On or after February 17, 2016, foreign nationals in the television and film industry will be eligible for an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement under the International Mobility Program.

The exemption will apply to essential television and film production workers regardless of whether the production is foreign or Canadian and whether it is filmed entirely or in part in Canada.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants must provide the following supporting documents with their work permit applications:

• a letter of support from the production company; and
• a letter of support from the relevant union or guild.

Applicants submitting applications online can upload these letters under the Letter of Explanation category.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Television and film production workers should benefit from their eligibility for an LMIA exemption and should contact their immigration professional to discuss the requirements of the supporting documentation.