Work permit: Prepare for arrival

There are a few things you should know before you arrive in Canada to work.

If you’re an International Experience Canada participant, there are special instructions for you.

On this page

Prepare your documents

When you arrive in Canada, you must have

You may also need to show proof that your work permit application was approved. One way to do this is to show the border services officer your port of entry letter of introduction. You’ll get this letter if you

You can print this letter or bring an electronic version with you.

You should also bring supporting documents, such as

When you arrive in Canada

We check your identity

We check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.

You talk to the border services officer

Tell the border services officer that you have come here to work and show the documents you brought with you.

You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information.

You must also

The officer makes the final decision to issue you a work permit and allow you to enter Canada.

We print your work permit

Once the border services officer has checked your documents and confirms that you can enter Canada, the officer will print the actual work permit for you. If you have questions, or there’s a mistake on your work permit, ask the officer before you leave.

Your passport must be valid for longer than the time you plan to be in Canada. Your work permit won’t be valid beyond your passport’s expiry date. This does not apply to citizens of the United States who show a valid United States passport to the border services officer.

Medical and health insurance, and workers’ compensation in Canada

The eligibility rules for public health insurance vary by province and territory. Make sure that you and any dependants coming with you to Canada either have enough

You can find more information from the ministry of health of the province or territory where you plan to work.

Your employer should make sure you’re covered by workers’ compensation, when you arrive in Canada.

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