Work Permit
Document ChecklistWork Permit Document Checklist — What You Need to Apply
Complete document checklist for a Work Permit application, organized by category. 16 items typically required, though specific files may need additional documentation based on country of origin, prior applications, and individual circumstances.
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Before you start gathering documents
This checklist is a baseline. Every immigration file has specific quirks — prior visa history, multi-country residence, document availability from the source country, and program-specific requirements. The documents below cover most files; book a free consultation to confirm what your specific case needs.
Identity
- Passport (all pages, including blank)Must be valid through proposed work permit duration.
- National IDWhere applicable.
- Passport-style photoPer IRCC specifications.
Job offer & employer
- Job offer letter or employment contractConfirms position, NOC, wage, hours, duration, location.
- LMIA (if LMIA-supported)Issued by ESDC; reference number on the work permit application.
- Employer compliance fee receipt$230 employer compliance fee (paid by employer) for LMIA-exempt categories under IMP.
- ICT supporting documentation (if applicable)Proof of qualifying relationship between US/foreign and Canadian entities, specialized knowledge or executive criteria.
- CUSMA Professional credentials (if applicable)Degree, license, designation matching the CUSMA category.
Qualifications
- CV / resumeDemonstrates qualification for the role.
- Educational credentialsDegree, diploma, certificate matching the job requirements.
- Professional licenses or certificationsWhere the role requires regulated-profession credentials (engineer, nurse, etc.).
- Work-experience reference lettersDemonstrate prior experience in the field.
Financial / personal
- Bank statements (recent 4–6 months)Demonstrates financial sustainability for initial settlement period.
- Family information formsSpouse, children, dependants — declared whether accompanying or not.
Medical & biometrics
- Immigration medical exam (if required)Required for certain occupations (healthcare, childcare) and longer stays.
- BiometricsAt IRCC VAC after biometrics instruction.
Frequently asked questions — Work Permit documents
What's the difference between an LMIA and an LMIA-exempt work permit application?
An LMIA-supported work permit requires the employer to first obtain a positive LMIA from ESDC, which involves a recruitment and labour-market test. The worker's permit application then references that LMIA number. An LMIA-exempt work permit operates under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and does not require an LMIA — examples include CUSMA Professional, intracompany transfers, IEC, and PGWP. LMIA-exempt applications require IMP code documentation and employer compliance fee payment.
I'm applying for CUSMA Professional — what's the most important document?
The critical documents are: (1) US passport showing US citizenship; (2) the credential matching the specific CUSMA Professional category (e.g., a CS bachelor's degree for Computer Systems Analyst, CPA license for Accountant, engineering degree for Engineer); (3) a job offer letter that explicitly references the CUSMA category and the duties matching that category. Without the credential-to-category match clearly documented, the application fails.
My ICT (Intracompany Transferee) requires specialized-knowledge — what documents prove it?
Specialized-knowledge ICT applications require documenting that the worker has knowledge of the company's products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests that is not generally available in the Canadian labour market. Strong evidence: training records and certifications specific to the company's products/systems, performance reviews highlighting specialized expertise, project documentation showing the worker's specialized role, letters from senior management explaining why this specific worker is essential to the Canadian role.
Build your personalized Work Permit checklist
Use our Document Checklist tool to build a personalized list based on your country of residence, family situation, and prior application history.