Information for Canadian employers: After hiring

After you have gone through the hiring process and the foreign worker’s application for a work permit is being processed, it is important to know that:

• Once the worker receives an authorization letter, the actual work permit is issued on arrival in Canada. The worker must show the authorization letter to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the point of entry to Canada.
• The CBSA officer may refuse to issue a work permit and may refuse to allow the worker to enter Canada (regardless of the employment confirmation). The CBSA officer may refuse entry on criminal, security or medical grounds.
• You are responsible for arranging for your foreign worker’s compensation and medical coverage when the worker arrives in Canada.
• You are responsible for making sure that your workers have the necessary permits. Foreign workers are given Social Insurance Numbers that begin with a nine (9). This is not proof that the worker has a valid work permit.
• You are responsible for making sure that foreign workers working for you follow the conditions and time limits outlined on their work permits. Be aware of the conditions listed on your employees’ work permits.