Canada is set to host the 76th Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Congress and portions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver – marking the first time the men’s tournament will be held in Canada. In anticipation, IRCC has introduced a temporary public policy that will allow select foreign nationals invited by FIFA to work in Canada without needing a standard work permit. This policy underscores the government’s commitment to smooth event delivery, but it also carries key eligibility conditions that employers and workers should understand.
What’s the Policy?
On November 14, 2025, IRCC announced the public policy titled “Temporary public policy to exempt select FIFA-invited foreign nationals from work authorization requirements.” Under the direction of the Minister of Immigration, this policy grants exemptions under sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) that normally require work permits.
Under this policy, eligible foreign nationals will be exempt from:
- Paragraph 183(1)(b) of the Regulations (which prohibits work without authorisation)
- Section 196 of the IRPR (which requires a work permit)
Effectively, this means that certain workers invited by FIFA will be able to carry out designated work in Canada from December 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026 without a traditional work permit. The policy remains valid until July 31, 2026 or until revoked.
Who Qualifies?
The policy is narrowly targeted. To benefit from this exemption, a foreign national must meet all of the following conditions:
- They must request to enter and depart Canada between December 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026, or have already done so.
- They must hold a letter of invitation from FIFA or a FIFA affiliate which states that the foreign national:
- is an employee of FIFA or one of its affiliates; OR
- holds a contract for goods/services with FIFA or one of its affiliates; OR
- has been subcontracted by such an entity.
They must also be scheduled to perform time-limited work that is directly related to and critically supports an official FIFA-organised event.
- is an employee of FIFA or one of its affiliates; OR
- They must appear on FIFA’s official microsite as having received a letter of invitation.
Even though this exemption lifts the standard work permit requirement, all other eligibility and admissibility criteria remain in force (e.g., security, medical, financial, visa or eTA if required).
Why This Public Policy?
The exemption reflects several public-policy motives:
- Hosting FIFA events promises significant economic, social and cultural benefits for Canada, including tourism, global visibility, and infrastructure use.
- A streamlined immigration process for invited workers helps ensure that event logistics and service delivery are not delayed by standard work-permit procedures.
- It sets a precedent for how Canada may accommodate large-scale international events and their human-resource needs under immigration law.
What This Means for Employers & Workers
For employers or contractors engaged by FIFA or its affiliates:
- If you are contracting foreign talent for time-limited event support (broadcasting, logistics, technology, security) you should confirm whether your role is “directly related to and critically supports” the FIFA event.
- Prepare to verify that the foreign worker holds a valid invitation letter from FIFA, is listed on the FIFA microsite, and will begin work in the December 2025-July 2026 window.
- Recognize that standard work-permit processing may not apply – but you will still need to meet other immigration requirements.
For foreign nationals invited by FIFA:
- You may enter and work in Canada during the December 1, 2025-July 31, 2026 period without a work permit, provided you meet the conditions.
- You still need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if applicable.
- Be aware that the exemption is temporary and specific to FIFA-organised events – it does not create an open work-permit category or general employer-specific permit.
Strategic Considerations & Risks
- This policy delivers an event-specific short-term exemption and does not replace standard employer work permits, open work permits or permanent-resident pathways.
- Workers or employers who assume a broader permit or long-term settlement route through this policy may be disappointed.
- Any delay or failure to meet the narrow invitation criteria – listing on the FIFA microsite, timeframe of work, nature of contract – could disqualify the exemption and trigger conventional work-permit requirements.
- Because the exemption ends July 31, 2026 (or earlier if revoked), all work must be completed within that window.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s new FIFA-related work-permit exemption illustrates how immigration law adapts to major global events. For foreign nationals and employers connected to FIFA’s 2026 tournament in Canada, this policy offers a streamlined route to work authorization. For immigration lawyers and advisors, it reaffirms the need to monitor public policies and regulatory texts that carve out highly-specific pathways.
At Jain Immigration Law, our team is ready to help you evaluate whether this public policy applies to your situation, whether you’re a worker, contractor, or employer gearing up for the FIFA event. Let us help you navigate eligibility, documentation and compliance.
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://jainimmigrationlaw.com
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policy can change. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer for personalised guidance.