Cristina Zohil-Morton, Founding Immigration Lawyer at Zohil-Morton Law, explains how Canadian work permits for TV and Film professionals are essential for economic growth and investment in Canada’s entertainment industry.

Canada’s immigration policies have recognized the value of TV and film workers, particularly due to economic benefits these professionals provide. These workers contribute to job creation and attract significant investment into Canada’s entertainment industry. Canada has long been a preferred destination for TV and film production professionals, known for favourable filming costs, government grants, and a welcoming immigration policy.

To facilitate the entry of these essential workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established the TV and Film Production Work Permit category.

Key Features of the TV and Film Production Work Permit:

• LMIA Exemption: This work permit category is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. By exempting this category, the application process is streamlined, leading to shorter processing times.
• Canadian Interests – International Mobility Program (IMP): The work of certain essential foreign workers in the production stage, i.e. filing stage, of a live-action TV or film project that is being filmed in whole or in part in Canada.
• Faster Processing: If the job title to be held in Canada is classified under Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0 or 1 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, the application will be eligible for 2-week application processing.

Who is Eligible for a TV and Film Production Work Permit?

• Essential Role: The foreign worker’s position must be crucial to the production of a live-action TV or film project in Canada.
• Economic Benefit: The production should create and maintain significant economic benefits for Canadians and permanent residents.
• High-Wage, Unionized Position: The job must be high-wage, and the occupation should be unionized in Canada.

The Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER)

The TEER system is Canada’s framework for classifying occupations based on the qualifications and duties required. This system categorizes jobs from TEER 0 to TEER 5, with each level reflecting the necessary training, education, experience, and responsibilities.

Overview of TEER Categories:

• TEER 0: Management occupations, such as advertising, marketing, public relations managers, and financial managers.
• TEER 1: Occupations that usually require a university degree, including financial advisors and software engineers.
• TEER 2: Occupations that typically require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of two or more years, or supervisory roles. Examples include computer network and web technicians, and medical laboratory technologists.
• TEER 3: Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than two years, or more than six months of on-the-job training. This category includes bakers and dental assistants.
• TEER 4: Occupations that usually require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. Examples are library assistants and food and beverage servers.
• TEER 5: Occupations that usually require short-term work demonstration and no formal education, such as delivery drivers and food counter attendants.

Understanding the TEER classification is essential for determining eligibility for various immigration programs, including work permits and permanent residency applications. For instance, certain programs may require applicants to have work experience in occupations classified under specific TEER categories.

By leveraging the expertise of Zohil-Morton Law, you can enhance your prospects of obtaining a Canadian work permit and contribute to the vibrant TV and film industry in Canada.

Please reach out to cristina@zomolaw.ca.