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.
1Personal Identity Documents
Must be valid for the duration of the requested work permit plus an additional 6 months
Current visa, work permit, or study permit if applying from inside Canada
Biometrics are valid for 10 years
2Employment Documents (from Employer)
Must be on company letterhead. Include: job title, NOC code, salary, hours/week, work location, start date, duration, duties.
Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada. Must match the job offer exactly.
E.g., CUSMA documentation for US/Mexico workers, ICT letter for intra-company transferees
3Qualifications & Experience
Showing you meet the qualifications stated in the job offer
Required for nurses, engineers, accountants, teachers in licensed occupations
Confirming relevant experience for the offered position
4Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing ability to support yourself until first paycheck
Property, family, employment — shows intent to return after work permit expires
5If Applying from Outside Canada
Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada
💡 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.
This checklist was prepared by licensed RCICs at Visa Master Canada 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