The Government of Canada has introduced a temporary public policy that exempts certain foreign nationals invited by FIFA or its official affiliates from the requirement to obtain a work permit. This policy supports Canada’s role as a host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 76th FIFA Congress, ensuring that essential international personnel can enter the country efficiently to perform event-related duties.
Why This Matters
Large-scale international events require a significant workforce, including technical experts, security personnel, event managers, broadcasters, and other specialists. The new exemption helps streamline immigration processes, reducing delays for individuals whose expertise is critical to the success of FIFA-related events in Canada.
Who Is Eligible?
Foreign nationals may qualify for this exemption if they meet the following key criteria:
Travel window: Arrival and departure must be between December 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026 (or the submitted application must request this timeframe).
Official FIFA invitation: The individual must possess an official invitation from FIFA or one of its affiliates confirming that they will perform work for an official FIFA event in Canada.
Role classification: Eligibility applies to:
Employees of FIFA or its affiliates
Contractors or suppliers officially contracted by FIFA or its affiliates
Subcontractors engaged by those organisations
Verification on FIFA’s designated microsite: The invited person must be listed as an official invitee.
What Is Being Exempted?
Qualified individuals may work in Canada without a work permit during the authorized period. The exemption applies to specific provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that normally prohibit working without a permit.
However, the exemption does not waive other requirements such as:
Admissibility checks (security, medical, background)
Necessary travel documentation (TRV or eTA, if applicable)
Compliance with all remaining IRCC rules and conditions
Important Conditions & Limitations
The policy is time-limited and is valid only until July 31, 2026, unless revoked earlier.
The exemption is strictly limited to the work-permit requirement; it does not replace other immigration processes.
Individuals must still provide clear documentation to prove eligibility.
Any work outside the specified timeframe or unrelated to FIFA events requires separate authorization.
What This Means for Employers, Contractors & Workers
For companies and individuals involved in the preparation and execution of FIFA-related events, this policy offers significant benefits:
Reduced administrative burden and processing time
Faster deployment of international staff
Clearer guidelines for compliance when planning event labour needs
Lower risk of delays or refusals, provided all documentation is accurate
Event organizers, service providers, and foreign workers should still exercise caution, as non-compliance with immigration requirements may result in denial of entry or future immigration complications.
Practical Steps for Compliance
To ensure proper use of the exemption, consider the following steps:
Confirm role eligibility and ensure the work is directly tied to an official FIFA event.
Secure the official FIFA invitation letter outlining the nature of the work and dates.
Verify your name on the FIFA microsite and keep proof of listing.
Ensure admissibility by preparing all required travel and identity documents.
Track timelines carefully to avoid overstaying beyond the exemption period.
Seek legal guidance to avoid mistakes or delays during the entry process.
How Titan Law Can Help
At Titan Law, our immigration lawyers have extensive experience assisting international organisations, contractors and foreign workers involved in major global events. We can help you:
Determine eligibility for the work-permit exemption
Prepare and review all required documents
Ensure smooth entry into Canada
Develop strategies for continued work or stay after the exemption period
Navigate complex immigration rules related to event-based employment
Book Your Consultation
If you or your organisation will be involved in FIFA-related events in Canada, ensure your immigration process is handled correctly from the start.
Book a consultation with Titan Law today to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer and receive tailored guidance for your situation.
If you meet all criteria under the temporary public policy, you do not need a work permit to work in Canada for official FIFA events during the designated timeframe.
You must have:
A formal FIFA or affiliate invitation letter
Proof that your name appears on the FIFA microsite
A valid passport
A TRV or eTA, if required for entry
No. The exemption is time-limited. Any work or stay beyond July 31, 2026, requires separate immigration authorization.
Family members may visit Canada if they meet entry requirements, but the work-permit exemption applies only to individuals officially invited by FIFA.
You may still qualify if you are contracted through a supplier or subcontractor performing work directly linked to FIFA’s events.
