tugrularas/irccfaq huggingface dataset:
Question: How long will it take to process my application?
Answer: We can’t tell you exactly how long it will take us to process your application. Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process.
You can check the processing times to find out how long it takes us to process most applications.
Learn how to check your application status.
Question: Why do some application processing times change and others do not?
Answer: The number of applications we receive for each program can affect processing times.
Some programs get a similar number of applications each month. Their processing times don’t change often.
Other programs get a different number of applications throughout the year. For some of these programs, you can only apply during certain times of the year. This can cause processing times to change often.
Question: How can I find a doctor to do my immigration medical exam?
Answer: Only a doctor we have approved can do the immigration medical exam. This doctor is known as a panel physician.
Use our list of approved panel physicians to find one closest to you. You cannot use your family doctor if their name is not on this list.
Other things you should know about panel physicians and the exam:

You can choose a panel physician anywhere in the world, even in a different country from where you live.
You must pay for the medical exam. The cost can differ from one doctor to another.
Find out what you need to bring to your medical exam when you make an appointment with the panel physician.

Find out more about medical exams.
Question: What if I can't get a police certificate for my immigration application?
Answer: If you’re unable to get a police certificate from a country, you’re responsible to show why you can’t get one.
To prove that you can’t get a police certificate, you must:

show proof that you requested a police certificate from the correct authorities and
write a letter explaining all the efforts you have taken to get one

Even if you send us the above items, this is not a guarantee of acceptance.
Learn more about police certificates.
Question: Do I need to get a police certificate for my time in Canada?
Answer: No. You don’t need to get a police certificate for your time in Canada. 
Learn more about police certificates.
Question: Are there any countries where I should get police certificates from before applying for immigration?
Answer: Yes. Those countries are listed in the instruction guide that comes with your application package.
Learn more about police certificates.
Question: My police certificate is not in English or French. Do I need to send a translation?
Answer: Yes. If your documents are not in English or French, you must send a translation from a certified translator with your  application.
We don’t accept translations by family members.
Learn more about police certificates.
Question: What is an affidavit for a translation?
Answer: An affidavit for a translation is a document that says the translation is a true and accurate version of the original text. 
The translator swears that their translation is a true and accurate representation of the contents of the original document. The translator does this in front of a commissioner authorized to administer oaths in the country where they live.
Learn more about police certificates.
Question: How do I correct an error on my immigration document?
Answer: If there is an error on your immigration document:

complete a Request to Amend Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents form, and
send it to the Operations Support Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

An amendment will only be made if your document does not match the personal information in your entry passport.
Question: How do I avoid problems in correcting a record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence?
Answer: To help avoid delays or a refusal, make sure that you:

properly fill out and sign the application form(s); and
include all the documents in the Forms and Supporting Documents section of the guide.
Question: How can I change my address or contact information for my immigration or citizenship application?
Answer: To change your address:
You can change your address online or through our Web form.
To change your contact information (email or phone number):
Use this Web form to update your email or phone number. 

Don’t miss important information!
We may have tried to contact you using your old phone number, email or mailing address. Keep checking your old contact information until we update your application.
Question: What immigration documents can I have replaced if they are lost, stolen or destroyed?
Answer: Inside Canada
You may have the following current,  valid immigration documents replaced:

certificate of departure  (IMM 0056); 
immigrant visa and  record of landing (IMM 1000)/confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292); 
visitor record  (IMM 1097); 
work permit (IMM  1102); 
study permit (IMM  1208); 
exclusion order  (IMM 1214); 
deportation order  (IMM 1215); 
departure order  (IMM 5238); 
permit to come  into or remain in Canada (IMM 1263); and
authorization  to return to Canada pursuant to sec. 52 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IMM 1203). 

Outside  Canada
  You may have the following current,  valid immigration documents replaced:

temporary resident  visa counterfoil;
permanent resident  visa counterfoil;
confirmation of  permanent residence;
Question: How do I replace an immigration document that has been lost, stolen or destroyed?
Answer: If your immigration document has been lost, stolen or destroyed:

complete a Verification of Status or Replacement of an Immigration Document, and
send it to the Operations Support Centre (OSC) in Ottawa, Ontario.
Question: What should I do if my PR card has been lost, stolen or destroyed?
Answer: Canada’s entry requirements are changing
Permanent residents of Canada must carry and present their valid permanent resident (PR) card or permanent resident travel document when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or permanent resident travel document, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus, or boat to Canada.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.

It depends on whether you are inside or outside Canada. Either way, you have to tell us what happened so we can prevent your card from being used by someone else.
Follow the instructions in the “Replace a lost, stolen or destroyed PR card” section on the page to apply for a PR card.
Question: I’ve lost my citizenship card/certificate. How do I replace it?
Answer: If your card or certificate was stolen, report the theft to your local police department.
If you don’t plan to apply for a replacement for at least 6 weeks after the loss or theft

complete and send us the solemn declaration form
you should still apply for a replacement


Replacing your citizenship card
We stopped giving citizenship cards and the commemorative certificates in February 2012. We won’t send you a new card or replace a commemorative certificate.
To replace a lost or stolen card, you need to apply for a citizenship certificate (8½ x 11 paper certificate).
Replacing your citizenship certificate
You need to apply for a citizenship certificate if yours was stolen or lost.
Other documents we accept as proof of citizenship
Find out which other documents you can use to prove your Canadian citizenship.
Question: How long will it take to process my work permit application?
Answer: Processing times vary, depending on the type of  application you submit. Information on processing  times is available online for applications submitted  inside and outside of Canada. This information is updated frequently, so check  often.

See also checking processing times questions.
Question: Can I apply for a work permit when I enter Canada?
Answer: You should apply for your work permit before you travel to Canada. You can only apply at a port of entry if you’re eligible.

New rules about where to apply for a PGWP 
As of June 21,2024, you can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (airport, land or marine border) when entering Canada.
Question: I want to apply for a work permit by mail. How can I avoid my application being delayed or refused?
Answer: You can help avoid delays or a refusal if you:

properly fill out and sign the application form(s),
include all the documents listed in the Document Checklist (IMM 5556),
pay the processing fee online with a credit card,
pay for each service, if you apply for more than one on a single application, and
include proof of payment.
Question: How do I get a copy of a lost, stolen or destroyed work permit?
Answer: You must fill out an application and pay a fee to replace the permit.
Question: What is an open work permit?
Answer: An open work permit lets you work for any employer, except for one that either

is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages

You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.


Open work permits are not job-specific, so your employer doesn’t need

a labour market impact assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada
proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee

In most cases, you will have to pay the open work permit holder fee at the same time that you pay the work permit fee. Check the fee list for the most up-to-date application fees.
Open work permit restrictions
You may have restrictions listed on your open work permit. Restrictions can include things like

the type of job you can hold

Example: You may need a medical exam to work in some jobs.

the location you can work

Example: If you have an open work permit under the provincial nominee class, you may only be able to work in a specific province.


If you have a restricted open work permit, your restrictions will be listed on your work permit.
See also: How do I remove medical conditions from my open work permit?
Question: Can I apply to extend a work permit from inside Canada?
Answer: Yes, if your work permit is still valid, you can apply to extend it from inside Canada.
Find out how to extend your work permit.

If you’re an International Experience Canada participant, see International Experience Canada: Extend your participation or change your work permit
Question: Who can apply for an open work permit?
Answer: You may be eligible for an open work permit if you

are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)
have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada
are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
are the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a low- or high-skilled worker
are the spouse or common-law partner of an international student
are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program
are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or you’re their family member
are under an unenforceable removal order
are a temporary resident permit holder
are in Canada and being sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or accompanying dependent child
are a Quebec investor who received a Quebec Notice of Intent to Select

In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.
Answer a few questions to find out if you’re eligible for an open work permit.
Question: Are there any conditions on my work permit?
Answer: Some conditions will be written directly on your work permit.
These may include

the type of work you can do
the employer you can work for
where you can work
how long you can work

Regulation 185 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations lists all the conditions that may be put on your work permit.
There are also standard conditions that apply to all work permit holders. Even if you have no specific conditions on your work permit, you still must

not work for an employer in a business where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation of some workers, specifically

strip clubs
massage parlours
escort agencies

leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay

See also: How do I remove medical conditions from my open work permit.
Question: What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
Answer: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.
Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.
To apply for a work permit, a worker needs

a job offer letter
a contract
a copy of the LMIA, and
the LMIA number
Question: I’m a Canadian citizen and my spouse is not. Can my spouse and dependent children work in Canada?
Answer: It depends on the immigration status of your family members. If your family members are temporary residents (visitors), they have to apply for a work permit to be able to work.
Your family members can apply for a work permit from within Canada if they are in 1 of the following situations:

They’re in Canada and eligible for an open work permit for sponsored spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and their accompanying dependent children.
They’re eligible to apply for a work permit supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), which is an authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada that an employer needs in order to hire a foreign worker.
They’re eligible to apply for a work permit based on an exemption from the LMIA process.

Find out how to apply for a work permit.
Question: How can I find out about jobs in Canada?
Answer: You can find out about jobs in Canada through the Working in Canada tool, labour market information and job banks.
Question: Can I hold 2 valid work permits at the same time?
Answer: Yes, you can hold 2 valid work permits at the same time. You must meet the conditions listed on each work permit.
If you’re issued a new work permit, your previous work permit remains valid until either

it expires
a removal order is enforced

Find out more about

extending or changing the conditions on your work permit
changing jobs or employers
Question: How do I remove medical conditions from my work permit?
Answer: Follow the steps that apply to your situation.
If you have a port of entry letter and haven’t left your country of residence
You won’t have medical conditions on your work permit if you do all of the following:

Get an upfront medical exam from a panel physician.

“Upfront” means you get your medical exam done before an immigration officer asks for it.
Your medical exam results are usually available to us within 30 days from your exam, but it could take longer.

The panel physician will send us the results.



Bring proof that you’ve had a medical exam when you travel to Canada.
Give your proof to the border services officer when you arrive at the port of entry.

Example of proof: the printed information sheet you’ll get from the panel physician who performed your medical exam.


The border services officer can adjust the conditions on your work or study permit before they give it to you. The officer can only do this if you provide proof that you’ve had an upfront medical exam. If you don’t have proof, your work or study permit will have conditions.
What to do if more information is requested
You must provide the information or do the tests that your panel physician requests.
Your medical results won’t be available until you do this.
If you have a work permit with conditions and are already in Canada
You must follow the steps below to lift the job conditions:

Get an upfront medical exam from a panel physician

“Upfront” means you get your medical exam done before an immigration officer asks for it.

Apply to change your work permit conditions, and include all the required documents.

On the IMM 5710 form, for 1 a), under “Details of intended work in Canada,” select “Other.”
Also on the IMM 5710 form, for 1 b), under “Other,” write that you need the conditions removed (not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teachings, health service field occupations).
Question: What is considered work?
Answer: Work  is any activity that:

you are paid to do, or
you are not paid to do but is a job that:
  
you would usually be paid for, or
would be a valuable work experience for a Canadian citizen  or permanent resident (for example, an unpaid intern).



Pay  includes money or commission:

an employer gives you,
you receive for a service, or
you receive for any other activity.

You usually need a work permit to work in  Canada. Find out if you need a work permit.
Question: What do I need to work in Canada?
Answer: It depends on

the job you want to do
the program you want to apply for
whether or not your job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

In most cases, you’ll need 1 or more of the following documents to apply for a work permit:

an LMIA number from your employer if your job needs an LMIA
proof that your employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal 
an employment contract or letter (if your employer is exempt from the employer compliance process)
proof that you are certified, accredited or qualified to work in the job you want

In some cases, you might be exempt from an LMIA:

Mobilité Francophone allows Canadian employers hire French-speaking and bilingual workers from abroad to work outside of Quebec in managerial, professional and technical occupations and skilled trades.
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, you might be eligible for a temporary work permit under International Experience Canada.
Learn about other LMIA-exempt work permits.
Question: I have received a Canadian job offer. What documents do I need from my future employer?
Answer: In most cases, the employer must send you:

the job offer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) number; or
the offer of employment number.

Once you have one of these numbers, you can apply to get, extend or modify a work permit.
If the employer is LMIA-exempt, find out how to get a work permit for these jobs.
If you apply for an open work permit, you don’t need to provide any documents from an employer.
Question: How long can I work in Canada as a temporary worker?
Answer: There is no set maximum amount of time you can work in Canada as a temporary worker. The length of time you can work depends on:

the job offer from your employer
the length of time listed on your Labour Market Impact Assessment, if your employer needed to get one to hire you
how long your passport is valid for

If you will be working in Quebec as a temporary worker, you may need to get a  Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). The CAQ will show the length of time you are allowed to work in Quebec. If you are exempt from the LMIA process, you don’t need to get a CAQ.
Question: Does my work permit allow me to work for any employer in Canada?
Answer: It depends on the work permit you have. Most work permits are tied to a specific employer. They will only allow you to work for the employer on the permit.
In some situations, you can get an open work permit, which does not include a specific employer. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada unless the employer:

is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions, or
offers, on a regular basis, striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
Question: Where do I find out if the employer who offered me a job is an eligible employer?
Answer: Check the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions. This list shows employers who may be ineligible to hire a temporary worker through either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program. If you apply for a work permit to work for an employer listed as “ineligible”, your application will be refused.
Question: What happens if I want to work for an ineligible employer?
Answer: Your application for a work permit will be refused.
Question: What can I do if I want to come to Canada but do not qualify for rehabilitation?
Answer: You may be able to receive a temporary resident permit, if you can show that:

your reason to travel to Canada is justified in the circumstances; and
you do not pose a risk because of your inadmissibility.

This permit would allow you to enter or stay temporarily in Canada.
For more information, see Temporary resident permits.
Question: Are there different application forms for employer-specific and open work permits?
Answer: No, you can use the same application to apply for an employer-specific or open work permit.
Find out how to apply for a work permit.
Question: I got a new passport after coming to Canada. Will that affect my application for a work permit?
Answer: No. However, your work permit cannot be valid for longer than your current passport’s validity. If you renewed your passport after coming to Canada, when you apply for a renewal of your work permit, you must include a photocopy of the new passport.
Question: Can I appeal a decision on a work permit application?
Answer: Under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, there is no formal right of appeal on temporary resident decisions. Instead, you can reapply. If possible, a different officer will examine the application.
You can also ask for a judicial review through the Federal Court of Canada, if you think the process was not fair. A lawyer in Canada would act on your behalf.
Question: Can I extend my International Experience Canada work permit?
Answer: You can only extend  your work permit in very specific situations. Find out if you can extend your work permit.
Question: Can I apply to extend my Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program work permit?
Answer: No. The rules for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) differ from those for other work permits. Under the SAWP, you may remain in Canada for a maximum of 8 months between January 1st and December 15th. You must leave Canada no later than December 15th. Your employer must request authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)  to hire you each season. This is known as a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment. More information is available from ESDC and the Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion. Your employer may want to rehire you. Even so, you must go back to your home country before you can apply for another work permit.
Question: Do I need a medical exam to get a work permit?
Answer: You may need a medical exam to get a work permit if any of these situations apply to you:

You wish to work in any job where it is important to protect public health, such as

health services
child care or
primary or secondary education

You’ll work in an agricultural job, and you have lived in a designated country or territory.
You want to work in Canada for more than 6 months, and you lived in a designated country or territory for 6 consecutive months during the year right before the date you intend to enter Canada.

If you need a medical exam, an officer will tell you so and send you instructions on how to proceed. The officer’s decision is based on the type of job you will have and where you lived in the past year.
Open work permit holders
An officer may not know if you need a medical exam. You should get a medical exam from a panel physician if any of the 3 situations above apply to you.
See also: How do I remove medical conditions from my open work permit.