Part of our Canada guide.
2 places and guides from our Canada coverage, gathered into one page.
What To Do At The Port Of Entry With A Working Visa In Canada
At the port of entry, present your valid passport, your work permit approval letter (if you received one), and any supporting documents your visa office requested. A border services officer will verify your identity and confirm that the port of entry into Canada is used for this final clearance step, so have your documents organized and ready.
The officer will ask about your purpose of travel, the nature of your work, and your intended length of stay. Answer clearly and truthfully. You may be asked to show proof of funds or a job offer letter. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you still need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) unless you already hold a valid work permit. The officer will either issue your work permit at the port or direct you to a separate immigration counter. Allow at least 30 minutes for this step.
If you are entering by ferry, check the schedule in advance; how long is the ferry ride from Nova Scotia to the nearest Canadian port depends on the route and season, so confirm with the ferry operator. For those driving, how far is Buffalo from the Canadian border is about a 10-minute drive to the Peace Bridge crossing, but traffic can add time.
How To Check File Status For Immigration Visa For Canada
To check your immigration visa file status, use the online portal provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need your application number, which starts with a letter followed by nine digits, and your personal details such as date of birth and country of birth.
Go to the IRCC website and select “Check your application status.” Enter your application number, surname, date of birth, and country of birth exactly as they appear on your application. You can also link your paper application to an online account for real-time updates. If you applied through a visa office outside Canada, the same portal works. Processing times vary by visa category and country; check the IRCC processing times page for current estimates.
If you need a Canadian passport for travel, you can apply for a Canadian passport from the US by mail or in person at a Canadian consulate. For passport photos, you can to find Canadian passport photos in the U.S at many drugstores and photo centers that meet the specific size and background requirements.
