an offer of employment number.
As of September 28, 2020, “the instructions for work permits have been updated to add guidance on workers in the film and television industry entering Canada from outside the United States, or those entering from the United States who require a temporary resident visa (TRV). These workers are eligible for priority processing. Where operationally possible, offices are encouraged to prioritize these work permit applications for eligible applicants within the 14-day priority service standard that has been established.”
Contact us if you need help working temporarily through the Film Industry Worker Immigration Program in Canada or wish to settle here permanently by means of the film industry opportunities found in this country. We’ll make sure you know what is involved and help you present your application to your best advantage. Call 001 604-710-6647 for a free assessment of your situation.