Canada’s New Temporary Immigration Policy for FIFA World Cup 2026 and US FIFA Pass Update for Global Travelers

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing major immigration changes for travelers, officials, and event staff heading to North America. Canada has officially introduced a temporary immigration policy that allows select FIFA invited foreign nationals to work in Canada without a work permit. This update is important for travelers, event organizers, and professionals linked to FIFA operations, especially as Toronto and Vancouver gear up to host major World Cup matches. At the same time, the United States has rolled out its FIFA Pass, offering faster visa interview appointments for ticket holding fans. With both countries expecting record international travel, staying updated on these changes is essential for smooth entry.

Canada’s exemption applies only to a specific group of individuals who are directly involved in essential FIFA related work. To qualify, the traveler must meet all conditions set by Canadian immigration authorities.

These include:

• ‣ Holding an official invitation letter from FIFA
• ‣ Being listed on FIFA’s official microsite

• ‣ Arriving in Canada to perform essential, time limited duties connected to FIFA events

• ‣ Requesting entry between December 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026

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This policy does not change regular visa rules for tourists or non invited travelers. Standard admissibility checks and temporary resident visa requirements remain the same, meaning anyone outside the approved FIFA list must follow the usual visa application procedures.

Meanwhile, the United States has taken a different approach by launching its FIFA Pass system, which provides ticket holding fans with priority access to faster visa interview appointments before the tournament. This move aims to manage the huge influx of global travelers expected for World Cup matches across US cities. As Canada prepares for the 76th FIFA Congress and major match days in Toronto and Vancouver, and the US prepares for millions of visiting fans, both countries are updating their immigration systems to ensure efficient entry and smooth travel experiences.