When applying for a Port of Entry (POE) work permit at a CBSA checkpoint, you must present your valid passport, the employer’s Offer of Employment number (A-number) or LMIA, and original educational degrees. The mandatory processing fee is currently $155 CAD.
Applying for a work permit directly at a Canadian Port of Entry can be a fast and efficient option for eligible foreign nationals. This route is most commonly used by citizens of TRV-exempt countries (like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan) or United States citizens. Because the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes your application on the spot, you must have an impeccable application package ready the moment you speak to an officer.
Unlike an online IRCC application where an officer might send a request for additional documents, a CBSA officer at a land border or airport expects everything to be perfect immediately. ⚠️ Missing a single document, such as a valid police certificate or an upfront medical exam, can result in instant refusal or a mandate to return to your home country. Working with a qualified Canadian lawyer before you travel is often the best way to ensure your paperwork is flawless.
Preparing Your Port of Entry Work Permit Application
Whether you are landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, or driving across a land border crossing in Alberta, the preparation steps are identical. CBSA officers have strict guidelines under federal law to verify your identity, your qualifications, and the legitimacy of your Canadian job offer.
Step 1: Gathering Identification and Status Documents
Your primary identification is your passport, which must be valid for the entire duration of your expected stay in Canada. 👤 If your passport expires in six months, CBSA will only issue a work permit for six months, regardless of your job offer. You must also bring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) confirmation if you are flying into Canada, or a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if you fall under a specific exemption that allows you to apply at the POE.
Step 2: Securing Employer Documents (LMIA or A-Number)
To prove you have a valid job offer, you must present the official documentation from your Canadian employer. If your job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you must have a copy of the positive LMIA letter issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). If your job is LMIA-exempt, your employer must submit the offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and provide you with a 7-digit Offer of Employment number (starting with “A”).
Step 3: Medical and Police Clearances
Depending on your occupation and where you have lived, you may need additional clearances. 🩺 If you intend to work in agriculture, healthcare, or childcare, an upfront medical exam conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician is mandatory. Furthermore, you should carry original police clearance certificates from any country you have lived in for more than six months to prove you have no history of indictable offences.
Required Documents Checklist
To ensure a smooth interaction with CBSA, keep your documents highly organized. Never pack these documents in your checked luggage; carry them in your hand luggage so you can present them immediately upon arrival at the primary inspection kiosk.
| Document Category | Specific Required Items | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Valid Passport, eTA/TRV, Birth Certificate | Critical |
| Job Offer Proof | Positive LMIA Letter or Employer A-Number, Contract | Critical |
| Qualifications | Original University Degrees, Diplomas, Updated Resume | High |
| Health & Security | eMedical Info Sheet, Original Police Certificates | Situation-Dependent |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
When you apply at a Port of Entry, you must be prepared to pay the government fees on the spot. CBSA accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, and Canadian or US cash. As of May 2026, the current federal fees remain standardized across all entry points.
- Basic Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD (if your specific exemption allows an open permit).
- Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD (CBSA will collect your fingerprints and photo right at the border).
- Lawyer Consultation Fees: Preparing a border package with a law firm generally costs between $1,000 and $2,500 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take at CBSA?
Processing times at a Port of Entry are entirely dependent on the volume of travellers on that specific day. ⌛ Generally, once you are directed to secondary inspection, the actual interview and document review take about 30 to 60 minutes. However, if you arrive at a busy land border during a long weekend, you may wait anywhere from 2 to 6 hours before an officer reviews your file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to print my LMIA or can I show it on my phone?
You must absolutely bring printed copies of all your documents, including your LMIA and employment contract. CBSA officers generally do not accept documents displayed on a mobile phone screen.
What happens if my medical exam is expired?
IRCC medical exams are only valid for 12 months. If your exam has expired by the time you arrive at the Port of Entry, the officer may refuse your work permit or issue a permit with a restriction stating you cannot work in healthcare or childcare.
How does CBSA verify my university degrees?
Officers will inspect the original physical copies of your degrees or transcripts. If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide a certified translation completed by a recognized professional translator.
Can a lawyer come with me to the Port of Entry?
Generally, lawyers do not accompany clients into the CBSA secondary screening area at airports, as it is a secure zone. However, at some land borders, a lawyer may accompany you, though the officer will direct all questions specifically to you.
Will I get my work permit immediately?
Yes, if approved, the CBSA officer will print your official Canadian work permit on security paper and staple it into your passport right at the border crossing.
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