Canada is preparing to host several major events connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the 76th FIFA Congress and multiple World Cup matches in Toronto, Vancouver, and other key host cities. To support these events, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy allowing certain FIFA-invited foreign nationals to work in Canada without a work permit, simplifying travel and logistical planning for the global workforce supporting FIFA operations.
This exemption is designed to make it easier for FIFA-affiliated staff, contractors, and service providers to enter Canada for short-term, event-related work — a rare and targeted exception to the country’s usual work authorization rules.
This update is based on the official IRCC public policy signed on November 14, 2025 by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab.
Why Did Canada Create This Policy?
As highlighted in the public policy document on page 1, Canada anticipates an influx of international personnel required to deliver the FIFA Congress and World Cup events efficiently. These workers will help support:
- Event operations
- Media and broadcasting
- Technical and security functions
- Hospitality, cultural, and community programming
IRCC notes that exempting eligible FIFA-invited workers from formal work permit requirements will help streamline entry, boost tourism, encourage economic activity, and enhance Canada’s visibility on a world stage.
Who Is Eligible? (Key Requirements)
According to page 2 of the policy, a foreign national may qualify for the work-authorization exemption if all of the following apply:
1. Travel Dates
The individual must plan to enter and leave Canada between:
- December 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026,
OR
- Apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) and request entry for that same timeframe.
2. Official Letter of Invitation from FIFA
The person must hold a letter confirming that they:
- Are an employee of FIFA or its affiliates,
OR - Hold a contract for goods or services with FIFA or its affiliates,
OR - Are sub-contracted by an approved FIFA-affiliated entity.
The letter must also confirm that the individual will be performing work directly related to and supporting an official FIFA event.
3. Listing on the FIFA Microsite
The foreign national must appear on the FIFA microsite as an individual who has received an official invitation.
Only those meeting all requirements qualify for the exemption.
What Rules Are Being Exempted?
The exemption allows eligible individuals to work in Canada without obtaining a work permit.
As detailed on page 3, IRCC is waiving two key regulatory conditions:
- Regulation 183(1)(b): The rule that normally prohibits working without authorization
- Regulation 196: The requirement that foreign nationals must hold a work permit to work in Canada
This exemption is strictly limited to FIFA-invited activities.
How Long Does the Exemption Last?
Per page 3–4 of the policy:
- The exemption is valid until July 31, 2026,
- OR until the public policy is revoked — whichever comes first.
- It applies only to applications received on or after November 14, 2025.
There is no guarantee the exemption will be extended beyond July 2026.
Other Admissibility Requirements Still Apply
Even if a foreign national qualifies for the exemption, they must still meet Canada’s standard requirements, including:
- Medical admissibility
- Criminal admissibility
- Security screening
- Valid travel documents (passport, TRV/eTA if applicable)
As noted on page 3, the exemption does not override other grounds of ineligibility.
Why This Matters for Employers, Organizations & Foreign Professionals
This policy benefits:
- FIFA-recognized contractors
- Production companies
- Event management teams
- Technical staff and vendors
- International partners supporting FIFA operations
For employers and agencies coordinating World Cup operations, this exemption reduces paperwork, speeds mobilization, and ensures compliance for individuals who will be performing essential time-limited tasks.
Foreign nationals should carry:
- A copy of their FIFA invitation letter,
- Proof they are performing FIFA-related work,
- Evidence they are listed on the FIFA microsite,
- All required travel documents.
Conclusion
Canada’s temporary public policy for FIFA-invited foreign nationals is a strategic measure to ensure smooth delivery of FIFA 2026 events. By removing the need for individual work permits, the government is simplifying the process for essential personnel while maintaining necessary security and admissibility checks.
If you or your organization is involved in FIFA-related activities and need guidance on eligibility or documentation, the NPZ Law Group can assist with travel planning, TRV/eTA requirements, and immigration compliance.
FAQs — Canada’s FIFA 2026 Work Authorization Exemption
1. Can anyone working at a FIFA event enter Canada without a work permit?
No. Only those who meet the specific IRCC requirements — including holding a FIFA invitation letter and being listed on the FIFA microsite — qualify.
2. Do I still need a visitor visa (TRV) or eTA?
Yes. The exemption removes the work permit requirement, not the entry document requirement.
3. Can I stay in Canada after July 31, 2026?
Not under this policy. You must leave Canada by the end date or have alternate valid status.
4. Does this exemption allow family members to work?
No. Only the FIFA-invited individual is exempt. Family members require their own authorization.
5. What if my role changes after I enter Canada?
If your work no longer aligns with FIFA-authorized activities, you may need a regular work permit.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the Canada may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.ca or by calling us at +1 905-203-2266 .We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.ca/contact for more information.
