How to apply
Not applying at a POE?
See what documents you need if you apply from outside Canada or at a inside Canada.
Follow the instructions below to apply for a work permit at a POE.
On this page
Step 1: Check if you’re eligible
You should apply for your work permit before you travel to Canada. However, you may be able to apply for a work permit when you enter Canada if you’re eligible.
Step 2: Get an upfront medical exam Not always needed
Before you, and any accompanying family members, arrive at the port of entry, check if you need to get a medical exam.
If you need a medical exam, you must provide proof that you passed the exam and that your results are still valid.
Step 3: Find the right POE for you
If you need to give biometrics, you can only apply at certain ports of entry.
Check if you need to give biometrics before you travel to Canada so that you can plan which POE location to go to.
Step 4: Travel to Canada with your documents
You must have all the required documents before you travel to Canada.
Step 5: Meet the border officer
When you arrive at the port of entry, tell the officer that you would like to apply for a work permit.
The officer will check:
- your passport or travel document
- that you meet the eligibility and admissibility requirements
- that your medical certificate is valid (if you need one)
If you’re applying with family members
If you're applying at the POE with family members, your application will be processed first. If yours is approved, your family member's application will then be processed.
Step 6: Give biometrics Not always needed
If you need to give biometrics, you’ll give them when you meet the border officer.
Step 7: Pay the fees
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
Total fees
| Type of fee | Amount | Who needs to pay this fee |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit processing | $155 | All applicants |
| Open work permit fee | $100 | Open work permit applicants |
| Biometrics fee | Individual: $85 Family: up to $170 (if you’re eligible) |
Check if you need to give biometrics |
Step 8: Get your work permit
The officer will issue the work permit after they determine you’re both
- admissible to enter Canada and
- eligible for the work permit
If you have questions or there’s a mistake on your work permit, ask the officer before you leave.
Conditions of your work permit
The work permit will outline:
- the type of work you can do
- the employer you can work for
- where you can work
- how long the work permit is valid for
- how long you’re allowed to stay in Canada
Employment location condition
You may be able to work at a different location even if there is an employment location listed on your work permit. Learn more about employment location conditions.
Medical conditions
If you haven’t left your country of residence yet, you can get an upfront medical exam before you leave. If you bring the proof when you arrive at the Canadian border, your work permit won’t include medical conditions.
If you already have your work permit, you may still be able to remove the conditions.
Learn how to remove medical conditions from your work permit.
Validity of your work permit
Your work permit won’t be valid beyond the expiry date of your passport’s or your biometrics.