Canadian Work Permit

Online Application (e-Application): This is the most common and convenient way to apply for a work permit. You can submit your application online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. This method allows for faster processing and easier communication with IRCC.

To obtain a work permit you will need to submit a work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC will assess the work permit application based on several factors such as the applicant’s education, language proficiency, work experience, ties to their home country, financial stability, criminal record, health status, and intention to comply with immigration laws. These factors collectively help IRCC assess the applicant’s suitability as a temporary worker and whether the issuance of a work permit aligns with Canada’s best interests and the applicant’s specific circumstances.

At a Port of Entry: In certain situations, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry, such as an airport or a border crossing, when you arrive in Canada. However, this method is generally only available to certain travelers, such as those from visa-exempt countries.

You are eligible to seek a work permit upon your arrival at a Canadian port of entry (POE) under the following circumstances:

1. You are exempt from the temporary resident visa requirement, and your job falls under the International Mobility Program (i.e., you do not need a Labor Market Impact Assessment [LMIA]).
2. You are exempt from the temporary resident visa requirement, and your job is categorized under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (i.e., you require an LMIA), a positive LMIA has been issued by the time you arrive, and your employer has fulfilled all the necessary steps for your specific type of work permit.
3. You are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., Greenland, or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, irrespective of whether your job falls under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.
4. You are visiting Canada and have received a job offer from a Canadian employer, along with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you can often apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry through a process commonly known as “flag-poling.” Flag-poling typically involves leaving Canada briefly, such as crossing the border into the United States and then re-entering Canada with the intention of obtaining a work permit. Flag-poling is a relatively common and efficient method for obtaining a work permit, as it can lead to a quicker processing time compared to applying through other methods.
5. You will not be engaged in work as a live-in caregiver or a seasonal agricultural worker.

In addition to the above conditions, you must have completed your immigration medical examination if it is a mandatory requirement prior to your arrival. If you are a citizen of a country that requires an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel to Canada, obtaining an eTA is necessary. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strongly advises that you apply for your work permit before your journey to Canada.

So, if you’re curious about the different pathways to work legally in this welcoming country, here is the essential information you need to make informed decisions and take steps toward your Canadian work permit journey.