Foreign freelance horse jockeys [R205(a) – C11] – Unique work situations – International Mobility Program (IMP)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
A work permit is required for all foreign freelance horse jockeys. However, those intending to work in the western provinces or Ontario may be exempt from the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) requirement pursuant to paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), as their entry to Canada may create spin-off economic benefits in the industry.
Horse jockeys intending to work in any other province or territory require an LMIA and a work permit.
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Western provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba
Foreign nationals destined to work in these 4 provinces are eligible for an LMIA exemption if they possess the required documents and meet the other work permit requirements.
The mandatory documents required with the work permit application are as follows:
- a licence or a letter confirming eligibility for licensing from one of the provincial horse-racing authorities that act as regulatory bodies for
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- an offer of employment from the first employer or horse owner (not the racetrack) making the initial offer. The first employer or horse owner must be located in one of the 4 western provinces.
- proof of their experience as a horse jockey
Work permit issuance in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) for western provinces
Under the Application screen, officers should enter the following information in the specified fields:
| Field | Selection or input |
|---|---|
| Case type: | 52 |
| Province of destination | Unknown |
| City of destination: | Unknown |
| Exemption code | C11 (auto-populated on match with offer) |
| NOC | 53200 (NOC 5251 for applications received before November 16, 2022) (auto-populated on match with offer) |
| Intended occupation | Horse Jockey (auto-populated on match with offer) |
| LMIA/LMIA-exempt # | “A” number from the offer of employment submitted in the Employer Portal |
| Employer | Auto-populated on match with offer |
| Duration | From the date of approval to November 30 of the approval year. This covers the racing season and allows for additional time for related pre- and post-season training activities. |
| User remark (mandatory) | Authorized to work as a horse-racing jockey for any horse-racing employer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. |
Ontario
Foreign nationals destined to work in Ontario as a horse jockey are eligible for an LMIA exemption if they possess the required documents and meet the other work permit requirements.
The mandatory documents required with the work permit application are as follows:
- a jockey licence or a letter confirming eligibility for licensing from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which is the regulatory body for Ontario
- an offer of employment from the first employer or horse owner (not the racetrack) making the initial offer. The employer or horse owner must be located in Ontario.
- proof that the first race they will enter is a stakes race. The jockey may enter earlier than the race in order to train with the horses.
Officers can review the list of races on the AGCO website at Approval of 2021 Race Dates (this list may not be exhaustive) or on the website of the track hosting the race, for example, Woodbine.
Work permit issuance in GCMS for Ontario
Under the Application screen, officers should enter the following information in the specified fields:
| Field | Selection or input |
|---|---|
| Case type | 52 |
| Province of destination | Ontario |
| City of destination: | Unknown |
| Exemption code | C11 (auto-populated on match with offer) |
| NOC | 53200 (NOC 5251 for applications received before November 16, 2022) (auto-populated on match with offer) |
| Intended occupation | Horse Jockey (auto-populated on match with offer) |
| Employer | Auto-populated on match with offer |
| Duration | Minimum of 30 days from the date of entry, but may be longer if the dates of intended races are known at the time of entry and outside of the 30 days. |
| User remark (mandatory) | Authorized to work as a horse-racing jockey for any horse-racing employer in the province of Ontario. First race must be a stakes race. |
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