Unpaid, non-contract work as visitor?

[RedB123]

Hello everyone,


A visitor is not allowed to work. But what exactly is "work"?
What if the "work" is unpaid (i.e. volunteer-based), and/or not related to any type of contract?
This seems like a slippery slope.

How would the customs at the aeroport see this? Does anyone have experience?


Thank you in advance!

Red

 

[newtone]

My question is why walk a slippery slope when you know
a) Its slippery
b) probability of falling is high

 

[RedB123]

Thanks, but the alternative - an IEC work permit - will only become available in 10 months from now. And its quota may be reached within 10 minutes...
As visitor it is a million times easier. I only wondered if there is an official guideline for what "work" is in Canada.

 

[Jalex23]

Thanks, but the alternative - an IEC work permit - will only become available in 10 months from now. And its quota may be reached within 10 minutes...
As visitor it is a million times easier. I only wondered if there is an official guideline for what "work" is in Canada.

“Work” is defined in the Regulations as an activity for which wages are paid or commission is earned, or that competes directly with activities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market.

How would the customs at the aeroport see this? Does anyone have experience?

Why would costums at the airport see this? Costums in the airport take care of goods entering the country, nothing to do with what you are asking.

Maybe you are asking how would CRA notice? Well they won't if it is little money or you are super lucky (illegal workers do exist) but if they do notice that is a major offense that could result in deportation.

 

[scylla]

Thanks, but the alternative - an IEC work permit - will only become available in 10 months from now. And its quota may be reached within 10 minutes...
As visitor it is a million times easier. I only wondered if there is an official guideline for what "work" is in Canada.

It's very easy. If it's something someone is normally paid to do - then it's work (e.g. intern with an architecture firm). If it's something someone is not normally paid to do - then it's OK to volunteer without a work permit (e.g. church bake sale, volunteer dog walker for the pound, etc.).

 

[zardoz]

If however, you are doing something for "free" that would/could be done as paid work by a Canadian or PR, then it's "work" even if you are not being paid for it. This is because you have replaced a potential employee.
So, for example, if you build a fence for friends/family while you are visiting, as a "favour", you are competing against the Canadian labour market, and this would be illegal work.