Work permit: After you apply
After you apply
On this page
- If you’re outside Canada
- If you’re in Canada
If you’re outside Canada
Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.
If your work permit application is approved
You’ll get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry letter of introduction.
You should bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada and present it at the port of entry. This letter is not your work permit.
You’ll only get your work permit at the port of entry the day you arrive in Canada.
The work permit will outline
- the type of work you can do
- the employer you can work for
- where you can work
- how long you can work
If you’re in Canada
How we process your application
We’ll check your application to make sure you have provided all the necessary documents, including biometrics if required.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline given on your biometrics instruction letter, there may be temporary measures in place to help you.
If it’s incomplete, we’ll return your application without processing it.
An officer will also check
- the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions to make sure that the employer can hire you, and
- that you qualify for a work permit
Depending on the type of work you’ll be doing, you might need a medical exam. If you do, an officer will tell you and will send you instructions on what to do. A medical exam can add over 3 months to the time it takes us to process your application.
We may also ask you to send more information.
If you’re a visitor who is applying for a work permit in Canada and held a valid work permit in the last 12 months
You can ask to be allowed to work while we process your application.
Who’s eligible
You must
- be physically present in Canada when you apply
- You must stay in Canada while we process your application. If you leave while your application is being processed, you won’t be eligible under this public policy.
- be a visitor with valid status when you apply for the work permit
- if your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a work permit
- applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025
- have held a work permit that was valid in the 12 months before you applied for a new work permit
How to get authorization to work while you wait
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Contact us
After you apply, fill out the IRCC Web form.
When you fill out the Your enquiry section, you must copy the text below.
Message to request interim authorization to work
Priority Code VISIT2WORK2020: I am requesting consideration under the Temporary Public Policy to Exempt Certain Visitors in Canada from Immigration Requirements during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and ask that the applicable exemptions be granted until a decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn.
My previous work permit number [U#########] expired on [Date].
I have submitted my application for a work permit online. or I have submitted my application on paper and the postal/courier tracking number is number.
I intend to work for [employer name] / [occupation] as specified in the aforementioned work permit application.
I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me.
Make sure you fill out the sections in square brackets, including the
- dates
- work permit number (begins with a “U”)
- name of your employer
- title of your job
If you applied on paper and don’t know your application number, include your courier tracking number. This will ensure we can find your application.
If you have other questions, you need to fill out a new IRCC Web form.
Step 2: Wait for us to contact you
You must wait for us to email you to let you know that you can start working. This may take up to 30 business days (6 weeks).
If you’re in Canada and your application is approved
If you were eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada
If you were eligible to apply from within Canada, you filled out the form called Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]. In that case, we’ll mail the work permit to the Canadian address you gave us. This also applies if you’re a visitor who applied for a work permit under a temporary public policy.
If your mailing address changes before we send you our decision, you must follow the instructions to tell us your new address.
The work permit will outline
- the type of work you can do
- the employer you can work for
- where you can work
- how long you can work
If you followed the instructions to apply for a work permit from outside Canada
In this case, you filled out the form called Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada [IMM 1295].
If your application is approved, you’ll get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry letter of introduction. It is not a work permit.
You need to leave and return to Canada to get your work permit. When you return, show your letter of introduction at the port of entry.
The work permit you receive at the port of entry will outline
- the type of work you can do
- the employer you can work for
- where you can work
- how long you can work
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