Applying for a Canadian Work Permit at a Port of Entry (POE)
Some foreign nationals entering Canada may still be able to apply for or be issued a work permit at a port of entry (POE). However, this option is far more restricted than it was in the past.
In recent years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly limited POE access by:
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Ending most flagpoling practices
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Removing certain permits, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), from POE processing
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Narrowing eligibility to a smaller group of travellers
IRCC’s official guidance on POE work permit applications is available here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/apply-port-entry.html
How a Work Permit Can Be Issued at a Port of Entry
There are two ways a work permit may be issued at the border.
In limited cases, eligible travellers can apply directly at the POE and have their application reviewed the same day by a border services officer.
More commonly, foreign nationals must apply online from outside Canada, receive approval, and obtain a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. The work permit is then printed by a border officer upon arrival.
IRCC explains this process here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary.html
In all cases, the border officer makes the final decision on admissibility and issuance.
Who Can Apply for a Work Permit at a POE
According to IRCC, a foreign national must meet all baseline requirements, including:
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Being a citizen of a visa-exempt country, or
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Being a visa-exempt traveller (for example, a U.S. lawful permanent resident)
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Being eligible for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or able to travel without a Temporary Resident Visa
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Meeting additional requirements related to the specific work permit category
Official eligibility criteria are outlined here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/eligibility.html
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval.
Who Cannot Apply for a Work Permit at a POE
IRCC clearly states that the following individuals cannot apply at a port of entry:
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Travellers who require a visitor visa
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Citizens of certain countries with conditional eTA eligibility (such as Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines)
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International Experience Canada (IEC) applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
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Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program applicants
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants
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Temporary residents who leave Canada solely to flagpole (travel to the U.S. or Saint Pierre and Miquelon to access immigration services)
These restrictions are listed by IRCC here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/where-apply.html#port-entry
Recent flagpoling limitations are explained here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/flagpoling.html
Types of Work Permits That May Be Issued at a POE
Employer-Specific Work Permits
Employer-specific work permits are tied to one employer.
For LMIA-required positions, applicants should carry:
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A valid job offer
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A copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and LMIA number
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Proof they meet the job requirements
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is outlined here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers.html
LMIA details are available here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/median-wage.html
For LMIA-exempt positions under the International Mobility Program, applicants must present:
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A job offer
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An offer of employment number submitted through the Employer Portal
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Proof the position is LMIA-exempt and the applicant is qualified
International Mobility Program details:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/exempt-labour-market-impact-assessment.html
Employer Portal information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/employers/employer-portal.html
Open Work Permits (Limited Situations)
Open work permits are available only to specific categories, such as:
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Spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or international students
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Certain permanent residence applicants
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Protected persons and refugees
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Temporary Resident Permit holders
Eligibility details are provided here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/open-work-permit.html
Other Factors to Consider When Applying at the Border
Some applicants must complete a medical exam in advance, and it must be valid on the day of entry. Medical exam requirements are explained here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams.html
Most applicants cannot give biometrics at a port of entry. Biometrics rules are outlined here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics.html
IRCC also warns that workers who leave Canada while on maintained status may lose the right to work upon re-entry until approval is issued:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/maintained-status.html
