Who can get a Canadian work permit at the border?

Foreign nationals who arrive in Canada may still be able to apply for (or be issued) a work permit at a port of entry (POE)—but this option is far more limited than it used to be.

In recent years, the federal government has tightened POE access through several measures, including ending the practice of “flagpoling” for most temporary residents already inside Canada and removing certain kinds of work permit —like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—from POE processing entirely.

Below is a breakdown of which foreign nationals can obtain a work permit at a land, sea, or air border, and which types of work permits can be accessed through this process.

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The two processes that lead to a work permit at the border

There are two common scenarios at a port of entry:

Applying at the POE (same-day processing): Eligible travelers (covered below) request a work permit when they arrive and submit their application directly to a border officer.
Being issued a work permit at a POE after online approval: Foreign nationals who are not eligible for same-day processing apply online first, receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction, and then have the permit printed upon arrival in Canada.

In both cases, foreign nationals can receive the same types of work permits; however, understanding the eligibility requirements can save travelers time and avoid being turned away at the border.

The border officer always makes the final decision about whether to issue the permit and allow entry.

Who can apply for a work permit at a POE?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), travelers must meet all of the following baseline requirements to apply at a POE:

Be from a visa-exempt country or be a visa-exempt traveler (for example, a lawful permanent resident of the US);
Be eligible for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or be able to travel without a visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa) and
Meet additional requirements depending on the type of work permit being requested.

Who cannot apply at a port of entry?

IRCC lists several situations where foreign nationals cannot apply for a work permit at a POE, including if they:

Need a visitor visa to enter Canada;
Are citizens of certain visa-required countries who may be eligible for an eTA only if they meet certain conditions (this includes citizens of countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines);
Are an International Experience Canada (IEC) applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the US;
Are applying under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program;
Are applying for a PGWP; or
Are in Canada and travel to the US or Saint Pierre and Miquelon for the purpose of accessing immigration services on return (i.e., flagpoling).

Note that IRCC has put severe limitations on flagpoling, with only select individuals, such as (but not limited to) citizens and permanent residents of the US, and certain professionals under free trade agreements, now permitted to engage in this practice.

The individuals above would need to apply (and receive approval) for their work permits beforehand online, before attempting to receive work authorization at the border.

IRCC states that travelers may need to show proof that their work permit application was approved, such as a port of entry letter of introduction (which can be printed or shown electronically).

The border officer then prints the work permit after reviewing the traveler's documents and admissibility.

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What Types of Work Permits Can Be Obtained Through POE Processing?

1) Employer-specific work permits

These are permits tied to one employer, usually based on either:

A) LMIA-required work permits (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

If the job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), IRCC says applicants should bring the following to the POE:

A job offer;
A copy of the LMIA and the LMIA number; and
- Applicants can obtain these from their employer.
Proof they meet the job requirements (qualifications/experience).

If the job is located in Quebec and an LMIA is required, applicants may also need proof related to the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) process.

B) LMIA-exempt work permits (International Mobility Program)

If the job is LMIA-exempt, IRCC indicates applicants should bring the following to the POE:

A job offer;
The offer of employment number (submitted through the Employer Portal); and
Proof that the role is LMIA-exempt and that the applicant meets the job requirements.

Employers are required to complete all required steps in support of this kind of work permit, including paying a $230 compliance fee, before a candidate can obtain their work permit.

2) Open work permits

In some cases, eligible foreign nationals may request an open work permit (OWP), which is not tied to a single employer. IRCC notes that OWPs at a POE are possible only if the traveller is eligible under an OWP category.

Examples of individuals that IRCC lists as potentially eligible for an OWP include (among others):

Spouses/common-law partners of certain skilled workers or international students;
Certain permanent residence applicants (and some dependent family members);
Refugees/refugee claimants/protected persons (and family members); and
Temporary Resident Permit holders.

It’s important to note that eligibility can be highly category-specific and may require supporting documentation beyond a typical job offer.

Other factors to consider when applying for a work permit at the border

Medical exams (when required): IRCC advises travelers to complete a medical exam (IME) in advance if needed, and notes that results must be valid on the day of entry. IMEs are generally valid for 12 months from the date of examination, unless otherwise indicated.

Travelers will need an IME if:

They wish to enter Canada for more than six months and have lived in or traveled to designated countries for six months or more (in a row) in the year before they come to Canada;
They are applying for a parent or grandparents Super Visa; or
They wish to work in a job in which public health must be protected (for example, as a health care provider).

A list of IME-required countries and territories can be found here.

Biometrics: IRCC states that most applicants aren’t eligible to give biometrics at a POE. Those who can must be eligible to apply at a POE and start/finish the application at the same POE (and only certain POEs offer this).

Maintained status: IRCC also cautions that workers who leave Canada on maintained status may lose their ability to work upon return until their application is approved.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm