Work visa for Canada: documents, fees and steps

Documents requested

Form IMM 1295 for a work permit application made from outside CanadaConditions and details
All applicants for a permit from outside Canada attach form IMM 1295. IRCC provides a guide to complete it. For an online application, the portal produces a personalized document checklist to be followed; certain situations provided for by IRCC allow a paper application.
Photocopy of a valid (unexpired) passport or travel documentAll applicants attach a photocopy of their valid passport or travel document. On arrival in Canada, the passport must remain valid longer than the intended duration of stay.
A photo that meets visa photo specificationsAll applicants include a photo that meets IRCC specifications for visa photos.
Documents from the personalized list provided by the IRCC portalConditions and details
By answering the portal questionnaire, the applicant obtains a personalized document list: all documents listed there must be provided. An incomplete application may be refused without processing.
Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself and one’s family during the stay and for the returnConditions and details
To apply for a work permit from outside Canada, one must show that one has enough money to take care of oneself and one’s family during the stay and to return. The amount depends on the size of the family, the community where one settles and the permit program; IRCC refers to the low income cut-offs, given as a general reference (2023 data), to estimate a minimum.
Port of Entry introduction letter given by IRCC after approval, to be presented on arrivalConditions and details
If the application is approved, IRCC sends a letter stating that one is authorized to work in Canada: the port of entry introduction letter. It is not the work permit. One must bring it, on paper or in electronic version, and present it at the port of entry; the permit is issued only on arrival in Canada. It is received if one submitted the application online or provided an email address in the form.

Depending on your situation

For an employer-specific permit: job offer from an eligible Canadian employerConditions and details
To apply for an employer-specific work permit, a job offer from an employer that is not on the list of non-compliant employers is required. The application may be refused if one plans to work for an employer listed as ineligible or for an employer that typically offers striptease, erotic dance, escort or erotic massage services, or if the job offer is not genuine. If a permit is required and one does not yet have it, it is not legal to work in Canada or to state that one is authorized to work there. A job offer is not required for an open work permit, which is reserved for eligible persons.
For an employer-specific permit: employment contract provided by the employerConditions and details
For an employer-specific work permit, whether the job requires an LMIA or is exempt from one, the employer provides the employment contract to be included with the application. If an open work permit applicant is asked to provide employment documents, IRCC asks to upload a document bearing “Not applicable”.
Copy of the positive LMIA (decision letter with Annex A) and the LMIA file number, provided by the employer, if the job requires an LMIAConditions and details
A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), sometimes called a confirmation letter, shows that a foreign worker is needed to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available. If the LMIA is required, the employer gives the worker a copy of the decision letter, its Annex A (job details) and the file number; the worker then submits their permit application. Some jobs are exempt from it.
Job offer letter specifying pay, deductions, duties and working conditions, if the job requires an LMIAConditions and details
For a job that requires an LMIA, the employer also provides a job offer letter, usually less detailed than a contract. It states the pay and deductions, the duties and the employment conditions, for example working hours.
Job offer number (letter A followed by 7 digits), obtained by the employer in the employer portal, if the job is exempt from an LMIAConditions and details
For a job exempt from an LMIA, the employer submits the job offer in IRCC’s employer portal, which generates the job offer number required for the permit application. This number is used only once: the employer provides a new one for any subsequent application. Some exempt employers, such as foreign missions or international organizations, do not have to submit a job offer and therefore do not provide a number.
Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), for paid employment of more than 30 days in Québec when the job requires an LMIAConditions and details
When the job requires an LMIA and the worker plans to hold paid employment in Québec for more than 30 days, the employer obtains a CAQ from the Québec Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration and gives a copy to the worker, who includes it with the application along with the positive LMIA decision letter. A worker hired without an LMIA, under the International Mobility Program, does not need a CAQ.
For an employer-specific permit: letter from the current employer and references from former employersFor an employer-specific work permit, IRCC always asks for a letter from the applicant’s current employer and a reference letter from former employers.
For an employer-specific permit: work experience and proof that you meet the job requirementsConditions and details
For an employer-specific permit, IRCC asks for proof of past experience, for example pay stubs, and proof that you meet the job requirements, including the licence or certification if the trade is regulated. If the job requires neither a licence nor certification, upload a sheet bearing “Not applicable” in the corresponding location. For an open permit, if employment documents are requested, upload a document bearing “Not applicable”.
For an employer-specific permit: curriculum vitaeIRCC always asks for a curriculum vitae with an employer-specific work permit application.
Immigration medical examination with a designated physician, if IRCC requires itConditions and details
IRCC may request a medical examination depending on the type of work and the country of residence. For a stay of more than 6 months, it is required in particular if one has lived or travelled for 6 consecutive months or more in certain countries in the year before arrival, or if one will work in a job where public health must be protected; for a stay of 6 months or less, it is generally required only for those jobs. It is done by a doctor from the list of designated doctors, preferably before the application; if proof of it is brought to the border, the permit does not include a medical condition. The results must be valid on the day of entry to Canada.
Police certificate, if IRCC requests itThe application may be refused if the applicant has a history of criminal activity; IRCC may then request a police certificate.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) given in person after submitting the application, if applicableConditions and details
After submitting, one must wait for the biometrics instruction letter, then make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays. United States nationals are exempt from it for a temporary residence application, as are other persons, for example applicants over 79 years of age and children under 14 years of age. They may need to be given again even if they are still valid, for example if they expire soon: IRCC cannot issue a work permit longer than the validity of the biometrics.
Certified translations of documents that are neither in English nor in FrenchThe document list may include certified translations when the documents are not written in English or French.
Proof of current immigration status in the country of submission, if the applicant is not a citizen of itConditions and details
An applicant who is not a citizen of the country or territory from which they are submitting their application must send proof of their current immigration status in that country or territory.
Family Information form (IMM 5707), marriage certificate or common-law union declaration (IMM 5409), depending on the situationConditions and details
The document list may include the IMM 5707 Family Information form, a marriage certificate or the solemn declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409). The spouse, common-law partner and dependent children may be authorized to visit, study or work in Canada with the worker; IRCC suggests checking whether they need a visa or an eTA, a study permit or an open work permit.
Forms IMM 5476 (use of a representative) and IMM 5475 (authorization to disclose information), if applicableConditions and details
Form IMM 5476 is added only if the applicant uses an authorized representative. Form IMM 5475 is added only if the applicant authorizes the disclosure of information from their file to a person other than themselves.
Documents specific to the visa office of the country of submission, displayed by indicating the country from which one is submitting the applicationConditions and details
Depending on the country or territory from which one is submitting the application, the local visa office may require additional documents; the application page displays them after the country is selected, and some offices do not require any.
Valid visitor visa, if a visa is required to travel to CanadaConditions and details
Even when the work permit is approved, the worker who requires a visitor visa to travel must have it with them on arrival. A work permit exemption does not exempt from the visitor visa or, depending on nationality, from the electronic travel authorization.

Official fees

Processing of the work permit application, for all applicants (unless exempt) 155 CAD
Biometrics fee, per person 85 CAD
Biometrics fee, family submitting at the same time (total cap) 170 CAD
Additional open work permit holder fee, if applicable and unless exempt 100 CAD

Steps

Determine the applicable type of permit. For an employer-specific permit, obtain a job offer from an eligible employer; an open permit requires particular eligibility.
For an employer-specific permit, the employer determines whether the job requires an LMIA or is exempt from it and whether the worker needs a permit.
If an LMIA is required, the employer applies for it from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which processes the application and issues the decision letter.
For an employer-specific permit, gather the contract and the documents corresponding to the LMIA or its exemption. For an open permit, follow the instructions of the personalized list.
Gather form IMM 1295, the passport, the photo and proof of funds; add the employment supporting documents and the curriculum vitae when the type of permit requires them.
Open one's IRCC account, answer the questionnaire to obtain the personalized document list and upload the documents.
Pay the fees at the end of the application by credit or debit card, then submit a complete application.
Provide one's biometrics after receiving the instruction letter, if they are requested.
Respond to IRCC requests: interview, medical examination or additional documents. For an employer-specific permit, the officer also checks that the employer is allowed to hire.
If the application is approved, receive the letter of introduction for the port of entry; the work permit is only issued on arrival in Canada.
Travel with your passport, visitor visa if needed, letter of introduction and applicable supporting documents: employment, LMIA, CAQ or offer of employment number, depending on the pathway.
On arrival, tell the border services officer that one is coming to work: they verify eligibility, then print the work permit.

Where to apply

IRCC account and online portal to submit the work permit application from outside Canada
Paper application, only in case of disability, for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, or with an identity or travel document of a non-national resident, refugee or stateless person
ESDC online LMIA portal (Job Bank account required), through which the employer applies for the LMIA
IRCC employer portal, through which the employer of an LMIA-exempt job submits the job offer and obtains the job offer number
Biometrics collection point indicated by IRCC, by appointment after receiving the instruction letter
Canada Border Services Agency officer at a port of entry: inspection on arrival and printing of the work permit

Good to know

What the permit authorizesConditions and details
This list concerns an application submitted from outside Canada; procedures from within Canada or at a port of entry have their own instructions. The employer-specific work permit authorizes working in Canada according to its conditions, until its expiry date. It indicates the employer, the place of work and the occupation, as well as a numbered list of conditions and any remarks. All information on it must be respected.
Two types of permits: you do not chooseConditions and details
There are two types of work permits: the employer-specific permit, the most common, which requires a job offer, and the open permit, reserved for particular situations and without a job offer. You cannot choose the type of permit: IRCC offers a question tool to find out which one applies. The employment-related documents in this list concern the employer-specific permit. For an open permit, follow the personalized list; if employment documents are requested there, upload a document bearing "Not applicable".
The LMIA: to whom does it apply?Conditions and details
A labour market impact assessment (LMIA) determines whether hiring a temporary foreign worker will have a positive or negative effect on the Canadian labour market. Most employers need one before hiring. It is not required if the worker already holds an open permit, nor if an exemption applies (International Mobility Program): the employer then indicates the exemption code in their job offer.
Working without a work permitConditions and details
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. Some people are exempt from it depending on their occupation or their situation, for example business visitors, foreign representatives or military personnel; even without a permit, a visitor visa or an eTA will probably be required to enter Canada.
Validity period of the permitMost work permits are valid from 1 to 2 years, but the duration varies. The permit cannot exceed the expiry date of the passport or that of the biometrics.
Upfront medical examinationConditions and details
When one has not yet left one's country of residence, one can have an immigration medical examination before leaving. If one brings proof of it to the Canadian border, the permit will not include a medical condition; a permit already issued with these conditions may sometimes have them removed.
To do upon arrival: social insurance number and health insuranceConditions and details
One must apply for a social insurance number upon arrival in Canada. The worker and their dependants must either have provincial or territorial health insurance, or have the money necessary if medical care is needed; the eligibility rules for public insurance vary by province or territory.
Extend, change status or studyDepending on their situation, the holder of a work permit can extend or amend it, study while working or apply for permanent residence.
Grounds for refusal of a work permit applicationConditions and details
The application may be refused in particular if the applicant does not meet the conditions of the type of permit applied for, if the officer doubts that they will leave Canada at the end of their stay, if the applicant or their family is inadmissible, if the file is incomplete, if the funds are insufficient, if the job offer is not genuine or if the proof of skills or studies is insufficient. It is possible to resubmit an application, unless the decision letter prohibits it, but only with new information.
Documents to have at the border and identity checkConditions and details
The passport must be valid longer than the intended duration of stay. At some Canadian airports, fingerprints are verified automatically at a primary inspection kiosk; elsewhere, an officer may collect them at secondary inspection. The border services officer makes the final decision to issue the permit and authorize entry, and they must be given accurate and complete information.
Temporary measures related to Ebola virus diseaseConditions and details
IRCC pages indicate temporary measures taken in response to Ebola virus disease, extended until 27 November 2026. Their content is not detailed here: consult the IRCC page dedicated to these measures before submitting the application.

Nationalities covered

This procedure applies to 248 nationalities.

Afghanistan
Åland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czechia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Réunion
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
São Tomé and Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
U.S. Outlying Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Vietnam
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Official links

Work permit: Forms and document requirements for applications outside Canada - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Work permit: Submit your application from outside Canada – Steps and priority processing - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Work permit: Apply from outside Canada – Eligibility and requirements - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Employer-specific work permits: eligibility, LMIA, and application steps - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Medical exams for visitors, students and workers - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Work permit: Wait for a decision after applying outside Canada – Status and next steps - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Work permit: Arrive in Canada – Documents and entry process at the border - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Work permit: After applying from outside Canada – Conditions and next steps - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Who needs a labour market impact assessment - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Who can work in Canada without a work permit – exemptions and eligibility - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Hire a temporary foreign worker with a Labour Market Impact Assessment - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca
Biometrics - Canada.ca (new tab) www.canada.ca

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