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WX-1 — Work Permit-Exempt Worker Visa
CanadaCanada•North America
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WX-1 — Work Permit-Exempt Worker Visa

Work Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $185

Stay Duration

Varies by category (15 to 120 days)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

The ca-wx-1 is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil issued to foreign nationals who are authorized to perform specific, short-term work in Canada without a work permit under Section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

The Canada Work Permit-Exempt Worker Visa (TRV counterfoil) is for foreign nationals authorized to perform specific short-term work without a work permit under IRPR Section 186. It covers business visitors, researchers, and TEER 0/1 professionals under the Global Skills Strategy.

Stay is limited by category: 15, 30, or 120 days depending on the exemption type. The application fee is CAD 100, plus CAD 85 for biometrics. Processing takes 2 to 12+ weeks; GSS applicants may qualify for expedited 2-week processing. The visa is not renewable and carries no PR pathway.

This visa is ideal for business visitors, researchers, and highly skilled professionals who qualify for a work permit exemption to perform a specific short-term activity in Canada.

Canada

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Cost Breakdown

Application Processing FeeCAD $100
Biometrics FeeCAD $85
TotalCAD $185

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for a work permit exemption under Section 186 of the IRPR

Satisfy an immigration officer of intent to leave Canada at the end of stay

Admissible to Canada (no criminal record, security risk, or health issues)

Sufficient funds to support stay

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of work permit exemption (invitation letter, contract, etc.)

Proof of financial support

Proof of ties to home country

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No work permit required
  • Expedited processing available via GSS
  • Allows short-term professional activity

Worth Knowing

  • Strict duration limits
  • Cannot engage in other types of work
  • Status is not renewable
  • Criminal inadmissibility
  • Security risk
  • Medical inadmissibility
  • Failure to prove intent to leave

Application Process

1

Determine qualification for exemption

2

Gather supporting documents

3

Apply online via IRCC Portal

4

Pay fees

5

Submit biometrics

6

Submit passport for stamping

7

Receive Visitor Record at Port of Entry

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 5257: Application for Temporary Resident VisaFill online
IMM 5257
Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
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