Maple News reports that foreign nationals entering Canada may now be eligible to apply for a work permit directly at a Canadian port of entry (POE), provided they meet specific criteria. This change marks a significant shift from earlier pandemic-era restrictions that limited such applications at the border.
To be eligible, applicants must generally be legally permitted to travel to Canada. This group includes fully vaccinated individuals, immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and those with valid job offers from Canadian employers. While unvaccinated foreign nationals are not explicitly excluded, fully vaccinated individuals are more likely to be exempt from existing travel restrictions.
Historically, temporary foreign workers needed to secure their work permits before arriving in Canada. The current update allows certain candidates to apply at the border, but only if they fall under qualifying categories. These include individuals who do not need a temporary resident visa, those whose jobs fall under either the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and nationals or permanent residents of the United States, Greenland, or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
For those applying under the TFWP, a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) must be secured in advance. Applicants must also carry a formal job offer, the LMIA document and number, and proof of qualifications or experience relevant to the position. Those planning to work in Quebec may also require a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).
Applicants under the IMP, which exempts employers from requiring an LMIA, must bring their job offer and documentation proving their role qualifies under the program. Both TFWP and IMP permit nationals of the U.S., Greenland, and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to apply for work permits at a POE.
This update offers greater flexibility and streamlines the entry process for eligible workers during a time when Canada is actively addressing labour market demands across sectors.
Travellers planning to apply at a port of entry are strongly advised to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and have proper documentation in hand to avoid delays or refusal at the border.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on Canada’s evolving immigration policies and border procedures.