Hi everyone. If we have an approved employer specific work permit, do we need to provide any proof while traveling, except the introduction letter given by IRCC and our passport with TRV? This is all that’s mentioned in IRCC’s website. But it’s confusing to me how airline staff would be able to distinguish open or closed work permit, and whether the employer’s business is shut down or not. I would appreciate it if you could advise or share your experience.
Travel exemptions - accompanying spouse
- Thread starter SdV1980
- Start date
We had to show the job offer and also had an employer letter of support confirming the job was still valid on arrival and that I was expected to start with them after quarantine. My spouse only had an open work permit (no job, no employer letter) and so was not issued the work permit at the border on arrival. The airline does a thorough check of your documents and I was actually asked to speak to a Canadian immigration official on the phone before they allowed me to board in Frankfurt. I believe the airlines are fined quite heavily if their passengers are turned away at the border so they seek additional confirmation that you meet travel restriction exemptions.
Was your wife allowed to board without a special letter because without a job offer she didn’t meet the travel exceptions? Others spouses have been denied boarding.
Your spouse and potentially any children technically need special permission to come to Canada based on the travel restrictions.
It was my husband on the open permit and yes he was allowed to board - we received a letter from Canada immigration confirming he could travel because with the kids at home due to Covid he would provide childcare so that I could take up my employment. We emailed IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca - they reply with an auto response telling you what to send and then they assess your case.
Indeed - sorry! One forgets all the details you went through in the stress of the situation... they come out bit by bit. Hope it helps!Important detail that was missing in your answer
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. So I’ll request my employer to provide a support letter. May I ask if you can provide a template text for the support letter that I should ask my employer to write? I’m just stressed and don’t want to do anything wrong .
It is a really stressful situation, I get it! I’m not able to provide a template but just a simple letter confirming your offer of employment and start date, location of employment (mine said I would start at home, they would deliver a laptop), and role you will be filling should be sufficient to verify your job offer is still valid. Your employer should include the contact details of someone who could be called by Canadian Border Services if necessary. Good luck - this too shall pass and it will be worth it!
I understand. I’ll get a letter from my employer with the required information.
Glad you have passed this phase and thanks for the encouragement and sharing your experience. Hopefully I’ll also pass this stressful situation soon
Hi, hope you are still active on here. If I may ask, how long did it take you to receive a response from the IRCC with the authorization letter.
Thanks!
Thanks for the speedy reply! Yes - I got the automated response with the info and additional documents i needed to submit. I didnt submit an essay on the reasons so I am hoping it is sufficient.
I applied this last Monday the 26th so if its 10 days I would be thrilled because I have booked our flights for mid December...eek!!
Hey, what did you mention for purpose of travel for dependent/spouse when you emailed ircc for travel authorization for dependent.