Work permits at Canadian borders now limited
Recent federal measures have narrowed the circumstances under which foreign nationals can obtain a Canadian work permit at a port of entry (POE). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that only specific categories of travellers remain eligible for border-issued work authorization.
The restrictions follow efforts to reduce same-day processing and limit practices such as flagpoling. The changes affect those arriving by land, sea, or air who intend to begin work upon entry.
- Work permit applications at POEs are restricted to certain visa-exempt travellers.
- Flagpoling has been limited to a small number of eligible individuals.
- Post-Graduation Work Permits are no longer processed at the border.
- Applicants must meet all IRCC eligibility and admissibility criteria.
- Border officers retain final authority to issue or refuse permits.
Overview of POE work permit processing
According to IRCC, two processes can result in a work permit being issued at a port of entry. Some travellers can submit their application directly upon arrival, while others must apply online first and present an approval letter when entering Canada. In both cases, the decision to issue a permit rests with the border officer.
Direct application upon arrival
Eligible visa-exempt nationals may apply at the border for same-day processing. They are required to demonstrate eligibility and provide all necessary documentation to support their application.
Permit issuance after prior approval
Applicants who are not eligible for on-the-spot processing must complete an online application before travelling. Those approved receive a port of entry letter of introduction, which allows the work permit to be printed during border inspection.
Eligibility to apply at a port of entry
IRCC confirms that only travellers from visa-exempt countries or those who qualify for electronic Travel Authorization can apply for work permits at a POE. They must also satisfy requirements specific to their intended type of work permit.
Examples include nationals of countries whose citizens are not required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa before travelling to Canada, as well as certain U.S. permanent residents. Each case is assessed individually at the border.
Ineligible applicants
Individuals requiring a visitor visa are generally not permitted to apply for a work permit at a POE. The same restriction applies to citizens of visa-required countries that qualify for an eTA only under limited conditions. Applicants under the International Experience Canada program, those seeking Post-Graduation Work Permits, and participants in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program are also excluded from border applications.
Flagpoling—leaving and re-entering Canada to obtain immigration services—has been significantly restricted. Only certain U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and professionals covered by free trade agreements retain access to this process.
Types of work permits processed at the border
Employer-specific work permits
IRCC distinguishes between Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)–based and LMIA-exempt permits. For LMIA-required positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, applicants must present the LMIA, job offer, and proof of qualifications. In Quebec, additional documentation under the Quebec Acceptance Certificate may be necessary.
For LMIA-exempt cases under the International Mobility Program, applicants are required to provide the job offer, the employer’s offer of employment number, and evidence that the position qualifies for LMIA exemption. Employers must complete all compliance steps, including payment of the associated fee, prior to border processing.
Open work permits
Open work permits, which are not tied to a specific employer, can be issued at a POE only for eligible categories. These may include spouses or common-law partners of international students or skilled workers, certain permanent residence applicants and dependents, individuals with refugee or protected person status, and holders of Temporary Resident Permits.
Each category has separate eligibility conditions and documentation requirements that must be met before a permit is granted.
Additional factors affecting border applications
Medical examinations
Medical exams are mandatory for some applicants, particularly those seeking work in occupations related to public health or planning to stay in Canada for more than six months after residing in certain countries. Results are valid for up to one year and must remain valid on the date of entry.
Biometric collection
Most travellers are not permitted to provide biometrics at the border. Only specific POEs equipped for biometric collection can process eligible applicants who complete all steps at the same location.
Maintained status considerations
IRCC notes that individuals who leave Canada while holding maintained status may lose work authorization until a pending application receives approval. This policy applies to temporary residents awaiting extensions of their status.
Context within broader immigration policy
The federal tightening of POE processing aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to manage temporary worker inflows and streamline processing through online channels. Similar administrative principles apply to provincial programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which also relies on coordinated federal-provincial procedures.
The current POE framework emphasizes pre-approval, documentation compliance, and officer discretion at the border, reflecting Canada’s focus on balancing labour market access with immigration integrity.
Further updates on Canadian work permit policy and related immigration matters are expected to be released through official government channels.
For continued coverage of Canadian immigration policy developments, including provincial nominee programs and temporary foreign worker initiatives, visit the main news section.