A member on a work permit asked three practical questions before their first entry to Canada: whether they could buy property on a work permit, what to expect at the port of entry interview, and whether proof of funds would be required.
What the thread clarified:- A temporary federal policy (extended through 2027 at the time of this thread) restricts foreign nationals from buying residential property, but this does not apply to permanent residents, and work permit holders have certain exemptions. Check the current status of this policy, since it's time-limited and may be extended, modified, or lifted.
- In Ontario and BC specifically, work permit holders can still get a mortgage and buy property, but are generally subject to a 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST). This tax has a rebate mechanism if the work permit holder becomes a PR within 4 years of the purchase — so if you're planning to settle long-term in ON or BC and expect to transition to PR within that window, factor the rebate into your planning.
- At the port of entry on your first work-permit entry, expect basic questions related to your job or employer — not an interrogation. Members described this as generally low-key, with proof of funds typically not required at that stage for work permit holders.
The practical takeaway: work permit holders can generally buy property in Canada (subject to certain provincial rules like Ontario/BC's 25% NRST, which can be rebated if you become PR within 4 years), and first-entry port of entry interviews for work permit holders are typically limited to basic employer-related questions without a funds requirement.