Arriving in Canada
I can't get a bank statement before I come to Canada. What do I do?
International Experience Canada participants who can't get a bank statement may show the following as proof of funds when they arrive at a Canadian port of entry:
- A letter on official letterhead from your banking institution, that:
- is issued no more than one (1) week before your departure for Canada.
- clearly shows your account balance.
- is signed and preferably stamped.
Bring the original letter provided by your banking institution, not a photocopy.
See also Prepare for arrival – International Experience Canada
Can I come to Canada before I receive my POE letter?
We strongly recommend you wait until you receive your port of entry (POE) letter of introduction (LOI) before travelling to Canada. If you do not have your POE letter when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, you will not get a work permit. The border services officer will decide if you may be admitted as a visitor (tourist). As a visitor, you are not allowed to work.
If you’re in Canada as a visitor when you receive your POE letter of introduction, you must leave Canada and re-enter from a country other than the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to activate your work permit.
What type of insurance do I need for International Experience Canada?
For International Experience Canada, you must have health insurance for the entire time you are in Canada. The health insurance must cover
- medical care;
- hospitalization; and
- repatriation.
We recommend you buy this insurance only after you receive your port of entry (POE) letter. We can’t recommend specific insurance companies or plans, but you can search online for something that meets your needs.
You may be refused entry if you don’t have insurance. If your insurance policy is valid for less time than your expected stay in Canada, you may be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance.
I received my IEC POE letter of introduction, but I don’t want to work yet. Can I enter Canada as a visitor for now?
Yes, as long as you satisfy the border services officer that you are entering as a visitor and will not be working.
When you’re ready to work in Canada, you must leave Canada and re-enter from a country or territory other than the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to activate your work permit.
When you re-enter, you must present your port of entry (POE) letter to get your work permit. Make sure your POE letter is not expired.
If you received an eTA with your work permit, you do not need to apply for a second eTA.
See also Can I come to Canada before I receive my POE letter?
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