Foreign nationals arriving in Canada may still be eligible to obtain work permits directly at a port of entry (POE), but this route is now more limited than in previous years. According to Maple News, recent policy changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have imposed tighter restrictions on who may apply at the border and under what conditions.
In particular, Canadian authorities have scaled back the practice of “flagpoling”—a process where foreign nationals in Canada momentarily exit and re-enter the country to obtain immigration services. This option is now largely unavailable to most temporary residents. In addition, several categories of work permits, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), are no longer eligible for POE issuance.
There are currently two primary pathways for obtaining a work permit at a border crossing. The first involves same-day processing, where eligible travelers request a work permit upon arrival and submit their application directly to a border officer. The second scenario requires the applicant to receive prior electronic approval through an online application. Once granted a letter of introduction, the physical permit is issued upon arrival in Canada.
Eligibility to apply for a work permit at a POE comes with strict criteria. Applicants must be from visa-exempt countries or hold visa-exempt status—such as U.S. lawful permanent residents. They must also qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or be allowed to enter Canada without needing a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
On the other hand, individuals who require a TRV to enter Canada are not eligible to apply at a POE. This restriction also applies to certain citizens from countries like Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines, who might otherwise be eTA-eligible under specific conditions. Other exceptions include seasonal agricultural workers, PGWP applicants, non-U.S. citizens under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, and individuals attempting to flagpole from within Canada.
Only a few groups are now authorized to continue flagpoling, such as U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as professionals qualifying under select international trade agreements.
While the final decision to issue a work permit lies with the border services officer, understanding these new limitations is key for travelers looking to work in Canada. Being well-prepared can help avoid the risk of being denied entry or sent back to apply through the more traditional online channels.