Some travellers to Canada can now apply for a work permit at a port of entry

Mohanad Moetaz
Published: September 24, 2021

Most travellers to Canada were not able to apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry (POE) during the pandemic because of the travel restrictions that have been in place. However, they are now able to do so, provided they meet certain requirements.

Foreign nationals who are allowed to travel to Canada may make the application. This includes fully vaccinated individuals as well as immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It may also include those who have a valid job offer in Canada.

Any foreign national may be allowed to apply for a work permit at a POE, including those who are not vaccinated. It is important to note, however, that vaccinated individuals are more likely to be exempt from Canada’s travel restrictions.

Get help with Canadian work permits

Temporary foreign workers are generally required to get their work permit before travelling to Canada. You are allowed to apply for one at a POE if you have a job offer in Canada, will not be working as a live-in caregiver or as a seasonal agricultural worker, and meet one of the following requirements:

  • If you do not need to get a temporary resident visa to work in Canada.

This includes if your job is part of the International Mobility Program (IMP). This program allows employers to hire foreign nationals without needing to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document that shows that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to perform the duties of the job.

This also includes if your job falls within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). In this case, you will need to get a positive or neutral LMIA. The LMIA should be issued by the time you arrive in Canada.

  • If you are a national or permanent resident of the U.S., Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Nationals or permanent residents of these countries or territories may be allowed to apply for a work permit at a POE whether their job is part of the TFWP or the IMP.

What documents do I need at the port of entry?

If your job falls within the TFWP, and you need to get an LMIA, then you need to have the following documents when you are at the Canadian border:

  • Your job offer;
  • A copy of the LMIA and your LMIA number;
  • Proof that you are able to perform the duties of the job, such as your qualifications and/or proof of experience.

If you are looking to work in Quebec, then you may also need to have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).

If your job is part of the IMP, and you do not need to get an LMIA, then you should have the following documents with you at the border:

  • Your job offer;
  • The offer of employment number from your employer;
  • Proof that you do not need an LMIA;
  • Proof that you are able to perform the duties of the job, such as you qualifications and/or proof of experience.

If you do not need an LMIA and you are looking to work in Quebec, you will not need to have a CAQ.

In addition, if your work permit expired while you were outside Canada, you may also be allowed to apply for a work permit at a POE if you are eligible. You will be required to show the immigration officer that you meet the requirements for the category you are applying for.

It is advisable to check whether you are eligible to enter Canada before heading to the Canadian border.

Get help with Canadian work permits

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
How can my foreign employees legally work in Canada?
Options to get legal status to work in Canada
IRCC announces temporary measures for those impacted by the conflict in Lebanon
Airplane landing in Canadian airport.
IRCC releases expected work and study permit holder outflows for coming years
A plane flying past the Toronto skyline on a clear summer day.
ESDC raises wage requirements for high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
A group of office workers in a meeting with large windows in the background
Top Stories
Why skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec should consider Express Entry
How to move to Canada from the US
Attending the A.A. International Convention 2025? What to know about entering Canada with your past DUI
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Visit
Attending the A.A. International Convention 2025? What to know about entering Canada with your past DUI
A cityscape of Vancouver.
Have a DUI? Here are your options for entering Canada
A "Canada Arrivals" sign.
Frequently asked questions about visas for students, workers and tourists coming to Canada
A picture of the Toronto Skyline at night
10 frequently asked questions by visitors to Canada
View of Skylon Tower and abandond Ontario Power Comany Generating Station at river level seeing from a boat tour
Link copied to clipboard
Subscribe