Charitable or Religious Work

Foreign workers for Canadian charitable/religious organizations may access a simplified work permit process, exempt from labor market testing.

Work vs. Volunteering

• Distinguish between “work” requiring a Canadian work permit and “volunteering,” which does not necessitate a work permit. “Work” involves full-time, paid activities, while volunteering implies unpaid engagement in various activities.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• Assess the need for an LMIA to determine if a foreign national can work for a charitable or religious organization. LMIA exemption applies if the organization is non-profit, charitable, or religious, focusing on poverty relief, community interests, education, or religion.

Nature of the Work

• Examine the nature of the work performed by the foreign national to ascertain if it aligns with charitable or religious mandates. Factors include whether the work advances the organization’s goals and if the organization benefits financially from the foreign national’s services.

Clergy Work Authorization

• Members of the “clergy” engaging in traditional religious activities do not require work permits for practicing in Canada. The exception applies to preaching, presiding over worship, and similar religious activities.

• For practical reasons, some may choose to apply for a work permit, especially to extend stays or facilitate spousal work permits.

FAQs

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