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Work Permit Application - Document Checklist 2025–2026

A work permit application requires documents from both you (the applicant) and your Canadian employer. Missing or incorrect documents are the leading cause of refusals and processing delays. This checklist covers all major work permit types.

Mandatory

If Applicable

Recommended

60–120 days (varies by stream and country)

Processing Time

$155 CAD

Gov. Fee (from)

Legend:MandatoryIf ApplicableRecommended

1Personal Identity Documents

Valid passport (all pages)Mandatory

Must be valid for the duration of the requested work permit plus an additional 6 months

Previous passports (if different from current)Recommended

Current immigration status documentsIf Applicable

Current visa, work permit, or study permit if applying from inside Canada

Biometrics enrollment receipt (if previously enrolled)If Applicable

Biometrics are valid for 10 years

Birth certificateMandatory

Marriage certificate (if spouse is included)If Applicable

2Employment Documents (from Employer)

Formal job offer letterMandatory

Must be on company letterhead. Include: job title, NOC code, salary, hours/week, work location, start date, duration, duties.

LMIA approval letter from ESDC (for LMIA-required positions)If Applicable

Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada. Must match the job offer exactly.

LMIA number (to include in application)If Applicable

LMIA-exemption code documentation (for LMIA-exempt positions)If Applicable

E.g., CUSMA documentation for US/Mexico workers, ICT letter for intra-company transferees

Employer's Business Number (CRA registration)Recommended

3Qualifications & Experience

Educational credentials (degree/diploma certificates)Mandatory

Showing you meet the qualifications stated in the job offer

TranscriptsRecommended

Professional licenses or certifications (if regulated occupation)If Applicable

Required for nurses, engineers, accountants, teachers in licensed occupations

Work experience letters from previous employersMandatory

Confirming relevant experience for the offered position

Resume / CVRecommended

4Financial Evidence

Proof of funds to support yourself upon arrivalRecommended

Bank statements showing ability to support yourself until first paycheck

Evidence of ties to home country (for temporary stays)Recommended

Property, family, employment - shows intent to return after work permit expires

5If Applying from Outside Canada

Completed IMM 1295 application formMandatory

Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada

Two passport-size photos (if applying on paper)If Applicable

Port of entry LMIA (for qualifying occupations at border)If Applicable

💡 RCIC Pro Tips

1.Apply as early as possible - give yourself at least 90 days before your intended start date, especially for country-specific visa requirements.
2.Your job offer letter and LMIA must match exactly - any discrepancy in job title, NOC code, salary, or work location between the two documents can cause a refusal.
3.If you are LMIA-exempt (CUSMA, ICT, Significant Benefit), your exemption code must be clearly stated in the offer letter and application.
4.Include a strong personal statement explaining why you are uniquely qualified for this role and your ties to your home country.
5.For regulated occupations (nurses, engineers, etc.), you MUST have the relevant provincial/territorial license BEFORE applying - IRCC will verify this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Canada while my work permit application is being processed?

If you are already in Canada with a valid work permit and you applied to renew or change it before it expired, you may continue working under 'maintained status' (also called 'implied status') until IRCC makes a decision.

What is the difference between an LMIA and an LMIA-exempt work permit?

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document from ESDC proving no Canadian worker was available for the position. LMIA-exempt work permits are available under specific categories (CUSMA, ICT, Significant Benefit, IEC) where the economic benefit to Canada exempts the employer from the LMIA process. LMIA-exempt permits are usually faster and less expensive.

Learn more about Work Permit →View IRCC Processing Times →

This checklist was prepared by licensed RCICs at VMC Immigration Services and is updated regularly. It is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements at ircc.canada.ca. Individual circumstances vary - consult a licensed RCIC for advice specific to your case.

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Also see: All checklists · Processing times · Express Entry draws

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1Personal Identity Documents

Valid passport (all pages)Mandatory

Must be valid for the duration of the requested work permit plus an additional 6 months

Previous passports (if different from current)Recommended

Current immigration status documentsIf Applicable

Current visa, work permit, or study permit if applying from inside Canada

Biometrics enrollment receipt (if previously enrolled)If Applicable

Biometrics are valid for 10 years

Birth certificateMandatory

Marriage certificate (if spouse is included)If Applicable

2Employment Documents (from Employer)

Formal job offer letterMandatory

Must be on company letterhead. Include: job title, NOC code, salary, hours/week, work location, start date, duration, duties.

LMIA approval letter from ESDC (for LMIA-required positions)If Applicable

Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada. Must match the job offer exactly.

LMIA number (to include in application)If Applicable

LMIA-exemption code documentation (for LMIA-exempt positions)If Applicable

E.g., CUSMA documentation for US/Mexico workers, ICT letter for intra-company transferees

Employer's Business Number (CRA registration)Recommended

3Qualifications & Experience

Educational credentials (degree/diploma certificates)Mandatory

Showing you meet the qualifications stated in the job offer

TranscriptsRecommended

Professional licenses or certifications (if regulated occupation)If Applicable

Required for nurses, engineers, accountants, teachers in licensed occupations

Work experience letters from previous employersMandatory

Confirming relevant experience for the offered position

Resume / CVRecommended

💡 RCIC Pro Tips

1.Apply as early as possible - give yourself at least 90 days before your intended start date, especially for country-specific visa requirements.

2.Your job offer letter and LMIA must match exactly - any discrepancy in job title, NOC code, salary, or work location between the two documents can cause a refusal.

3.If you are LMIA-exempt (CUSMA, ICT, Significant Benefit), your exemption code must be clearly stated in the offer letter and application.

4.Include a strong personal statement explaining why you are uniquely qualified for this role and your ties to your home country.

5.For regulated occupations (nurses, engineers, etc.), you MUST have the relevant provincial/territorial license BEFORE applying - IRCC will verify this.

Frequently Asked Questions