1. Q: What is the difference between a Letter of Introduction (LOI) and a Work Permit?

A: The LOI is not your work permit -- rather, it is a letter with a unique number which identifies you to the port of entry as being eligible to receive a work permit (commonly called a work visa). The LOI will be valid for presentation at a Canadian port of entry for 12 months from the date it is issued (unless you undergo a medical examination as part of your WHP application, the LOI will then be valid for a year from the date of the medical examination). The issuance of your LOI completes the processing of your application at the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney.

When you present the LOI to a port of entry officer upon arrival in Canada, your 24-month work permit will be printed out and attached to your passport.

Australian passport holders do not require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter and stay in Canada. You therefore do not need to apply for a separate visa to travel to Canada.

2. Q: Can I enter Canada as a visitor, then leave Canada and re-enter at a later date on my Letter of Introduction?

A: You may present your Letter of Introduction at any time, upon arrival in Canada and during its period of validity, as long as you present it upon arrival in Canada (i.e when entering Canada).

3. Q: Can I change my status (from worker to visitor; from worker to student, from student to worker) while I am in Canada?

A: You must go to www.cic.gc.ca or ring 1 888 242 2100 to check the requirements for changing the conditions of your Permit or extending your stay in Canada.  You should make your inquiries after entry to Canada, while your document is still valid.

4. Q: Does the time on my Permit go on hold if I temporarily leave Canada?

A: No, the time on your Permit continues to elapse. Time cannot be put on hold.

5. Q: What is the difference between a WHP Canada Work permit and any other kind of Work Permit?

The WHP Canada Work Permit is an "open" work permit, meaning that you do not need a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to apply.  A WHP Canada Work permit is only issued to persons who meet the specific eligibility criteria and who are admissible to Canada. For other work permits you would require an offer of employment in Canada. In most cases, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) must also provide a Labour Market Opinion. More information on employer-specific work permits is available here

6. Q: I have replaced the passport under which my Letter of Introduction was issued (because it was damaged/ lost/ stolen/ I got married) and am about to travel to Canada. May I still use the Letter of Introduction to obtain my WHP work permit?

A: Yes, so long as the validity period of the Letter of Introduction has not expired. When entering Canada, you must notify the officer of this change so that your work permit may be issued in accordance with your current passport information. It is recommended that you bring a photocopy of your previous passport along with your current valid passport for presentation at the port of entry. If you changed your passport because you got married, please also bring a copy of your marriage certificate.

7. Q: Can I study in Canada while I am working on my WHP Canada Work Permit?

A. If you wish to undertake a course of study in Canada that starts and finishes in a 6 month period or less, you will not require an additional Study Permit.  You can attend the course without contacting a Canada Immigration Centre (CIC).  If you plan to undertake a course that is longer than 6 months in duration, you will need to make an application for a  Study Permit by contacting any CIC and asking for kit IMM5217E.  You can only do this while your Work Permit is still valid.

8. Q: I will not be able to provide evidence of access to AU$4,000 to present to the Port of Entry Officer when I arrive in Canada to activate my work permit. May I show evidence of support from my parents/friends or evidence of a job waiting for me?

A: Entry to Canada is at the discretion of the Port of Entry officer. It is a requirement of the WHP that you have evidence of access to AU$4,000 for presentation to the officer, if requested. You may carry a copy of your recent bank statement, a bank statement from a parent (with a letter offering financial support), cash, traveller's cheques or your credit card balance statement. A job offer alone (with limited or no funds) is not recommended.

9. Q: Can I enter Canada with my Letter of Introduction on a one-way ticket?

A: Yes you can but you should have evidence of funds to show that you could pay for a ticket to leave Canada at the end of your stay.