Simplified travel documents for Canadian work permits
On This Page You Will Find:
- Why you don't need separate visa applications for work permits
- How Canada automatically issues your travel documents
- The difference between eTA and visa processing
- Timeline and validity details for your travel authorization
- Common mistakes that delay work permit approvals
Summary:
Planning to work in Canada but confused about travel document requirements? Here's the game-changing news: you don't need to apply for an eTA or visitor visa separately when getting a work permit. Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) automatically determines what travel document you need based on your citizenship and issues it alongside your work permit approval – at no extra cost. This streamlined process saves you time, money, and paperwork headaches while ensuring you have everything needed to enter Canada legally.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- No separate eTA or visa application needed when applying for work permits
- Travel documents are issued automatically with work permit approval at no extra cost
- Your citizenship determines whether you receive an eTA or visitor visa
- eTA recipients get their authorization number in the approval letter
- Visa recipients must submit their passport for document placement
Maria Santos from the Philippines spent weeks researching whether she needed to apply for multiple documents to work in Canada. Like thousands of international workers, she discovered that Canada's immigration system has a built-in solution that eliminates duplicate applications and fees.
If you're planning to work in Canada, you've probably wondered about the maze of travel documents required. The good news? It's simpler than you think.
How Canada's Automatic Travel Document System Works
When you apply for a work permit, IRCC doesn't just process your employment authorization – they simultaneously evaluate your travel document needs. This integrated approach means you'll never find yourself approved to work but unable to enter the country.
The system works based on a simple principle: your citizenship determines your travel document type. Citizens from visa-exempt countries receive an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), while others get a visitor visa. Both serve the same purpose – legal entry into Canada.
The eTA Process for Eligible Citizens
If you're from a visa-exempt country (like most European nations, Australia, or Japan), you'll automatically receive an eTA when your work permit gets approved. Here's what happens:
Your eTA number appears directly in your work permit approval letter. This isn't a separate document – it's integrated into your approval notification. Keep this number accessible, as you'll need it for any future correspondence about your travel authorization.
The eTA remains valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can travel to Canada multiple times during this period, typically staying up to six months per visit (though your work permit conditions may differ).
The Visitor Visa Process for Other Citizens
Citizens from countries requiring visitor visas follow a slightly different path. After your work permit approval, you'll receive a request letter instructing you to submit your passport to the nearest visa office or application center.
IRCC then places the visitor visa directly in your passport – a physical sticker that serves as your travel document. This process typically takes 2-3 weeks after receiving the request letter, so factor this timeline into your travel planning.
What This Means for Your Application Strategy
Understanding this automatic system changes how you should approach your work permit application. You don't need to budget for separate travel document fees or worry about timing multiple applications.
However, you may still need to provide biometrics if you haven't done so in the past 10 years. This requirement applies regardless of your citizenship and involves fingerprints and a digital photo at a designated collection point.
Common Misconceptions That Cost Time and Money
Many applicants mistakenly apply for tourist visas or eTAs before submitting work permit applications. This creates unnecessary complications and potential conflicts in the system. Immigration officers may question why you have multiple applications in progress, potentially delaying your work permit processing.
Another frequent mistake involves assuming you need to pay additional fees for travel documents. The eTA or visitor visa is included in your work permit application fee – currently $155 for most work permits, plus the $85 biometrics fee if applicable.
Timeline Expectations and Planning
Work permit processing times vary significantly by country and program, ranging from 2-16 weeks for most applications. Your travel document gets processed simultaneously, so you won't face additional waiting periods.
For eTA recipients, you can travel immediately after receiving your approval letter. Visitor visa recipients should expect an additional 2-3 weeks for passport processing and return.
Special Considerations for Different Work Programs
Some work permit categories have unique considerations. Intra-company transferees, for example, often receive expedited processing that includes faster travel document issuance. Seasonal agricultural workers may have specific entry requirements that affect their travel document validity periods.
If you're applying under the International Mobility Program, your travel document processing follows the same automatic system, but your employer may need to provide additional documentation that could affect overall processing times.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
While the automatic system works smoothly for most applicants, issues can arise. If you don't receive travel document information with your work permit approval, contact IRCC immediately. Don't assume you can travel without proper documentation – this leads to denied boarding and entry refusals.
For eTA holders, if your authorization number doesn't appear in your approval letter, use the IRCC web form to request clarification. Include your work permit application number and clearly explain the missing information.
Preparing for Your Journey to Canada
Once you receive your work permit approval and travel document, verify that all information is correct before traveling. Check that your name matches your passport exactly and that validity dates align with your intended travel period.
Remember that having a work permit and travel document doesn't guarantee entry – border officers make final admissibility decisions. Carry supporting documents like your job offer letter, proof of funds, and any family documentation if applicable.
Conclusion
Canada's integrated approach to work permits and travel documents eliminates the complexity many countries impose on foreign workers. By automatically issuing the appropriate travel authorization with your work permit, IRCC streamlines your path to Canadian employment while ensuring you have everything needed for legal entry. Focus your energy on preparing for your new job rather than navigating multiple immigration applications – Canada's system has already simplified the process for you.
FAQ
Q: Do I really not need to apply for an eTA or visitor visa separately when getting a work permit?
No, you absolutely do not need to apply separately. Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) automatically determines and issues the appropriate travel document when you apply for a work permit. This integrated system saves you the $7 eTA fee or visitor visa costs (typically $100), plus eliminates duplicate paperwork. Your citizenship determines which document you receive: visa-exempt country citizens get an eTA, while others receive a visitor visa. Both are processed simultaneously with your work permit at no additional cost beyond the standard $155 work permit fee. This automatic system prevents the common mistake of having conflicting applications in the system, which can delay processing by 2-4 weeks.
Q: How will I know if I'm getting an eTA or visitor visa with my work permit?
Your citizenship determines which travel document you'll receive, and the delivery method differs significantly. If you're from a visa-exempt country (like the UK, Germany, Australia, or Japan), your eTA authorization number will appear directly in your work permit approval letter - no separate document needed. Citizens from countries requiring visitor visas will receive a request letter after work permit approval, instructing them to submit their passport to the nearest visa office. The visa is then physically placed in your passport as a sticker. This passport submission process typically adds 2-3 weeks to your timeline, so visa-required applicants should plan accordingly when booking travel or starting work.
Q: What's the difference in validity periods between eTAs and visitor visas issued with work permits?
eTAs issued with work permits remain valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times during this period, typically for stays up to 6 months per visit (though your work permit conditions may impose different restrictions). Visitor visas issued with work permits are usually valid for the duration of your work permit or up to 10 years, depending on your country's reciprocity agreements with Canada. For example, Philippine citizens typically receive single-entry visas valid for their work permit duration, while Brazilian citizens might get multiple-entry visas valid for several years. Check your specific document for exact validity dates and entry conditions.
Q: Can applying for a tourist visa or eTA before my work permit cause problems?
Yes, applying for separate travel documents before your work permit can create significant complications. Immigration officers may question why you have multiple applications in progress, potentially flagging your case for additional review and delaying processing by 3-6 weeks. The system may also create conflicts if you have a tourist visa application showing temporary intent while simultaneously applying for a work permit. If you've already applied for a separate eTA or visitor visa, contact IRCC immediately using their web form to explain the situation and request guidance. Include both application numbers and clearly state your intention to work in Canada. It's better to address this proactively than risk delays or refusals.
Q: What should I do if my work permit is approved but I don't see any travel document information?
Contact IRCC immediately using their web form if your approval letter lacks travel document details. Include your work permit application number, clearly explain the missing information, and specify your citizenship. For eTA-eligible citizens, the authorization number should appear prominently in your approval letter - if it's missing, don't assume you can travel. For visa-required citizens, you should receive a separate request letter within 1-2 weeks of work permit approval. If this doesn't arrive, follow up promptly. Never attempt to travel without proper documentation, as airlines will deny boarding and border officers will refuse entry. Keep all communication records and response times, as this information helps IRCC resolve issues faster.
Q: How long does the entire process take from work permit application to having travel documents ready?
Processing times vary significantly by country and program type. Most work permit applications take 2-16 weeks, with your travel document processed simultaneously. eTA recipients can travel immediately after receiving their approval letter since the authorization number is included. Visitor visa recipients should add 2-3 weeks for passport processing after work permit approval. For example, applications from the UK typically process in 4-6 weeks total, while applications from India might take 8-12 weeks plus the additional passport processing time. Expedited programs like intra-company transfers often process faster, sometimes within 2-3 weeks total. Always check current processing times on IRCC's website, as these fluctuate based on application volumes and seasonal demands.
Q: Are there any additional costs or requirements I should know about when getting travel documents with my work permit?
The travel document itself is included in your $155 work permit fee, but you may need biometrics if you haven't provided them in the past 10 years. Biometrics cost $85 and involve fingerprints and a digital photo at designated collection points. Visa-required applicants may also pay passport courier fees (typically $20-50) when submitting their passport for visa placement. Some countries require medical exams, adding $200-400 to your total costs. If you're applying from certain countries, you might need police certificates, which vary in cost by jurisdiction. Factor in potential travel costs to biometrics collection points or visa offices if none exist in your city. Budget approximately $240-300 total for most applicants when including all potential additional requirements.
