Canada Allows Foreign Military to Work Without Permit

The Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has published new guidelines allowing foreign military personnel to work in Canada without a work permit, provided they hold movement orders confirming their entry under the Visiting Forces Act. This exemption is strictly applicable to individuals who meet both conditions simultaneously; without the necessary documentation, standard work permit requirements will apply.

The Visiting Forces Act is a Canadian federal law that regulates the legal status of foreign military personnel in Canada, addressing issues such as criminal jurisdiction and civil liability. Generally, Canada requires foreign nationals to obtain work permits before employment, but specific exemptions exist for categories governed by separate legal frameworks, including foreign military personnel.

Those arriving without the appropriate documentation will not benefit from the exemption solely based on their military status.