Canada Introduces Special Visa Measures For FIFA World Cup
On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of Canada’s new temporary public policy
- Eligibility rules for FIFA-invited foreign nationals
- Key dates and validity period
- How the United States’ FIFA Pass works
- Frequently asked questions
Canada has introduced new temporary immigration measures to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup and FIFA Congress, which will include major events in Toronto and Vancouver. At the same time, the United States has launched its own expedited visa initiative – the FIFA Pass – to prepare for record global travel ahead of the tournament. The two systems together aim to ensure smooth entry for workers, officials and ticket-holding fans across all three host countries in North America.
These changes highlight the scale of next year’s World Cup and the growing coordination between host countries as they prepare to welcome millions of visitors.
Canada Creates Special Work Permit Exemptions for FIFA-Invited Workers
Canada will host the 76th FIFA Congress and a significant share of World Cup matches in 2026 – the first time the men’s tournament has ever been played on Canadian soil. To ensure the event runs smoothly, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy that exempts certain FIFA-invited foreign nationals from work permit requirements.
This measure applies to foreign workers performing time-limited, essential duties connected to official FIFA events. Their work supports Canada’s tourism sector, international visibility, and the economic benefits expected from hosting one of the world’s largest global sporting events.
Who Qualifies?
A foreign national may qualify for the exemption if they:
- Request to enter and depart Canada between 1 December 2025 and 31 July 2026.
- Hold an official invitation letter from FIFA confirming they are:
- an employee of FIFA or one of its affiliates,
- a contractor supplying goods or services to FIFA, or
- a subcontractor supporting a FIFA-related contract.
- Will perform work between the above dates that directly supports an official FIFA-organised event.
- Are listed on the official FIFA microsite as an invited participant.
Eligible individuals will be exempt from:
- the condition prohibiting work without authorisation under paragraph 183(1)(b), and
- the requirement to hold a work permit under section 196 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
All other admissibility and eligibility rules remain in force.
Duration and Expiry
The policy:
- Comes into effect immediately upon signature (14 November 2025).
- Applies to applications submitted on or after that date.
- Remains valid until 31 July 2026 unless revoked earlier.
- Replaces the previous FIFA policy from October 2025, with previous exemptions remaining valid until the new end date.
United States Introduces FIFA Pass for Faster Fan Visa Processing
The United States has announced a new system called the FIFA Pass – a prioritised appointment scheduling system designed to help foreign World Cup ticket-holders secure U.S. visa interviews more quickly.
Travellers who purchased their tickets directly through FIFA will be able to access a dedicated portal that gives them access to faster visa processing and prioritised interview times.
Key features of the U.S. FIFA Pass include:
- Priority visa interview scheduling for FIFA ticket-holders.
- More than 400 additional consular officers deployed globally to support demand.
- A goal of delivering visa appointments within 60 days in around 80 percent of countries.
- Encouragement from U.S. authorities for travellers to apply as early as possible.
The initiative reflects the United States’ attempt to balance stricter immigration controls with the need to welcome millions of visitors during the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Canada’s special FIFA work permit exemption?
Eligible individuals must hold a FIFA invitation letter and be scheduled to work on official FIFA-organised events between December 2025 and July 2026. They must also appear on the FIFA microsite and request entry to Canada during the specified dates. All other admissibility rules still apply.
Does this exemption mean FIFA workers can enter Canada without a visa?
No. Eligible foreign nationals must still apply for a temporary resident visa if they come from a visa-required country. The exemption only removes the need for a work permit. Applicants must still meet all other immigration requirements, including security and medical checks.
What types of work qualify under Canada’s policy?
The work must be time-limited and directly support FIFA-organised events, such as technical operations, broadcasting, logistics, security coordination or event delivery. The tasks must be tied to official FIFA activities and fall within the window from 1 December 2025 to 31 July 2026.
How does the U.S. FIFA Pass work for visa applicants?
The U.S. FIFA Pass allows ticket-holding visitors to book prioritised visa interview appointments through a dedicated portal. The State Department has deployed extra consular officers to reduce wait times and aims to deliver appointments within 60 days in most regions.
Do these special measures affect travel to Mexico for the World Cup?
Mexico has not announced a specific FIFA-linked visa initiative similar to Canada or the U.S. Standard entry rules continue to apply. However, travellers should remain alert to future announcements, as all three host countries may introduce further measures as the tournament approaches.
