As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada is rolling out a targeted immigration measure to support the delivery of this global event. Toronto and Vancouver will host key matches and the FIFA Congress, requiring large numbers of highly specialized staff, technicians, and event personnel to coordinate complex operations.

To prepare for this, IRCC has introduced a temporary public policy allowing certain FIFA-invited foreign workers to enter Canada without a traditional work permit — but only under specific, limited circumstances.While the policy is legitimate, social media has exploded with misinformation, with some users falsely claiming this creates “easy work visas,” “open work permits,” or “pathways to PR.”

Here is the actual policy — and what Canadians and newcomers should know.

What the New Policy Actually Allows

Between December 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, select individuals officially invited by FIFA can work in Canada without needing a work permit, provided they meet all of the following conditions:

1. They must have an official invitation from FIFA

This includes:

• FIFA employees
• Contractors
• Sub-contractors
• Personnel performing functions directly related to an official FIFA event

Their work must directly support FIFA-organized activities, not general hospitality, tourism, or unrelated employment.

2. They must be listed on FIFA’s official accreditation microsite

The exemption is tied to a verified list maintained by FIFA.

3. They must enter and leave Canada within the specified event window

This exemption does not allow someone to stay longer, switch jobs, or extend status for unrelated work.

4. They must still meet normal admissibility rules

This includes:

• Security screening
• Health requirements
• Visa or eTA requirements (depending on nationality)

This is not a bypass of Canada’s immigration checks — it only streamlines authorization for a very narrow category of event-critical workers.

Social Media Misinformation to Watch Out For

Since the announcement, TikTok, Instagram reels, and WhatsApp forwards have spread a series of misleading claims. Let’s address them one by one.

MYTH 1: “Anyone can apply for this special FIFA work visa.”

FACT: There is no application process for the public.
Only individuals directly invited by FIFA and listed on FIFA’s official accreditation system qualify.

This is not:

• A job program
• A recruitment campaign
• An immigration pathway
• A work-permit shortcut

MYTH 2: “This is an open work permit for foreigners who want to work during the World Cup.”

FACT: This is not an open work permit.
It applies only to people performing roles essential to FIFA operations — broadcasting crews, technical specialists, event managers, etc.— and only for a short, fixed period.

No one can use it to:

• Work for Canadian employers
• Switch jobs
• Extend their stay for unrelated purposes

MYTH 3: “This helps you get Canadian PR faster.”

FACT:
This exemption has zero connection to:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Work experience points
• Employer sponsorship
• Canadian work history pathways

It does not provide:

• CRS points
• Work experience credit
• A longer stay
• Status beyond July 2026

MYTH 4: “This is Canada bringing workers from abroad because of labour shortages.”

FACT:
The policy is not about general labour shortages.
It is strictly to ensure that highly specialized FIFA-associated personnel can perform short-term, event-related functions—things that can’t be easily filled by local labour.

MYTH 5: “Agencies can get you a FIFA visa for a fee.”

FACT:
No agency, consultant, recruiter, or third party can:

• Obtain a FIFA invitation letter
• Add you to FIFA’s accreditation list
• File for this exemption on your behalf

Any person or agency making such claims is misleading you or engaging in fraud.

Why Canada Introduced This Policy

• The FIFA World Cup requires thousands of accredited specialists — from broadcasting teams to venue-operations staff — that must operate in multiple host countries under strict timelines.
• Canada wants to avoid bureaucratic delays that could disrupt event delivery.
• This exemption aligns with similar measures introduced in the U.S. and Mexico, ensuring all three host countries operate seamlessly.

The goal is event efficiency, not immigration expansion.

What This Means for the Public and for Newcomers

• For regular applicants, Canadian immigration programs remain unchanged.
• For spectators, volunteers, and fans, entry rules remain the same: you still need a visa or eTA, depending on your nationality.
• For workers hoping to come to Canada, this policy does not create new opportunities — legitimate pathways like LMIA-based work permits, PNPs, and Express Entry remain the proper channels.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a massive opportunity for Canada, and this carefully designed exemption ensures the event operates smoothly without compromising immigration integrity.

But as the excitement grows, so does misinformation.
If you see posts claiming this is a “shortcut to work in Canada,” “a new visa type,” or “a pathway to PR,” treat them with caution — and do not send money or personal documents to anyone claiming they can help you “get a FIFA visa.”

Need Trusted Immigration Guidance? Avoid Scams. Speak to Licensed Experts.

With misinformation spreading rapidly on TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp, it’s becoming easier for newcomers to fall into fraudulent traps.

If you want accurate, verified, and honest immigration advice, connect with a licensed professional.

Sehli Global Immigration Services — RCIC-Led, Transparent, and Trusted

Whether you’re exploring:

• Work permits
• PNP pathways
• Study options
• PR strategies
• Compliance questions

Our regulated Canadian immigration consultants provide real answers, backed by law — not rumours.

Book a consultation: www.sehliglobal.ca and Get expert guidance before you take your next immigration step.

Don’t trust viral videos. Trust verified experts.