Getting a work permit in Canada is important if you want to work in this diverse and lively country. This guide will help you understand how to start using your Canadian work permit, whether you are applying from inside Canada or from another country. Knowing the steps can help you avoid delays and begin your new job easily
We’ll cover everything from online applications to flagpoling, ensuring you have all the information you need to successfully activate your work permit and begin your journey in Canada.
Key Points
- Limited cases allow paper applications at the border. Most work permits must be completed online.
- Not all borders can activate your work permit. Most international airports can, but some land and water borders cannot or only do so at certain times.
- ‘Flagpoling’ means leaving Canada at a border (usually to the US) and then re-entering to update or renew your status.
Online Applications
Applying From Inside Canada
If you apply for your work permit online while you are in Canada, you will receive an email from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) telling you that your application is approved. Then, you will wait to receive the physical work permit in the mail. Your permit is active as soon as you get it, so you can start working in Canada
Applying From Outside Canada
If you apply online from outside Canada, and your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter (POE letter of introduction) by email. This letter explains how you can collect your physical work permit when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry.
IEC Work Permit Activation
If you get your POE letter of introduction for a working holiday or other IEC program while in Canada, you need to flagpole to get your work permit. Flagpoling is leaving Canada (usually via a land border to the US) and then re-entering Canada.
Paper Applications
Most temporary work permits must now be submitted online, with few exceptions, like if you have a disability.
From Inside Canada
If you applied by paper from inside Canada and your application is approved, you will get a letter in the mail from IRCC saying your application is approved. You will then wait to get the physical work permit in the mail. When you get it, it is activated, and you can start working.
From Outside Canada
If you applied by paper from outside Canada and your application is approved, you will get an approval letter (letter of introduction) with instructions on how to get your physical work permit at a Canadian port of entry.
Applying At The Border
If you are from a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada, listed in the table below, you might be able to apply for a work permit right at the Canadian border. You must bring all the necessary documents to show you qualify for the permit. This method is riskier than applying online. If you forget any documents, you might have to go back and get them, which can be difficult if you are far from home. If you are eligible and apply at the border, you will likely receive your work permit immediately and can start working as soon as you enter Canada.
Practical Steps: Tips For Crossing The Canadian Border
When you enter Canada, tell the Canadian border services officer you are here to work. If you have a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, bring it with you. This letter is not a travel document or a work permit, but you need to show it when you arrive in Canada.
Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit
If you have an employer-specific work permit, bring:
- Proof that you meet the job requirements, such as proof of work experience and education.
- A copy of your employer’s positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
The border officer will check your documents and, if all is good, will print your work permit for you.
LMIA-Exempt, Employer-Specific Work Permit
If you have a POE Letter of Introduction, bring it with you, along with:
- Proof that you meet the job requirements, such as proof of work experience and education.
- The offer of employment number your employer received when they submitted the offer through the Employer Portal.
The border officer will check your documents and print your work permit for you if everything is in order.
IEC Working Holiday
If your International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday application is approved, you will get a POE letter of introduction in your account. You need this letter to get your IEC work permit when you enter Canada.
This letter does not guarantee entry into Canada or a work permit. You need to show this letter to a border officer at the port of entry (airport or land border). The letter has an expiry date, and you must show it at a Canadian port of entry before this date to get your work permit. The expiry date cannot be changed or extended. You cannot transfer your letter to anyone else.
Along with your letter of introduction, bring proof of at least $2,500 CAD in funds and insurance to cover your stay in Canada. See our IEC FAQ sheet for more information.
Benefits of Activating Your Canadian Work Permit
- Quick Process: Online applications are faster and more efficient.
- Immediate Work: If you apply at the border, you can start working immediately.
- Flexibility: Different methods to apply based on your location and situation.
Table: Visa Exempt Countries for Border Applications
| Country | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| United States | Eligible |
| Australia | Eligible |
| Japan | Eligible |
| South Korea | Eligible |
| New Zealand | Eligible |
This guide ensures you understand how to activate your Canadian work permit easily and quickly. Follow these steps, and you’ll be working in Canada in no time
