Canadian Immigration News

Foreign Travelers Can Apply for a Work Permit After Arriving

2.25 minute read
"Due to the pandemic-related restrictions, international travelers were unable to apply for a work permit at the Port of Entry (POE). However, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently re-authorized issuance of temporary work permits at the POE for foreign nationals, provided they meet certain requirements."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Oct 8, 2021
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Due to the pandemic-related restrictions, international travelers were unable to apply for a work permit at the Port of Entry (POE). However, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently re-authorized issuance of temporary work permits at the POE for foreign nationals, provided they meet certain requirements.

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit at the Port of Entry?

Foreign travelers, including family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents and those with a pre-arranged job offer, may apply for a temporary work permit at the POE. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign travelers will be eligible to obtain this service. However, vaccinated travelers will be exempt from the Covid-19 testing and quarantine requirements. 

Usually, temporary foreign workers must apply for a work permit before traveling to Canada. However, if they meet the following requirements, they can apply for one at the POE:

  • Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Not be employed as a live-in caregiver or seasonal agricultural worker
  • Employed under the International Mobility Program and does not require a temporary work permit
  • Employed in a profession under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States, Greenland or Saint-Pierre, and Miquelon

If your job requires you to have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), then you must get it before arriving in Canada. An LMIA assesses the recruitment efforts made by the employer to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position offered to justify the need of hiring a foreign worker. 

How to Apply for a Work Permit at the Port of Entry?

If you are employed in an occupation designated under the TWFP, you will require a positive LMIA and the following documents to present at the Canadian border:

  • A copy of your LMIA and your LMIA number
  • Proof that you are capable of performing the job duties such as previous work experience or educational credentials
  • A Quebec Certificate of Selection if you intend to work in Quebec

If you are employed in an occupation designated under the IMP, then you will require the following documents:

  • A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Proof that you do not require a positive LMIA
  • Proof that you are capable of performing the job duties such as previous work experience or educational credentials

You will not require a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) to work in Quebec if your occupation does not require a positive LMIA.

Can You Renew Your Work Permit at the Port of Entry?

If your work permit expired while you were abroad, you can apply at the port of entry to renew your work permit, provided you still meet all the eligibility requirements.

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