What is C-51 work permit & who is it for?

The C-51 Work Permit is a specific LMIA-Exempt work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP). It allows foreign nationals to work in Canada to perform duties that are "charitable in nature" without the employer needing to prove that no Canadian could do the job (Labour Market Impact Assessment). This exemption code corresponds to R205(d) of the immigration regulations: "Charitable or religious work."

Here are the requirements, process, and steps for both the employer and the employee.

1. Who is Eligible for C-51 Work Permit?

This permit is not for any job at a charity (e.g., a standard accountant or HR manager at a non-profit might still need an LMIA). It is specifically for Charitable Workers.

Employer Eligibility

• Organization Status: Must be a Canadian registered charity or a non-profit organization.

  
  

• Mission: The organization's mandate must align with recognized charitable purposes, such as:

  • Relief of poverty.

  • Advancement of education.

  • Advancement of religion (though C-50 is usually for religious duties).

  • Other purposes beneficial to the community.

Employee/Job Eligibility

• Nature of Work: The duties must directly support the charitable mission (e.g., a front-line community support worker, a specialized program coordinator for a poverty relief project).

  
  

• Remuneration vs. Volunteering:

  • Volunteer: If the individual is not paid (except for small incidental expenses) and the work does not compete with the labor market, they typically do not need a work permit—they can volunteer as a visitor.

  • C-51 Worker: If the individual receives remuneration (wages, a living stipend, room and board) OR if the work is a full-time activity that "competes" with the Canadian labor market, they need a work permit. C-51 is used here.

    
    

2. Requirements & Steps for the Employer

Since this is an LMIA-exempt permit, the employer does not apply to ESDC. Instead, they deal directly with IRCC via the Employer Portal.

Step 1: Determine Fee Exemption Status

• Standard Rule: Most LMIA-exempt offers require a $230 Employer Compliance Fee.

  
  

• Exception (C-51): If the work is unremunerated (the worker receives only non-monetary benefits like room/board or a nominal stipend purely for living expenses), the employer may be exempt from the $230 fee.

  
  

  • Note: If you pay a salary/wage, you usually must pay the fee.

Step 2: Submit Offer of Employment

1. Log in to the IRCC Employer Portal.

2. Select "Submit an offer of employment".

3. Enter the business and job details.

4. LMIA Exemption Code: Select C51 (Charitable Work).

5. Payment: Pay the $230 fee (or select the fee exemption option if applicable).

6. Submit: Once submitted, the portal will generate an Offer of Employment Number (starts with the letter A, e.g., A1234567).

   
   

Step 3: Provide Details to Employee

You must give the employee:

• The Offer of Employment Number (A-Number).

• A formal Job Offer Letter or Contract (outlining duties, duration, and remuneration/stipend).

  
  

3. Steps for the Employee (How to Apply)

Once the employer provides the A-Number, the employee can apply for the work permit.

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Valid Passport.

• Offer of Employment Number (the A# provided by the employer).

• Job Offer Letter/Contract from the employer.

• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence that you meet the requirements for the job (resume, education, past experience).

• Proof of Charity Status: It is helpful to include proof of the employer's charitable registration (e.g., CRA registration number) to help the officer understand the C-51 eligibility.

  
  

Step 2: Submit Application

• Online Application: Most applicants must apply online through the IRCC website.

• Port of Entry (Border): If you are from a visa-exempt country (e.g., USA, UK, Australia) or are a US lawful permanent resident, you may be able to apply directly at the Canadian border/airport upon arrival.

  
  

Step 3: Biometrics & Medical

• Biometrics: You may need to give fingerprints and a photo if you haven't done so in the last 10 years.

• Medical Exam: Since charitable work often involves working with vulnerable people (children, elderly), a Medical Exam is often required before the visa is approved.