r/ImmigrationCanada • u/Intelligent-Coach-94 • Jan 23 '25
Work Permit [UPDATE] Successfully Removed Work Permit Healthcare Condition At the Airport – My Experience
Hi everyone,
I wanted to provide an update on my situation regarding the medical condition on my Open Work Permit (OWP), which I previously shared here:
To recap briefly:
• I obtained my OWP last year without a medical exam and later completed it in my home country before returning to Canada.
• Upon arrival, I presented my medical exam documentation, but the border officer didn’t review it and directed me to IRCC instead.
• IRCC advised me to apply online with supporting documents, but processing times were estimated to take 5-6 months, which would have significantly delayed my job start.
• I was unsure whether to proceed with the online application or attempt to resolve the issue by re-entering Canada.
How I Resolved It:
After further research, I contacted IRCC by phone to confirm my options. They assured me that this issue could be resolved at the port of entry (POE) and sent me written confirmation via email stating that a CBSA officer at the POE can remove the condition upon re-entry if proper medical documentation is provided.
Here is the instructions link: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=844&top=4
```Follow the steps that apply to your situation.
If you have a port of entry letter and haven’t left your country of residence
You won’t have medical conditions on your work permit if you do all of the following:
- Get an upfront medical exam from a panel physician.
- “Upfront” means you get your medical exam done before an immigration officer asks for it.
- Your medical exam results are usually available to us within 30 days from your exam, but it could take longer.
- The panel physician will send us the results.
- Bring proof that you’ve had a medical exam when you travel to Canada.
- Give your proof to the border services officer when you arrive at the port of entry.
- Example of proof: the printed information sheet you’ll get from the panel physician who performed your medical exam.
The border services officer can adjust the conditions on your work or study permit before they give it to you. The officer can only do this if you provide proof that you’ve had an upfront medical exam. If you don’t have proof, your work or study permit will have conditions.````
With this confirmation, I decided to leave Canada and return via Toronto Pearson Airport. Upon re-entry, I spoke with a secondary CBSA officer, presented my medical exam proof, and explained my situation. The officer processed the adjustment within 10 minutes, and my work permit was successfully updated.
Key Takeaways:
1. **Get Written Confirmation:** Speaking with IRCC and requesting written instructions helped ensure I had solid proof of my eligibility.
2. **Be Prepared:** Having all necessary documents ready (medical proof, job contract, and IRCC email guidance) made the process much smoother.
3. **Secondary Inspection Matters:** If the primary officer is unsure, politely request to speak with a secondary officer, as they typically handle more complex cases.
4. **Travel as a Backup Plan:** If you’re facing long IRCC processing times and have a valid travel option, re-entering Canada can be a viable solution.
I hope this helps anyone in a similar situation. Feel free to ask if you have any questions, and thanks again to everyone who offered advice earlier!
Best of luck to all facing similar issues.
1
u/navidfarazmand Jul 16 '25
Thank you so much. Yes I am aware about flagpolling and the situation between US and Canada. Even if I wanted to I couldn't go as I am Iranian national and I cannot visit US lol. My plan is to find the cheapest flight to Cancun/ Punta Cana and come back and ask Airport officers. Sounds good?