Work permit: After you apply

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.

How we process your application

We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the necessary documents, including biometrics.

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

We may also ask you to

• go to an interview with our officials in your country, or
• send more information or documents

Our online application system uses coordinated universal time (UTC). If we ask you to upload documents in your account, you must submit them before midnight UTC on the date the officer gives you. Make sure you know the difference between your local time and UTC.

You might need a medical exam to enter Canada. 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.

There’s a new way to check your application status

Use the application status tracker (opens in a new tab) to get updates about your application. To create an account you need your

• unique client identifier (UCI)
• application number

Processing time

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.

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

• 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.
  • if your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a 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 a visitor who is applying for a work permit in Canada for the first time

  You can start working as soon as you receive a letter from us letting you know your work permit has been issued.

  Who’s eligible

  • 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.
    • Applications submitted before or after these dates are not eligible.
    • if your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a work permit

    Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) holders are also eligible for this public policy.

    How to start working

    If your work permit is approved, you’ll receive an approval letter from us. The approval letter will

    • let you know your work permit has been issued
    • outline the next steps you need to take

    You do not have to contact us to start working. You can start working as soon as you receive the approval letter from us. Show the letter to your employer to prove you’re authorized to work from the work permit issue date. The issue date is located on the top left corner of the letter.

    Your work permit will be mailed to the address we have on file for you.

    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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