How to Prepare Your Canadian Work Permit Documents: A Step-by-Step Guide

A complete walkthrough of every document you need to gather, organize, and verify before applying for a Canadian work permit.

A Canadian work permit application requires careful document preparation. Unlike some immigration processes, work permit applications are relatively time-sensitive and errors can result in delays that affect your employment start date. This guide walks you through exactly what to prepare, how to organize it, and what to verify before submitting.

Step 1: Determine which type of work permit you need

The documents you need depend entirely on the type of work permit you are applying for. The two main categories are:

LMIA-based work permits

Your employer obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This is the most common route for foreign workers in occupations not covered by a trade agreement.

LMIA-exempt work permits

These are issued under specific exemptions, the most common being CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) for US and Mexican citizens, intra-company transfers, and International Mobility Program (IMP) positions. No LMIA is required but the exemption code must be clearly stated in the job offer letter.

Step 2: Gather your personal documents

These documents are required for all work permit applications regardless of type:

• Valid passport biographic page and all pages showing previous visas and stamps. Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your intended work permit.
• Two passport-style photographs meeting IRCC specifications (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
• Current immigration documents if you are already in Canada (study permit, work permit, visitor record)
• Previous Canadian immigration documents if applicable (previous work permits, study permits, visitor visas)
• Police certificates from each country where you lived for 6 months or more since age 18 required for work permits of 6 months or longer

Step 3: Gather your employer documents

For LMIA-based work permits

• LMIA approval letter from ESDC (provided by your employer) keep the LMIA number, you will need to enter it in your application
• Job offer letter on company letterhead signed by the employer, including: job title, NOC code, start date, salary, hours per week, work location, and CRA business number
• Copy of the employer's business registration or CRA business number verification

For LMIA-exempt work permits

• Job offer letter clearly stating the LMIA exemption code (e.g. C10 for intra-company transfer, T23 for CUSMA professional)
• For CUSMA: documentation proving you meet the professional category requirements (degree certificates, professional credentials)
• For intra-company transfers: letter from the employer confirming the transfer, your role, and your relationship to the Canadian entity
• Offer of Employment number from the IRCC Employer Portal (required for most IMP positions)

Step 4: Gather your qualifications documents

• Degree certificates and official transcripts for your highest level of education
• Professional credentials or licensing if your occupation requires them (e.g. engineering license, nursing registration)
• Updated resume or CV showing your complete work history
• Employment verification letters from previous employers confirming relevant work experience
• If applicable, proof of Canadian credential recognition or foreign credential assessment

Step 5: Complete the required IRCC forms

• IMM 1295 Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (if applying from outside Canada)
• IMM 5710 Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (if applying from inside Canada)
• IMM 5645E Family Information form
• IMM 5257 Temporary Resident Visa application (if you require a TRV in addition to the work permit)
• Schedule A Background Declaration if required for your nationality

Step 6: Verify everything before submitting

Before you submit, go through this final verification checklist:

• Do the job title and NOC code match across your job offer letter and LMIA (if applicable)?
• Does the salary in the job offer match what was approved in the LMIA?
• Are all dates consistent across every document?
• Is your passport valid for the entire duration of the requested work permit?
• Have you included biometrics if required? (Most applicants aged 14-79 need to provide biometrics)
• Have you paid the correct application fees and included your fee receipt?
• Are all file names descriptive and all documents legible?

Common work permit document mistakes

• Job offer letter missing the CRA business number IRCC cannot verify the employer without it
• LMIA exemption code missing or incorrect in the job offer letter
• Salary in the offer letter does not match the LMIA-approved wage
• Work permit application submitted after the current status has already expired
• Biometrics not provided or biometrics from a previous application assumed to still be valid (biometrics are valid for 10 years)