Wait for a decision
Not outside Canada?
Find the right info if you applied from inside Canada or at a port of entry (POE).
How to check your application status, how we process your application and what happens if we approve.
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Ebola disease: Temporary measures extended until September 28, 2026
The temporary measures put in place in response to Ebola have been extended until September 28, 2026.
Check the status of your application
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:
- the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions to make sure that the employer can hire you, and
- that you qualify for a work permit
We may also ask you to:
- go to an interview with our officials
- get a medical exam depending on
- the type of work you'll be doing and
- your country of residence
- send more information or documents
If we approve your application
If your application is approved, you’ll get a letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry (POE) letter of introduction (LOI). It is not your work permit.
Bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada and present it at the port of entry. You’ll only get your work permit at the port of entry the day you arrive in Canada.
If we refuse your application
Your work permit application could have been refused for reasons such as:
- you didn’t meet the eligibility requirements for the type of work permit you applied for
- you had weak ties to your home country and the officer wasn’t satisfied you’d return there at the end of your stay
- you or your family members are inadmissible to Canada
- your application was incomplete
- you had insufficient funds to support yourself and your accompanying family members (if applicable)
- your job offer was not genuine
- you didn’t include enough proof that you have the right skills or education for the job you applied for
- the work permit stream you applied for is no longer offered or the temporary public policy was revoked
- you answered untruthfully to any of the statutory questions in the application
You can apply again, unless your decision letter says you can’t. You should only apply again if you can include information that you didn’t include before.