Canada•North America2 weeks – 3 months
CAD $185
Varies by filing options
Varies by category (15 to 120 days)
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote work OK

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.

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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
Valid passport
Proof of work permit exemption (invitation letter, contract, etc.)
Proof of financial support
Proof of ties to home country
| IMM 5257: Application for Temporary Resident Visa | Fill online |
| IMM 5257 Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | — |

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