Visa Requirements for U.S. Musicians Working in Canada
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: July, 2005
Revised:
Question
"What special forms are there for entry to Canada? We are playing music festivals in Canada and will pay taxes at the end of the year. Do we need any info from the festivals for customs officials?"
Answer
Thanks for your question. The easiest way to enter Canada and legally work is through the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). What follows is the latest information from the Canadian Office of the American Federation of Musicians (as of July 11, 2005):
Cultural Exchange – AFM Members Performing in Canada
The Canadian Office of the American Federation of Musicians has been designated as the sponsoring organization for a cultural exchange program, whereby members of the A.F. of M. will not require department of employment validation (EMP-2151) prior to entering Canada for commercial engagements for a period up to three (3) months duration.
The following documentation is required in order to obtain a work permit to enter Canada as a performing musician under this program.
Each musician and member of the technical staff, if any, must complete an application form CE-AFM-1, preferably fifteen (15) days in advance of the performance date. The form letter enclosed herein can be reproduced as needed, but must be signed by the AFM Local official verifying membership status of performing musicians, which must be current for the duration of stay being requested.
A copy of a duly executed AFM contract covering the engagement(s) to be performed in Canada is required.
Each person must carry proof citizenship, i.e. birth certificate, passport, or citizenship papers.
A charge of $20.00cdn for each "Cultural Exchange" authorization is required (for members of a band crossing a port of entry as one unit $20.00cdn charge applies. Musicians crossing separate from the group will be charged an additional $20.00cdn per authorization). This fee is payable to AFM Canada in Canadian funds by cheque or cash. No other form of payment will be accepted.
Please forward copies of completed applications, engagement contracts and fee to:
American Federation of Musicians
-Canadian Office-
Attention: Corina Robidoux, Artist Immigration
75 The Donway West, Suite 1010
Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3C 2E9The Canadian Office will return to the leader/single musician a completed CE-AFM-2 form letter, which must be presented to the Canadian Immigration Inspector at the port of entry into Canada, along with a copy of the contract(s). At this time a form IMM-1102 Work Permit will be issued and an administration fee will be charged.
Single member(s) @ $150.00 each and for groups of three through fourteen members travelling as one unit @ $450.00. Note: These amounts payable in Canadian funds.
In some instances "performing artists" may not have to pay the fee or require authorization to work. Please contact Corina Robidoux for additional information.
Did you get all that? The contract referred to above is Form LPCC Live Performance Contract for Canada. It and Form CE-AFM-1 are available from Corina at the Canadian Office. So, the steps you need to follow are:
Make sure you are a member in good standing of your AFM Local;
Contact the Canadian Office at the above address to obtain the forms and contracts indicated above;
Fill out the required CE-AFM-1 forms and have them verified by your AFM Local;
Get Form LPCC contracts for all your gigs; and
Send everything to the Canadian Office for approval.
Sneaking Across: Don't Do It!
Some musicians, when faced with the above paperwork, may be tempted to simply throw their instruments in the car and head north, claiming at the border that they are "just visiting." I think these people are nuts.
The old days of crossing the border with nothing but a valid driver's licence are gone. Advanced computer systems are being put into place that can track any individual's border crossings. Canadian border agents perhaps don't have the authority that their U.S. counterparts now possess, but how will you feel trying to explain that the instruments in your trunk are just for "practice" while you are on your "vacation" in Canada? You run a very good risk of being turned away at the border, and perhaps being black-listed in the computer system!
Is it really worth it for a few measly gigs? No! If you can't get the proper paperwork ready in advance, your best bet is to turn the gigs down.