Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has warned that most foreign nationals must obtain a valid work permit before taking up employment in Canada.

People caught working without authorisation can be removed from Canada and barred from returning for five years, according to IRCC.

In addition to the ban, IRCC says offenders will receive a permanent fraud record that can affect any future immigration applications, including permanent‑residence requests.

The agency notes that even after the five‑year ban expires, the fraud record continues to weigh against an applicant’s chances of approval.

Undocumented workers are also exposed to heightened safety risks, as standard labour protections may not apply in unsafe workplaces.

IRCC highlights the vulnerability of such workers to wage theft, abuse and threats from employers who may exploit their irregular status.

In severe cases, workers without permits risk forced or unpaid labour, a form of modern exploitation identified across several sectors.

The warning is aimed at Kenyan and other African nationals who have pursued Canadian work opportunities, reminding them that irregular work can permanently close off pathways to legal residency.