Canada updates rules for visa or permit at a port of entry for inland migrants

Canada has updated the rules for visa or permit at a port of entry for inland migrants (migrants who are already in Canada). You cannot travel from inside Canada to apply for a visa or permit at a port of entry. You also cannot travel from inside Canada to a port of entry to provide biometrics in support of an application.

New Canada port of entry rules

If you’re already in Canada, in most cases, you must apply online to extend your work permit or get a new work permit.

If you can’t apply online because of a disability or because there is a problem with the online application, you can apply on paper.

Due to restrictions on non-essential travel at the U.S.-Canada border, you can’t travel from inside Canada to apply at a port of entry (POE).

1. If your work permit hasn’t expired

Most workers have 2 options:

1. If you want to continue working, you may be able to extend your work permit if you’re eligible.
2. If you’re no longer working, you can apply to change your status to visitor, as long as your work permit has not expired.
   • Find out how to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor:
     • For more information, see Guide 5551 – Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada – Online application.

When you apply, make sure you include a note explaining why you need to extend your stay in Canada. You must stop working if you change your status from a worker to a visitor.

a) If you change jobs or employers

If you have an employer-specific work permit and you want to change jobs or employers, you must apply for a new work permit from inside Canada. International Experience Canada (IEC) participants must first check that they can change employers with an IEC work permit.

However, you don’t need to wait until your work permit application is approved to start your new job or work for a new employer. You just need an email from IRCC that says you have permission to change jobs.

As always, open work permit holders can change employers at any time.

Who’s eligible:

• work permit holders
• workers who can work without a work permit (this does not include business visitors or short-term workers under the Global Skills Strategy)

How to apply

To change jobs or employers, follow these steps:

Step 1: Apply for your work permit

Apply for a new work permit from inside Canada.

Most people must apply online.

If you can’t apply online because of a disability or because there is a problem with the online application, you can apply on paper.

Step 2: Fill out the IRCC Web form

After you apply, fill out the IRCC Web form.

When you fill out the Your enquiry section, you must copy the text below that applies to your situation. Make sure you fill out the sections in square brackets, including the

• dates
• name(s) of employer(s)
• title of your job

If you applied on paper and don’t know your application number, include your courier tracking number. This will ensure we can find your application.

If you have other questions, you need to fill out a new IRCC Web form. Message that work permit holders changing jobs or employers need to paste into the Web formMessage that workers who have been work permit exempt need to paste into the Web form

Step 3: Wait for our email

Wait for us to send you an email. It will confirm that you can start your new job or work for your new employer while we process your application.

If you applied online for your work permit, the email should arrive in about 10 business days. If you applied on paper, it may take longer.

b) If you’re a visitor who needs a work permit

We’re temporarily allowing visitors to apply online for a work permit from inside Canada.

c) If your status as a worker has expired

You may be able to restore your status.

Updates and related links

• News release: Canada provides update on exemptions to travel restrictions
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
• Canada extends travel ban to October 31
• Canada international students – visa application, work and travel update
• Biometrics no longer required for some Canadian PR applicants