Foreign workers aiming to work in Canada must be wary of an often overlooked but critical detail—passport validity. As Maple News reports, the length of a work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cannot exceed the validity of the worker’s travel document, usually their passport.
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, individuals must hold a valid passport or travel document for the full duration of their temporary stay. If a foreign national’s passport is set to expire before the intended end date of their time in Canada, the IRCC will issue a work permit that terminates on or before the passport’s expiry date, regardless of the initial employment offer or approved duration through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
This seemingly small oversight can lead to a significant disruption. Most Canadian work permits are granted for one to three years based on factors such as the employer’s job offer, the Labour Market Impact Assessment (if required), or the duration of other supporting conditions in the case of open work permits. However, passport expiry can override all of these factors, shortening the authorized stay.
For example, even if a worker has secured a job offer valid for two years, a passport expiring in 12 months would result in a one-year work permit. This can lead to unforeseen challenges, including the need to apply for an extension earlier than expected—often involving additional paperwork, costs, and processing delays.
Those applying for open work permits—such as spouses of international students or workers, or participants under youth mobility agreements—are also affected by this rule. Passport validity is still a key consideration, along with the specific conditions of the accompanying permit or agreement.
To avoid complications, Maple News recommends that foreign nationals planning to come to Canada for work ensure their passport is valid beyond the entirety of their stay. Renewing a passport before submitting a work permit application can help to avoid premature permit expiration.
In summary, overlooking passport validity remains a common mistake among workers applying to enter the Canadian labour market. Being proactive can help individuals make the most of their time in Canada without unnecessary disruptions or early departures.
Maple News continues to provide timely guidance for newcomers navigating Canada’s immigration process.