Despite changes made by the Canadian Government relating to work permit requirements for entertainers, some local acts still do not understand the process.

That’s the view of local booking agent Diane Thompson. She notes that it has been more than a year since the rules were changed to accommodate artistes and other creative professionals booked to perform in Canada and still a number of local acts miss out on opportunities because they do not make themselves aware of the procedures.

“What now happens is that some acts no longer need a work permit; instead, they need to apply for a visitor’s visa. This is only valid for a few days… enough time for them to get into Canada, perform and then leave. But they still must apply through the regular channel and have their case reviewed in order for a decision to be made.”

Thompson said the major problem with a lot of artistes is that they do not give the Canadian High Commission the time required to process this application.

“The turnaround time to process this visa is usually 10 to 15 working days. What they must recognise it that the speed in which they will dealt with depends on the workload at the High Commission. There are some times of the year that are busier than others. We are coming up to summer and it is one of of the busiest periods, so artistes should ensure that all the information comes in early. In addition, artistes and their managers must understand that they can submit an application without their passport, providing they have a valid reason,” she said.

Thompson is also suggesting that the Canadian officials allow agents, managers and even travel agents the opportunity to assist in completing some of the necessary paperwork on behalf of their clients.

“Some of the details required have become technical and, at times, it is stuff that artistes are not aware of,” she stated.

Under the new guidelines, a number of performing artistes may enter Canada without requiring a work permit. These include foreign-based musical and theatrical performers or groups and their essential crew, street performers, DJs, travelling circus performers and guest artistes, who are performing with a Canadian performance group for a time-limited engagement.

Officials say it is essential that artistes prove that their work in Canada will end after a certain period of time in order to qualify for the exemption.