Cross Border Services

Thank you for considering bringing your international production to Vancouver, and we look forward to welcoming you to British Columbia.

The information below has been prepared to help provide guidance on entering Canada for the purpose of work and bringing goods into the country for use in motion picture production.  If you have any questions, please email the Film Commission at filmcommission@creativebc.com

Work Permits Application Process
Foreign workers entering Canada for employment in the motion picture industry must be legally authorized to work in Canada. The process to come to Canada for work will vary based on the type of project and location of the worker.

Creative BC has developed a work permit guide to assist productions employing temporary foreign workers.

Work permit guide for temporary foreign workers

Visas and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Travellers entering Canada may be required to obtain a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Once approved, the eTA is valid for up to 5 years or upon passport expiry, whichever comes first.

Find out if you need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada
Check the status of an eTA

Temporary Importation of Goods

The Canada Border Services Agency has jurisdiction over the temporary importation of goods for motion picture production.

Goods entering Canada temporarily for use on a motion picture production may qualify for customs duty-free entry and Goods and Sales Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) relief for a period up to 12 months. Requests for extensions of the temporary importation period beyond 12 months may be granted.

CONTACT:

Canada Border Services Agency Trade Incentives

Brian Lee
+ 604 787 7716
BrianK.Lee@cbsa.gc.ca