What IRCC Just Confirmed
IRCC has posted a new update on X (formerly Twitter), and it clears up one of the most common worries for people coming to Canada to work or study.
Here is the message in plain terms: You don't need to apply separately for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa if your first work or study permit application is approved.
When your work or study permit is approved, IRCC will automatically issue an eTA or visitor visa along with it. No extra forms. No extra application. No extra waiting for a second document.
IRCC also shared a link where you can learn more about how this works: https://bit.ly/4xDBic8
Takeaway: One approved application now gets you both documents you need to travel to Canada and start your work or studies.
Why This Matters for You
If you've ever applied for a Canadian work or study permit, you know the process has a lot of moving parts. The permit itself lets you work or study in Canada. But to actually board a plane or enter the country, you also need a travel document, either an eTA or a visitor visa, depending on your citizenship.
Many people used to assume they had to file a separate application for that travel document. Some worried they'd get their permit approved but still be stuck waiting on a second approval before they could fly. This update from IRCC removes that confusion entirely.
The two documents come together. When one is approved, the other is issued automatically.
eTA or Visitor Visa, Which One Will You Get?
You don't choose between the two. IRCC decides based on your country of citizenship, and the rule is simple:
| Your Situation | Travel Document Issued |
|---|---|
| You're from a visa-exempt country | Electronic travel authorization (eTA) |
| You're from a visa-required country | Visitor visa (temporary resident visa) |
An eTA is an electronic document linked to your passport. A visitor visa is a sticker placed inside your passport. Either way, IRCC handles it as part of your permit approval, you don't lift a finger.
That leads to the obvious next question: what exactly do you need to do, step by step?
What You Actually Have To Do
The short answer: less than you think. Here's the full process now:
- Apply for your work or study permit. Submit your first work or study permit application as you normally would, with all required documents.
- Wait for the decision. There is no separate eTA or visitor visa application to file while you wait.
- Receive your approval. If your permit application is approved, IRCC automatically issues your eTA or visitor visa at the same time.
- Check your documents before you travel. Make sure the travel document matches the passport you'll fly with, especially if you have more than one passport.
That's it. The biggest mistake you could make right now is filing, and paying for, a separate travel document application you never needed.
A Real-World Example
Say you're Maria, from a visa-required country, and you've just been accepted into a Canadian college. You submit your first study permit application in the spring. A few months later, you get the approval letter.
Under this confirmed process, that approval triggers your visitor visa automatically. You don't file a second application. You don't book a second set of biometrics for a visa you already applied around. Your travel document arrives as part of the same decision, and you can book your flight for the fall semester with both documents in hand.
Takeaway: Your permit approval letter is the green light for your travel document too.
One Important Detail in the Wording
Read IRCC's message closely and you'll notice a specific phrase: "your first work or study permit application."
That's the situation this automatic issuance covers. If your circumstances are different, for example, if you're dealing with a later-stage application, a permit that's expiring, or a change in your status, don't assume the same rule applies. Check the official IRCC guidance through the link they shared (https://bit.ly/4xDBic8) or your IRCC account before making travel plans.
Getting this wrong can mean showing up at the airport without the right document. Getting it right means one less thing to stress about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: August 11, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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