Canada is still accepting work permit applications. The following foreign workers are now allowed to cross the border into Canada by land or air:

1. Temporary workers who hold a valid work permit or who are approved for a work permit but have not yet been issued the work permit
2. IEC participants who have not yet activated their work permits must have a valid job offer in order to enter
3. IEC participants who have already activated their work permits and were outside the country temporarily do not require a valid job offer in order to re-enter
4. Only people who provide essential services, for example, truck drivers who regularly cross the border to maintain the flow of goods, are exempt from the quarantine requirements.

What is a Canadian Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is the permission to take a job within Canada if you are from a foreign country. You usually need a work permit to work in Canada. In some cases, you can work without a permit or job offer in Canada.

General Eligibility Requirements

No matter where you apply, you must:

1. prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires,
2. show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home,
3. obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate),
4. not be a danger to Canada’s security,
5. be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed,
6. not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions,
7. not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages, and
8. give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.

Global Skills Strategy applicants: You can only benefit from two-week application processing if you apply from outside of Canada.