Foreign nationals who arrive in Canada may still be able to apply for or receive a work permit at a port of entry (POE). However, this option is now much more limited than in the past.

Over the last few years, the federal government has tightened access at the border. This includes ending most “flagpoling” for temporary residents already in Canada and removing some work permit types, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), from border processing.

Below is a clear breakdown of who can get a Canadian work permit at the border.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

The Two Ways A Work Permit Can Be Issued At The Border

There are two main situations at a port of entry:

Applying At The POE (Same-Day Processing):

Eligible travelers apply for a work permit when they arrive in Canada and submit their application directly to a border officer.

Being Issued A Work Permit At A POE After Online Approval:

Foreign nationals who are not eligible for same-day processing must apply online first. After approval, they receive a port of entry letter of introduction and have the permit printed when they arrive in Canada.

In both cases, travelers can receive the same types of work permits. However, knowing who qualifies can help avoid delays or refusal at the border.

The border officer always makes the final decision on whether to issue the work permit and allow entry.

Who Can Apply For A Work Permit At A POE?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), travelers must meet all of the following basic requirements to apply at a port of entry:

  • Be from a visa-exempt country or be a visa-exempt traveler (for example, a lawful permanent resident of the United States)
  • Be eligible for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or be able to travel without a visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa)
  • Meet additional requirements based on the type of work permit being requested

Meeting these basic conditions does not guarantee approval. The traveler must also meet all other rules for the specific work permit category.

Who Cannot Apply At A Port Of Entry?

IRCC lists several situations where foreign nationals cannot apply for a work permit at a POE. This includes people who:

  • Need a visitor visa to enter Canada
  • Are citizens of certain visa-required countries who may be eligible for an eTA only if they meet specific conditions (this includes citizens of countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines)
  • Are an International Experience Canada (IEC) applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Are applying under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
  • Are applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Are in Canada and travel to the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon for the purpose of using immigration services when returning (also known as flagpoling)

IRCC has placed strong limits on flagpoling. Only certain individuals, such as citizens and permanent residents of the United States and some professionals under free trade agreements, are still allowed to use this process.

People in the above groups must apply for their work permits online and receive approval before trying to obtain their permit at the border.

IRCC also states that travelers may need to show proof that their work permit application was approved. This is usually done by presenting a port of entry letter of introduction, either printed or on a device.

After reviewing the traveler’s documents and admissibility, the border officer prints the work permit.

What Types Of Work Permits Can Be Obtained Through POE Processing?

Employer-Specific Work Permits

These permits are tied to one employer and usually fall into one of two groups:

A) LMIA-Required Work Permits (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

If the job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), IRCC says applicants should bring the following to the port of entry:

  • A job offer
  • A copy of the LMIA and the LMIA number
  • Proof they meet the job requirements, such as education, training, or work experience

Applicants can obtain the LMIA and related details from their employer.

If the job is in Quebec and requires an LMIA, applicants may also need proof related to the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) process.

B) LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (International Mobility Program)

If the job is LMIA-exempt, IRCC says applicants should bring:

  • A job offer
  • The offer of employment number, submitted through the Employer Portal
  • Proof that the role is LMIA-exempt and that the applicant meets the job requirements

Employers must complete all required steps before the worker arrives, including paying the $230 employer compliance fee. Without this, the work permit cannot be issued at the border.

Open Work Permits

In some cases, eligible foreign nationals may request an open work permit (OWP). This type of permit is not tied to one employer.

IRCC notes that open work permits at a port of entry are only possible if the traveler qualifies under a specific open work permit category.

Examples of people who IRCC says may be eligible for an open work permit include:

  • Spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or international students
  • Certain permanent residence applicants and some dependent family members
  • Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and their family members
  • Temporary Resident Permit holders

Each open work permit category has its own rules and may require documents beyond a job offer. Travelers must meet all conditions before a permit can be issued.

Other Important Factors When Applying For A Work Permit At The Border

Medical Exams (When Required)

IRCC advises travelers to complete a medical exam in advance if one is required. The results must still be valid on the day of entry.

Medical exams are usually valid for 12 months from the date of the exam, unless otherwise stated.

Travelers generally need a medical exam if:

  • They plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have lived in or traveled to certain countries for six months or more in a row during the year before entering Canada
  • They are applying for a parent or grandparent Super Visa
  • They plan to work in a job where public health must be protected, such as health care roles

Biometrics

IRCC states that most applicants are not allowed to give biometrics at a port of entry.

Those who are allowed must meet all of the following conditions:

  • They must be eligible to apply at a POE
  • They must start and finish their application at the same POE
  • The POE must offer biometric services

Not all border locations provide this service.

Maintained Status

IRCC also warns that workers who leave Canada while on maintained status may lose their right to work when they return. This can happen if their new work permit application has not yet been approved.

In these cases, the worker may need to wait until approval before resuming work in Canada.

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