Once you’ve submitted your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the next steps depend on whether you’re applying from inside or outside Canada. According to Maple News, understanding the post-submission process is key to avoiding delays and ensuring a smoother path to working legally in the country.
If you applied from outside Canada, IRCC will first verify that your documents are complete, including biometric data if required. Missing documents may result in your application being returned without review. Once accepted, an immigration officer will assess your eligibility and that of your employer. You may be asked for additional documents, an interview, or a medical exam — which could extend your processing timeline by over three months.
Upon approval, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction. This letter confirms you’re authorized to work in Canada, but it is not the work permit itself. You must present this letter upon arrival in Canada, where a border officer will issue your physical work permit. This permit outlines your job role, employer, location, and the duration of your stay.
For those applying from within Canada, the process starts the same — the completeness of your application, including biometrics and medical exam requirements, will be checked. An incomplete application will be returned. If you applied as a visitor before August 28, 2024, and meet the criteria, you might be eligible for temporary authorization to work while your application is being processed. Requests must be submitted via the IRCC web form, and decisions can take up to 30 business days.
If your inside-Canada application is approved and you applied using the IMM 5710 form, you’ll receive an approval notification in your online account, followed by the paper work permit by mail. You may begin working once you receive the approval notice — there’s no need to wait for the printed permit. Be sure to update IRCC if you change your mailing address to ensure delivery of the physical permit.
Applying for work permits at the port of entry is generally not allowed for individuals already in Canada. However, certain applicants entering from abroad may still be eligible to apply at the border. If you receive a POE letter while inside Canada, you must exit the country and re-enter through a qualified Canadian border entry point to activate your work permit. Re-entering from nearby regions like the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon may not satisfy this requirement.
To track your work permit application, IRCC provides an online Application Status Tracker where you can enter your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and application number for real-time updates. IRCC may contact you for any additional documents or steps, so regularly checking your messages and account notifications is essential.
Understanding this process helps reduce uncertainties and timelines. Maple News advises all applicants to follow instructions carefully, stay informed of their application status, and respond quickly if contacted by IRCC.