After you apply

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometrics instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL. Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.

How we process your application

We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the necessary documents, including biometrics.

If it’s incomplete, we’ll refuse your application without processing it.

An officer will also check that you

• qualify for a work permit
• you’re admissible to Canada

We may also ask you to

• go to an interview with our officials
• send more information or documents

If you applied for a work permit from outside Canada and your application is approved

You’ll get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry letter of introduction.

You should bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada and present it at the port of entry. This letter is not your work permit.

You’ll only get your work permit at the port of entry the day you arrive in Canada.

The work permit will outline

• how long you can work
• the conditions you can work under

If you’re a minor child who applied for a fee-exempt study permit from inside Canada and your application is approved

We'll mail the study permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application.

Extending your open work permit

If your open permit was issued with a validity period of less than 3 years, you may be eligible for an extension.

Find out more about open work permit extensions for family members of H-1B visa holders.