C-50 and C-51 - LMIA-exempt work permits, under the "Religious and Volunteer" category.

C-50 and C-51 are LMIA waiver codes under the International Mobility Program (IMP), applicable to cases where allowing foreign nationals to work in Canada in religious or volunteer fields provides a clear social benefit to Canada.

These two codes are issued under section R205(d) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), specifically for charitable work and religious work.

Distinguishing between C-50 and C-51

According to IRCC's LMIA Exemption Codes table:

• C-50 - Religious work ➝ Applies to work of a religious nature.
• C-51 - Charitable work ➝ Applies to volunteer/non-profit work

Both fall under R205(d) and are exempt from LMIA, but are distinguished based on the nature of the work, not on the name of the organization or job title.

Purpose of the C-50/C-51

C-50 and C-51 are only applicable when:

• The work is genuinely religious or charitable in nature.
• Do not undermine the Canadian labor market.
• The social benefits for Canada are clear, tangible, and demonstrable.

In what situations are C-50/C-51 applicable?

C-50 or C-51 are used when:

• Foreign nationals come to Canada to work.
• That job is:
  • religious work (C-50), or
  • Charitable work (C-51)
• And falls within the scope of R205(d) under IRPR.

📌 IRCC emphasizes: The application of R205(d) is not automatic.
Each application must be evaluated individually, based on the specific nature of the work.

Basic requirements and documentation for C-50/C-51 visas.

Applicants for an LMIA-exempt work permit under C-50 or C-51 must provide:

• Offer of Employment exempt from LMIA (submitted via Employer Portal or alternative method permitted by IRCC)
• Proof that the employer has paid the compliance fee.
• The job description document is detailed and clearly shows:
  • religious or volunteer work
  • Not a disguised commercial activity.
• Supporting documents:
  • the role of the organization in Canada
  • the connection between work and community goals

📌 IRCC notes clearly: Copying content from the organization's website or from Canada.ca will not be considered valid evidence.

How does IRCC assess “charitable / religious work”?

Immigration officers will not only look at the job title, but will also assess:

🔹 The actual nature of the work

• Does the work directly serve religious or charitable purposes?
• Do workers play a core role in that operation, or are they merely replacement workers?

🔹 Impact on Canada

• Does the work provide a real social benefit?
• Will this have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market?

🔹 Non-commercial nature

• This work is not for profit.
• This does not replace the positions that Canadians can fill in the trading area.

Some typical examples (according to IRCC guidelines)

IRCC provides illustrative examples, but is not limited to:

• a person who plays a core religious role in the community
• people who directly participate in volunteer activities serving the community.
• non-commercial roles and non-competitive labor market positions

Important note

• C-50/C-51 is an LMIA waiver category, not a PR application program.
• Applicants still need to apply for a work permit.
• IRCC officers are required to state the R205(d) basis when applying for an LMIA waiver.
• Applications lacking specific arguments or evidence may be rejected.

C-50/C-51 Religious & Charitable Work Consulting & Filing Services

We provide consulting and application services for LMIA-exempt work permits under the C-50 and C-51 categories, based on official IRCC regulations.

This service is suitable for the following situations:

• Work of a religious or charitable nature
• Not eligible for any other specific LMIA exemption.
• A strong legal argument is needed under R205(d).

Immigration Event Calendar and Live Stream