Working in Canada without a work permit: what changed for judges and referees at sporting events

IRCC updated in early September 2026 the requirements for work permit exemption for judges, referees and similar officials of sporting, cultural and agricultural events. The updated criteria and examples for each category are now placed in the exemption rules, making it easier to prepare documents for those invited to judge international competitions in Canada.

Which events qualify for exemption

Judges, referees and similar officials can work in Canada without a work permit if they participate in one of the following types of events:

• international amateur sporting competitions;
• international cultural or artistic events and contests;
• animal exhibitions or agricultural competitions.

The exemption operates under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and requires the use of a special LMIA exemption code when applying for a work permit.

Criteria for judges and referees at sporting events

For international amateur sporting competitions, a judge or referee must meet a number of conditions. First, you must demonstrate the required training, qualifications and experience sufficient to properly adjudicate the invited event. Second, the event must be organized by an international amateur sporting association and hosted by a Canadian organization—this requirement distinguishes sporting events from other categories.

The third condition is to provide an official invitation letter from the event organizing body or committee. The letter must specify the judge’s role in the event, the dates of the competition and confirmation of the international nature of the event.

Documentation for cultural and agricultural events

Judges at cultural, artistic, animal and agricultural competitions must comply with the same requirements regarding the international nature of the event and the participation of a Canadian organization in its conduct. For all these categories, an official invitation letter must also be provided, which describes in detail the participant’s role, the timing of the event and its international status.

Qualification requirements for a judge—the possession of necessary experience and training—apply uniformly to all types of events, regardless of their nature.

Which code to use when applying

When applying for a work permit, you must specify the special LMIA exemption code corresponding to the position of judge, referee or official. Each code has its own specific requirements, and all must be fully met. IRCC has posted examples and updated instructions on its official website, so before submitting documents, you should familiarize yourself with the relevant section for your specific event category.

Practical application with an invitation letter

Canadian organizations planning to invite a foreign judge or referee must ensure that documentation is prepared properly. The invitation letter must contain all necessary information: clarification of the participant’s role, exact dates of the event, confirmation of participation by an international association (for sports) and designation of the Canadian host organization. Without compliance with all these conditions, the application may be rejected, so it is recommended that you carefully review the updated IRCC instructions before beginning to prepare documents.