Canada has introduced new guidelines to prevent the summary refusal of work permit applications based on questionable job offers.

Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its instructions, effective September 17, 2026. The updated guidelines mandate officers to allow applicants to address any concerns regarding the legitimacy of a job offer.

According to the updated instructions, if an officer questions the authenticity of a job offer supporting an application for an employer-specific work permit, they must issue a procedural fairness letter (PFL) and put the application on hold pending further information.

The revised instructions include a new section guiding officers on how to request additional information about the applicant’s job offer through the PFL.

• The PFL must outline the specific concerns regarding the job offer’s legitimacy.
• The applicant must be notified that the employer needs to provide the necessary documentary evidence to IRCC in response to the concerns.

Employers are required to respond within 15 days or according to the office standard. After the employer’s response, officers are directed to review the application within 30 days to attach the employer’s webform response.

The updated guidelines also clarify that while an employment contract is not mandatory for job offers submitted via the employer portal, officers have the discretion to review one if provided by the applicant.