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Canada is preparing for a historic milestone: in 2026, our country will host the 76th FIFA Congress and play a central role in the FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto and Vancouver. This marks the first time the men's FIFA World Cup will be played on Canadian soil, bringing with it enormous cultural, social, and economic benefits.
To support the successful delivery of these events, the Government of Canada has introduced a temporary public policy that exempts certain FIFA‑invited foreign nationals from the usual work authorization requirements.
Why This Policy Was Introduced
Hosting FIFA 2026 will generate significant tourism, economic activity, and global visibility for Canada. To streamline the immigration process for individuals whose work is essential to the event, Canada is temporarily easing work permit requirements for select foreign nationals invited by FIFA.
Who Is Eligible?
Foreign nationals may qualify for this exemption if they meet the following conditions:
- Travel Period: Entry and departure must occur between December 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.
- FIFA Invitation: They must hold an official letter of
invitation from FIFA confirming that they are:
- an employee of FIFA or one of its affiliates,
- a contractor providing goods or services to FIFA, or
- a subcontractor engaged by a FIFA‑affiliated entity.
- Work Requirement: The invitation must specify that the individual will perform time‑limited work directly related to an official FIFA event during the above dates.
- Verification: Their name must appear on the official FIFA microsite listing invited individuals.
What Is Exempted?
Eligible foreign nationals may be exempted from the following requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR):
- Paragraph 183(1)(b): The condition prohibiting work without authorization.
- Section 196: The requirement to hold a work permit or other authorization to work in Canada.
It is important to note that all other admissibility and eligibility requirements remain in effect. This includes health, security, and other standard immigration checks.
Effective Dates
- This policy replaces the earlier version signed on October 27, 2025.
- It applies to applications received on or after the date of signing.
- It will remain in effect until July 31, 2026, unless revoked earlier.
What This Means for FIFA‑Invited Workers
This exemption provides a streamlined pathway for FIFA‑invited workers to enter Canada and contribute to the success of FIFA 2026. However, compliance with all other immigration requirements remains essential.
Green and Spiegel's Guidance
At Green and Spiegel, we understand the complexities of temporary public policies and their impact on international organizations and workers. If you or your organization has received a FIFA invitation, we recommend:
- Reviewing your documentation carefully.
- Ensuring your eligibility under the outlined conditions.
- Seeking professional guidance to avoid delays or complications.
For further information, please contact us to discuss your eligibility under this temporary public policy and to prepare for FIFA 2026 with confidence.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.