What Is a Port of Entry Letter and Other Frequently Asked Questions
A port of entry letter is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to foreign nationals entering Canada as temporary residents through one of three temporary resident visas: study visa, work visa, and super visa. The letter is usually issued through the applicant’s online IRCC account and is necessary for confirming the identity of the holder and authorizing their entry into Canada legally. Without the letter, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) cannot issue applicable permits to the holder.
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It’s important to note that not all temporary residents or visitors to Canada require a port of entry letter. Only temporary residents who apply online and provide their email addresses during the application process can receive the letter.
The letter may also be referred to as a POE letter of introduction, correspondence letter, introduction letter, or introductory letter. It is not a study, work, or super visa itself, but it provides the necessary information for the CBSA to issue the applicable permits.
The validity of a port of entry letter is typically for the duration specified in the holder’s work permit, study permit, or super visa. However, there is an exception for temporary residents participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. For IEC participants, the letter is usually valid for 12 months. If a medical exam is required, the letter is valid for either the standard 12 months or the expiry date of the medical exam, whichever is sooner.
The validity date of the letter is the deadline by which the holder must arrive in Canada. If the holder does not enter Canada before the indicated validity date, they will require a new application for their student, work, or super visa. It’s important to note that the validity date cannot be extended, so the holder must arrive in Canada before the due date. However, receiving the POE letter allows the holder to enter Canada, after which they can extend their standard work permit.
The table below summarizes the key points regarding port of entry letters:
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Issued to | Foreign nationals entering Canada as temporary residents through study visa, work visa, and super visa |
| Issued through | Applicant’s online IRCC account |
| Purpose | Confirms the identity of the holder and authorizes their entry into Canada legally |
| Validity | Typically for the duration specified in the holder’s work permit, study permit, or super visa |
| Exception | Valid for 12 months for temporary residents participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program |
| Medical exam | If required, the letter is valid for either the standard 12 months or the expiry date of the medical exam, whichever is sooner |
| Permit validity | Found in ‘Permit Validity’ section of the letter under ‘Must Enter Canada by (YYYY/MM/DD)’ section |
| Extension | The validity date cannot be extended, but the holder can extend their standard work permit after entering Canada |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can one obtain a letter for port of entry?
A port of entry letter, also known as a letter of introduction, can be obtained by applying for a Canadian study or work permit. The letter is issued by the Canadian government and sent to the applicant via email.
What does a sample port of entry letter contain?
A sample port of entry letter contains the applicant’s name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. It also includes the purpose of the applicant’s visit to Canada, the date of entry, and the validity period of the letter.
What is the validity period of a port of entry letter?
The validity period of a port of entry letter depends on the type of permit being applied for. For study permits, the letter is valid for the duration of the applicant’s study program, plus an additional 90 days. For work permits, the letter is valid for the duration of the work permit.
Is it mandatory to have a port of entry letter when traveling to Canada?
It is not mandatory to have a port of entry letter when traveling to Canada. However, it is strongly recommended to have one as it will help expedite the entry process and ensure that the applicant has all the necessary documents.
What are the requirements for a port of entry letter for a Canadian study permit?
To obtain a port of entry letter for a Canadian study permit, the applicant must have a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The applicant must also provide proof of financial support and meet all other eligibility requirements for the study permit.
How should a letter of introduction be formatted for entry into Canada?
A letter of introduction should be formatted in a clear and concise manner. It should include the applicant’s name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. It should also clearly state the purpose of the applicant’s visit to Canada, the date of entry, and the validity period of the letter. The letter should be printed on official letterhead and signed by a Canadian government official.
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