Work or Study in Canada

• If you are not in Canada, you will need to provide your fingerprints and photo for biometric purposes. It is important to schedule your biometrics collection appointment promptly to prevent any delays in the processing of your application. You can find out how to provide biometrics.
• They (IRCC) will review your application to ensure that you have submitted all necessary documents, including biometrics. If your application is incomplete, it will be returned without processing.
• An officer will also verify that the employer is eligible to hire you and that you meet the requirements for a work permit. You may be required to attend an interview with our officials in your country or provide additional information or documents.
• The online application system operates on coordinated universal time (UTC). If instructed to upload documents, make sure to submit them before midnight UTC on the specified date. Be aware of the time zone difference between your location and UTC.
• A medical examination may be necessary for entry into Canada; if so, an officer will notify you with instructions. This examination can extend the processing time of your application by over 3 months.
• You can use the application status tracker to stay updated on the progress of your application. To create an account, you will need your unique client identifier (UCI) and application number.

If your work permit application is approved

• Upon approval of your work permit application, you will receive an approval letter known as the port of entry letter of introduction, confirming your permission to work in Canada. It is important to carry this letter with you when traveling to Canada and present it at the port of entry. It is not considered your actual work permit.
• Upon arrival in Canada, you will be issued your work permit at the port of entry. This permit will detail the type of work you are allowed to do, the employer you can work for, the location where you can work, and the duration you are permitted to work.

 

If you are in Canada, 

They (IRCC) will review your application to ensure all necessary documents, including biometrics if required, have been provided. It is recommended to schedule your biometrics appointment promptly to prevent processing delays. If you are unable to book an appointment by the specified deadline, temporary measures may be in place to assist you.

 If your application is incomplete, it will be returned without processing. An officer will verify the employers who have failed to meet conditions in order to authorize your employment, as well as ensure you qualify for a work permit. Depending on your job, a medical examination may be necessary, which could add significant time to the processing of your application. Additional information may also be requested from you.

 

If you are a visitor in Canada applying for a work permit and had a valid work permit in the past year, 

You can request permission to work while your application is being processed. To be eligible, you must be physically present in Canada when you apply, remain in Canada during the processing of your application, have valid visitor status when applying for the work permit, and have applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025. If your visitor status has expired, you must renew it before applying for the work permit.

Follow these steps: 

Step 1: Contact IRCC

After you apply, fill out the IRCC Web form.

Please copy the text below when filling out the Your enquiry section.*

Message to request interim authorization to work

Make sure to complete the sections within square brackets, including

• dates
• work permit number (begins with a “U”)
• name of your employer
• title of your job

If you submitted your application manually and are unaware of your application number, please provide your courier tracking number instead. 

This will help us locate your application. If you have any additional inquiries, you will need to complete a new IRCC Web form.

Step 2: Wait for IRCC o contact you

You are required to wait for their email notification indicating that you are cleared to commence work. This process 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 met the criteria to apply from within Canada, you completed the form labeled Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]. If this applies to you, the work permit will be sent to the Canadian address provided by you. The same procedure applies if you are a visitor who requested a work permit under a temporary public policy.

If your mailing address changes before we issue our decision, you need to adhere to the guidelines to inform us of your updated 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

If this scenario applies to you, you completed the form titled Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada [IMM 1295].

Upon approval of your application, you will receive an approval letter granting you permission to work in Canada. This correspondence is known as the port of entry letter of introduction, not a work permit.

To obtain your work permit, you must exit and re-enter Canada. Present your letter of introduction at the port of entry when you return.

The work permit that you obtain upon entry at the port will detail

• the type of work you can do
• the employer you can work for
• where you can work
• how long you can work