You need a work permit

If you’re a rail grinder operator, rail welder or other track maintenance worker, you need a work permit.

Eligibility requirements

These instructions apply to you if you’re coming to operate machinery that was brought into Canada for

• rail grinding
• rail welding, or
• other specialized rail maintenance

You’re only eligible for this type of work permit for the length of time the machinery is needed in Canada.

You must also meet the general eligibility requirements(opens in a new tab)  for a work permit.

Type of work permit

You can apply for an employer-specific work permit(opens in a new tab)  .

When you fill out your work permit application form, select “Exemption from labour market impact assessment” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section.

Before you apply

Before you submit your work permit application, your employer must

• submit an offer of employment
• pay a $230 employer compliance fee
• give you an offer of employment number