Crossing the border for Work Permit (COVID-19)

[mauvsantos]

Hey everyone,

I got my W1 Work Visa a couple of days after the "lockdown", but I am inside Canada, so had to send my passport sent to NY and back.
Now I am still in Canada, but I need to do a "border run" or "flagpoling" to get a work permit.
- I have the W-1 on my passport
- I have the acceptance letter already, just need to cross the border/flagpol'it

I tried talking to IRCC and even Services Canada and they said they are not allowing flagpoling, does anyone know any alternative? I want to start working here, currently, with a travel/business visa, and to be able to start working, I need the permit.

Any ideas? I am thinking about driving/walking to the rainbow bridge on Tuesday and trying to talk to an agent there... any opinions on that also?

 

[Bs65]

CBSA will not process any applications at the border

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html

Even if you try crossing into the US from Canada it may well be considered non essential travel currently in either direction.

 

[mauvsantos]

Yeah that's what I was thinking, even if I try to cross it to US, there is no way I will be able to get in (I have the Visa also for US), but anyway, any other options you may know?

 

[canuck78]

Yeah that's what I was thinking, even if I try to cross it to US, there is no way I will be able to get in (I have the Visa also for US), but anyway, any other options you may know?

You could get stuck in the US because you are not an essential traveller.

 

[Jepheke]

You should do a web form to your the office the visa or permit was process and update your address that you're in Canada. they will mail it to you.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

You should do a web form to your the office the visa or permit was process and update your address that you're in Canada. they will mail it to you.

If OP must leave and re-enter to activate the permit, then they do not qualify to change their status within Canada and nothing will be mailed to them.