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Everything You Need Know About Port of Entry Letter in Canadian Immigration

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If you’re planning to come to Canada, you might have some questions about something called the Port of Entry (POE) letter. Let’s break it down in simple terms. When people want to come to Canada, they often wonder about a few things:

1. What’s the Port of Entry letter and how long is it good for?

The Port of Entry (POE) letter is like a special permission slip. It says you can enter Canada for a specific reason, like studying or working. If you get one, it’s valid for as long as your study permit, work permit, or super visa is valid. But there’s a catch: if you’re coming through a program called International Experience Canada, your POE letter might only last for a year. So, it’s crucial to check the dates on your letter and make sure you arrive in Canada before it expires. If you don’t, you might need to apply all over again.

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2. What do I do with the Port of Entry letter when I arrive in Canada?

When you finally make it to a Canadian airport or border, you’ll need to show your POE letter to the immigration officers. They want to make sure you’re following the rules and that you’re allowed to be in Canada. So, keep a printed or digital copy of your POE letter handy, along with your passport. If you have a visitor visa, bring that too, just in case.

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3. What happens if I lose or mess up my Port of Entry letter?

Uh-oh, losing important documents is never fun! But if you accidentally misplace your POE letter or something happens to it, don’t panic. You can ask the Canadian immigration folks to send you a new one. There’s a form you can fill out online to request a replacement. Just make sure to explain what happened and give them all the details they need.

Resident permits or visas for which IRCC issues POE letters

When it comes to visiting or staying in Canada temporarily, there are a few important documents you might need. These documents are called Port of Entry (POE) letters, and they’re issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Let’s take a closer look at three types of temporary resident permits or visas for which IRCC issues POE letters:

1. Study Permit:

Imagine you’re an international student eager to pursue your education in Canada. Well, to make that happen, you’ll need a study permit. This permit allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Before applying for a study permit, there are certain criteria you must meet. And once you’re in Canada, you’ll need to continue meeting specific requirements.

It’s essential to plan ahead if you want your study permit to be ready before your semester starts. Applying for a study permit involves several steps, and the time it takes can vary depending on where you’re applying from. Most Canadian post-secondary programs kick off in September, January, or May, with some starting earlier. So, it’s a good idea to check the start dates and application processes of your desired schools well in advance.

2. Work Permit:

Now, let’s say you’re someone looking to work in Canada temporarily. In that case, you’ll likely need a work permit. Work permits in Canada are issued through two main programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

If you’re applying through the TFWP, your employer will need to get a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment confirms that there’s a need for a foreign worker because no Canadian worker is available for the job.

On the other hand, if you’re applying through the IMP, you won’t need a positive LMIA. But your employer will still need to submit an employment offer through their employer portal.

3. Super Visa:

The super visa is a special type of visa designed for temporary residents from countries that don’t require a visa to enter Canada. It’s specifically meant for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. With a super visa, these family members can stay in Canada for up to two years without having to renew their status.

However, it’s important to note that the super visa is for temporary stays only. If parents or grandparents want to stay in Canada permanently, they’ll need to be nominated for permanent residence by their Canadian child or grandchild.

Getting a POE letter for any of these permits or visas makes the entry process smoother when you arrive in Canada. It’s like having a special permission slip that tells Canadian immigration officials why you’re visiting and for how long. By understanding these temporary resident permits and visas, you can better prepare for your stay in Canada and make the most of your time here.