Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check whether you need a permit at all

Work permitsDecision and arrivalStep 5 of 7

BlockedIRCC decides · RequiredYou are here

5. Decision

If approved from outside Canada you receive a port of entry letter of introduction, not the permit itself.

Waiting on: Give biometrics

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 5 of 7 · RequiredClose

Decision

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepWork permit application from outside Canadacanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

If approved from outside Canada you receive a port of entry letter of introduction, not the permit itself. If you also need a visa or eTA to travel, that is issued alongside it.

Why it's required: The letter of introduction is regularly mistaken for the permit. It is not one, and it does not let you start work.

What you getA letterThe port of entry letter of introduction, not the work permit.

If refusedReasons givenSpeak to a lawyer or an RCIC before reapplying.

Before this step

BlockedGive biometrics

Finishing this unlocks: Collect the permit at the border