Temporary Work Authorization
The following is general information, not intended to be legal advice and is subject to change based on any number of factors including but not limited to changes in government regulations. You are strongly advised to consult with Human Resources on the particulars of your case and circumstances.
In accordance with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its Regulations, you are required to review your rights under the International Mobility Program (external link) .
Your work permit application should be submitted only after Human Resources has completed the initial step of either receiving a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for your position, or completing an employer compliance form on a government portal.
- You should review your start date and ensure that there is sufficient time for your work permit application to be processed. IRCC processing times (external link) vary by country and also fluctuate from time to time.
- In addition, you may need additional time to obtain biometrics and fulfill any other requirements such as a medical, in addition to getting your travel documents in order.
- If you are from a visa exempt country (external link) , you may be able to apply for a work permit at a port of entry (external link) .
When you submit your application online you have to create your IRCC profile (external link) . Your list of the documents will be generated by the IRCC website based on the answers that were provided. You must upload the documents outlined by the IRCC website to support your application.
If you are qualified to apply for a work permit upon arrival at the port of entry, you must obtain an eTA (external link) (electronic travel authorization) before departure. If you are a US citizen you do not need to obtain an eTA. Your work permit application at the port of entry must be supported by the following documents:
- Valid Passport(s) or travel document
- Signed Offer Letter from Toronto Metropolitan University
- Proof of credentials required for the position
- IRCC Offer of Employment Number or a copy of your positive LMIA
- Marriage certificate or (PDF file) Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union (external link) (for accompanying spouse/partner)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
Please refer to the specific documentation checklist for each country found on the work permit application page (external link) of the IRCC website.
Applicants must, as well, be able to satisfy an immigration officer that they are not inadmissible (external link) .
This depends on your country of citizenship and whether you require a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
If you are from a visa requiring country you should apply for your work permit online. If your work permit application is approved you will receive your TRV and work permit simultaneously.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you have the option of applying for a work permit at a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office upon arrival (port of entry application) whether you are arriving by land or air. Prior to boarding your flight, you will, unless you are a citizen of the U.S., need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) (external link) .
Some nationals must have a medical exam if they want to come to Canada for more than 6 months. The officer will determine this when processing your work permit application. To find out if you need a medical exam please visit the IRCC web page (external link) .
If you are in Canada and have a valid work or study permit you can apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
Normally, visitors are not eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada and need to submit their applications to the IRCC office that is responsible for the country of citizenship/residence.
There are some exemptions to this rule, please check this IRCC web page (external link) to find out if you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
Processing times (external link) vary based on country of citizenship and whether you are from a visa-requiring country. You may also be required to undergo a medical examination (external link) which can add time to the process.
It is important that you have applied for your work permit well in advance of your start date, factoring in IRCC’s processing times (external link) , including fluctuations in processing times as well as other unexpected delays that could occur. If you anticipate delays in being able to obtain your work permit, you must inform HR, your Department Chair and the Dean’s Office, as soon as possible so that we can take appropriate steps to support you.
Please note that payment for work performed is conditional on you obtaining your work permit prior to any of the work being carried out by you.
Furthermore, upon arrival, you are required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) (external link) in person at a Service Canada location (external link) or online (external link) and provide it to HR within 3 business days of your start date.