H1B open work permit

[sahirk]

Hello

Have OWP(based on H1B Visa from US) valid till Nov 2026 and stamped in passport...plan travel to toronto from india end of this month to activate it. I also have Letter of introduction. Can you please answer below question

1. Do we need seperate TRV visa to travel to canada ?
2. Do we need to pay any fees at airport where we activate work permit ?

Note: due to layoff my h1b got revoked so i am in india now

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello

Have OWP(based on H1B Visa from US) valid till Nov 2026 and stamped in passport...plan travel to toronto from india end of this month to activate it. I also have Letter of introduction. Can you please answer below question

1. Do we need seperate TRV visa to travel to canada ?
2. Do we need to pay any fees at airport where we activate work permit ?

Note: due to layoff my h1b got revoked so i am in india now

1. You should not but depending how long in India you may need a medical. Book a flight and see if you can board.
2. No

 

[sahirk]

1. You should not but depending how long in India you may need a medical. Book a flight and see if you can board.
2. No

Thank you for your response.

Apart from permit do we also get SIN there ?

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for your response.

Apart from permit do we also get SIN there ?

You go to a Service Canada office for a SIN number. Don't know airport you are going to first but see if there is an office in the airport.

 

[sahirk]

You go to a Service Canada office for a SIN number. Don't know airport you are going to first but see if there is an office in the airport.

Planning to go to toronto airport.

 

[Naturgrl]

Planning to go to toronto airport.

So there is an office there. Use google to see hours.

 

[sahirk]

1. You should not but depending how long in India you may need a medical. Book a flight and see if you can board.
2. No

Can back from US in october 2025 and stayed in india from past 1 year.

I am planning to stay in toronto only for 1 or 2 days to activate OWP

Do i need medical for this also ?

 

[Naturgrl]

Can back from US in october 2025 and stayed in india from past 1 year.

I am planning to stay in toronto only for 1 or 2 days to activate OWP

Do i need medical for this also ?

So you may be asked for medical. Since you have a valid TRV to enter Canada, you will know if denied boarding or upon entry. So you don't plan on using your OWP?

 

[sahirk]

So you may be asked for medical. Since you have a valid TRV to enter Canada, you will know if denied boarding or upon entry. So you don't plan on using your OWP?

I dont have job right now...i am still searching for job opportunity. As soon i find opportunity i want to work from there

 

[Naturgrl]

I dont have job right now...i am still searching for job opportunity. As soon i find opportunity i want to work from there

So it is best to be in Canada to look for a job. Or use any contacts you have or if past employers have Canadian offices then reach out. It is a temporary work permit so if PR is your goal then stay and find any skilled job you can.