1. When does my 12 months start? Is it from the date of issuance of the Letter of Introduction or when I enter Canada?
2. What documents do I show to the Port of Entry officer?
3. Can I enter Canada with my Letter of Introduction on a one-way ticket?
4. Can I apply to the Sydney office for a Study Permit at the same time I have an application for the WHP Canada in process?
5. Can I study in Canada while I am working on my WHP Work permit?
6. Can I enter Canada as a visitor, then leave Canada and re-enter at a later date on my Letter of Introduction?
7. Can I change my status (from worker to visitor; from worker to student, from student to worker) while I am in Canada?
8. I have replaced the passport under which my Letter of Introduction was issued (because it was damaged/lost/stolen/I got married) and am about to travel to Canada. May I still use the Letter of Introduction to obtain my WHP work permit?
9. I will not be able to provide evidence of access to NZ$4,000 to present to the Port of Entry Officer when I arrive in Canada to activate my work permit. May I show evidence of support from my parents/friends or evidence of a job waiting for me?
10. Does the "time" on my Permit go on hold if I temporarily leave Canada?
11. Are there any restrictions or conditions on my WHP work permit which limit the type of work I can do?
12. What are the tax requirements for Canada?

Q: When does my 12 months start? Is it from the date of issuance of the Letter of Introduction or when I enter Canada?

A: If you are successful in your application to the WHP, you will be issued with a Letter of Introduction (LOI), which is valid for one year from the date it was issued (this is not your actual work permit). For example, if you are issued with a Letter of Introduction on the 1st of March 2009, you would have to enter Canada before March 1, 2010. Upon your entry to Canada, when you present this letter, the Port of Entry Officer has the discretion to grant you up to 12 months on your working holiday work permit. NOTE: work permits may not be issued to exceed the validity of your passport. As such, be sure that your passport is valid beyond the period of time you wish to work in Canada.

Q: What documents do I show to the Port of Entry officer?

A: You should present your valid New Zealand passport with your Letter of Introduction. The Port of Entry Immigration Officer may ask you for evidence of your NZ$4000 in available funds, in the form of your current bank statement, your credit card statement, travellers cheques or cash. You must carry this evidence with you or you may forfeit your chance to be issued a work permit for the maximum period of 12 months. Evidence of your funds will help to satisfy the officer that you will be able to establish yourself initially in Canada while you seek employment. You must also provide proof that you have insurance coverage for your entire stay in Canada.

Q: Can I enter Canada with my Letter of Introduction on a one-way ticket?

A: No. You can not enter Canada on a one way ticket. For holders of a Letter of Introduction issued under the WHP you must be travelling on a return or onward passage ticket; however, the return or onward ticket does not necessarily need to be a plane ticket. It could be a train, boat or bus ticket to anywhere outside of Canada. This is to satisfy the immigration officer that you will not overstay your visit and intend to continue travelling.

Q: Can I apply to the Sydney office for a Study Permit at the same time I have an application for the WHP Canada in process?

A: Yes, providing you meet the requirements to apply for a Study Permit, you may apply. We can process more than one type of application from you at the same time

Q: Can I study in Canada while I am working on my WHP Work permit?

A: If you wish to undertake a course of study in Canada that starts and finishes in a 6 month period or less, you will not require an additional Study Permit. You can attend the course without contacting a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office. If you plan to undertake a course that is longer than 6 months in duration, you will need to make an application for a Study Permit by contacting any CIC office and asking for kit IMM 5217E. You can only do this while your Work Permit is still valid.

Combining work and study gives people great opportunities to enhance their job prospects and even to launch new careers when they return home. For more information about studying in Canada check out www.studycanada.ca/australia

Q: Can I enter Canada as a visitor, then leave Canada and re-enter at a later date on my Letter of Introduction?

A: You may enter Canada as a visitor as long as you meet the requirements for entry. Once you have received your Letter of Introduction you may visit a port-of-entry at any time during its period of validity in order to activate your work permit.

Q: Can I change my status (from worker to visitor; from worker to student, from student to worker) while I am in Canada?

A: Any Canada Immigration Centre (CIC) in Canada will be able to assist you with the requirements for changing conditions of your Permit or extending your stay in Canada. You should make your inquiries after entry to Canada, while your status document is still valid.

Q: I have replaced the passport under which my Letter of Introduction was issued (because it was damaged/lost/stolen/I got married) and am about to travel to Canada. May I still use the Letter of Introduction to obtain my WHP work permit?

A: Yes, so long as the validity period of the LOI has not expired. When entering Canada, you must notify the officer of this change so that your work permit may be issued in accordance with your current passport information. It is recommended that you bring a photocopy of your previous passport along with your current valid passport for presentation at the port of entry. If you changed your passport because you got married, please also bring a copy of your marriage certificate.

Q: I will not be able to provide evidence of access to NZ$4,000 to present to the Port of Entry Officer when I arrive in Canada to activate my work permit. May I show evidence of support from my parents/friends or evidence of a job waiting for me?

A: Entry to Canada is at the discretion of the Port of Entry officer. It is a requirement of the WHP that you have evidence of access to NZ$4000 for presentation to the officer, if requested. You may carry a copy of your recent bank statement, a bank statement from a parent (with a letter offering financial support), cash, traveller's cheques or your credit card balance statement. A job offer alone (with limited or no funds) is not recommended.

Q: Does the "time" on my Permit go on hold if I temporarily leave Canada?

A: No. While the Work Permit allows you multiple entries in and out of Canada, the time on your Permit continues to elapse. Time cannot be "put on hold".

Q: Are there any restrictions or conditions on my WHP work permit which limit the type of work I can do?

A: Your work permit will state that you are ""Not authorised to work in 1) child care, 2) primary or secondary school teaching, 3) health services field occupations"". If you wish to work in the occupations of child care, primary or secondary school teaching or health services, you will be required to undergo a medical examination. Upon receipt of your application, you will be sent medical forms and instructions on how to have the medicals performed. We cannot approve your application until we receive notification that you are medically admissible. You should allow for an additional delay of at least 6-8 weeks in the processing of your application when medicals are required. A place in the WHP will be held for you while medicals are being processed.

Q: What are the tax requirements for working in Canada?

A: You are required to register for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada to be eligible for employment. More detailed information on obtaining a SIN, as well as the application form, is available from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Information regarding Income Tax can be obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

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