POE FOR IEC WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

[Irishsal]

Hi I am an Irish citizen waiting for my Proof of Entry letter to come through so I can work in Vancouver this summer. Due to the Irish visas issued so late this year, I only received my Conditional Acceptance Letter last Monday (27th of April 2015) and submitted my application the next day. Cic says that it takes up to 4-6 weeks for applications to be processed however I am due to fly to Vancouver on the 26th of May 2015...just about 4 weeks from when I submitted my application.

What do I do if my POE hasn't come through before my flight? If I fly and I receive my work permit when I am over there, will I have to leave the country and re enter to activate my work permit or is there an easier way? The Canadian embassy any help?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance!

ps. I can't change my flights as I stupidly didn't pay extra for flexible tickets.

 

[scylla]

Yes - you will have to leave Canada and then re-enter to activate your work permit. There are two ways you can do this. You can either fly out of Canada and then back in on an International flight (obviously the expensive option). Or you can drive down to a US/Canada land border, exit Canada and then re-enter (this is called flagpoling).

 

[Irishsal]

Thanks for the quick response! I have heard of flagpoling but don't know a lot about it. Do you know how long it takes at the border for the work permit to become validated and what documents are needed?

 

[scylla]

I've never flagpoled and can't tell you. Search for the term "flagpole" and "flagpoling" on this forum and you'll find lots of older discussions on the topic.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks for the quick response! I have heard of flagpoling but don't know a lot about it. Do you know how long it takes at the border for the work permit to become validated and what documents are needed?

Once you get to an officer, it takes around 10-15 minutes. However, if there are people in front of you that are activating work/study permits or landing as a PR, you may end up waiting for a bit.

Your approval letter will tell you what documents need.

 

[Irishsal]

Thanks a lot both of you, less stressed about my situation now!