Overview
After a Canadian work permit is approved
Approval outside Canada usually gives a port-of-entry letter of introduction. The border officer issues the actual work permit after reviewing entry documents and continuing eligibility.
Bring more than the approval letter
Carry the passport, visa or eTA, valid medical results where required, job and qualification evidence and proof supporting the approval. A border officer still decides whether to admit the traveller and issue the work permit.
Arrive before the letter and medical validity dates expire.
Read the permit before leaving the counter
Check name, passport number, employer, occupation, location, expiry and medical conditions. Ask the officer about an obvious error immediately.
Do not begin work outside the printed terms while waiting to correct the document.
Complete arrival administration
Use the permit to apply for or update a Social Insurance Number. Provincial health coverage, banking, payroll and licensing have separate requirements and waiting periods.
Keep the permit, approval and contract; give the employer only the information necessary to verify authorization.
Plan the expiry from day one
Calendar passport, permit, visa and medical dates. An employer-specific worker needs a new application for material employer or job changes.
A work permit is temporary status, not permanent residence. Assess PR routes separately and early enough to gain required experience.
When to get legal advice
When the dates and conditions controlling work are uncertain: After a Canadian work permit is approved
An immigration lawyer can identify when work may begin or must stop and how travel, an extension decision or changed conditions affect authorization.
The extension was filed close to or after expiry
The worker left Canada while waiting
The approval contains an unexpected condition
The employer or occupation changed during processing
A focused question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue, any immediate risk and the next sensible step. If the matter needs more work, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you decide whether to proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about after a canadian work permit is approved
Is the port-of-entry letter my work permit?
No. It shows approval; the actual permit is issued at the Canadian port of entry.
What if the permit has an error?
Raise it immediately at issuance if possible and use IRCC’s amendment process for errors after departure.
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