Guide 5487 - Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada

Table of Contents


This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:


Overview

Application package

This application package has:

  • an instruction guide, and
  • the forms you need to fill out.

The instruction guide:

  • has information you must know before you submit your application, and
  • explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.


Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:

Required step
What you must do to have your application processed.
Important information

Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.

Get more information

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.


Before you apply

Who can use this application guide?

This application guide will help you apply for a work permit from outside Canada.


What is work?

Work is an activity for which wages are paid or commission is earned. An unpaid activity can also be “work” if it competes directly with activities of citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market.


What is a work permit?

A work permit is a written authorization that is:

  • issued by an officer that allows a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to work in Canada;
  • needed if you want to work in Canada, even if your employer is not in Canada;
  • usually valid only for a specific employer, job and length of time;
  • issued based on a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), or an offer of employment from an LMIA-exempt employer.

Employer Compliance Regime

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) have requirements that allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to protect your rights when you work in Canada by making sure that your employer respects the terms of their offer of employment.

For a work permit application, we will evaluate your employer on:

  • whether or not the offer of employment is genuine;
  • their compliance history (within the past six years) with the commitments listed in their offer of employment with respect to:
    • wages;
    • working conditions; and
    • the job.
  • whether or not they follow Federal-Provincial or Territorial Laws; and
  • whether or not they are banned from hiring a foreign national as per the Immigration and Refugees Protection Regulations (IRPR).

Employers who have not complied with past commitments to foreign workers may be banned from hiring any foreign workers for a specific length of time. The length of the ban is noted on the public list of employers who have been found non-compliant.

You must not work for an ineligible employer. Check the current List of employers who have been found non-compliant.

Note: If your employer is a mission, foreign government, international organization or a bridge or tunnel authority, they may be exempt from the Employer Compliance Regime. Find out more about this exemption.

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?

An LMIA is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that gives the employer permission to hire a temporary worker.

ESDC will assess the employer’s LMIA application to determine what impact hiring a temporary foreign worker would have on Canada’s job market. ESDC will issue a positive or negative LMIA letter to the employer. Your employer should give you a copy of this letter to include with your application for a work permit.

The LMIA is usually given for a specific period of time and the work permit issued will match that period. If you want to renew your work permit beyond this period, you will likely need a new LMIA. Find out more about the LMIA.

Note: LMIA-exempt work permits have different conditions that are reviewed by IRCC or CBSA. Find out if you need an LMIA.

Offers of Employment from a specific employer for LMIA-exempt foreign workers

If you do not need an LMIA to work in Canada, your employer must submit an offer of employment to us through the Employer Portal. Your employer must give you an offer of employment number and pay the Employer compliance fee before you start your work permit application. The offer of employment number starts with the letter “A” and is followed by seven numbers.

If your employer does not need to pay the employer compliance fee, they must upload proof of their fee exemption in the Employer Portal.


Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?

You need a work permit if you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and you want to work temporarily in Canada.

Depending on the nature of the activity, you may be exempt from a work permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. In most cases, you will need one to work legally in Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit.

You can also find information in the Help Centre.


When should I apply?

You should apply as soon as you have:

  • a written job offer or employment contract, and
  • The LMIA decision letter that your employer received from ESDC or the offer of employment number from your employer if you do not need an LMIA.

Am I eligible?

You must show the officer that you are eligible under Canada’s Immigration law and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay. You must:

  • satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your employment;
  • be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to give us a Police Clearance Certificate);
  • not be a danger to the security of Canada;
  • be in good health and complete a medical exam, if needed;
  • not intend to engage in employment with an employer on the List of Ineligible Employers;
  • not plan to work with an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and
  • provide any other documents the officer needs to establish your admissibility.

Are there any conditions on my work permit?

An officer may impose, change or cancel conditions when issuing a work permit. These may include any of the following:

  • the type of employment;
  • the employer you can work for;
  • where you can work;
  • how long you can continue to work; and
  • the times or periods of work.

Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

If you want to work in Canada, you may need a TRV or an eTA.

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document issued by an officer that is placed in your passport to show that you meet the general requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a paperless document that is electronically linked to your passport. It also shows that you are eligible to enter Canada as a temporary resident.

If you need a TRV or an eTA, you do not have to fill out a separate application or pay more fees. It will be issued by the officer at the same time as the documents you need for your entry to Canada as a worker.

Find out if you need a TRV or an eTA.


If you graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and are applying for a post-graduation work permit from outside Canada, you must indicate this on your Application form for a work permit made from outside Canada (IMM 1295) (PDF, 581 KB):

In the section “Details of intended work in Canada”:

  • Question 1: Choose “Open Work Permit”
  • Question 2a (Name of employer): Write “Post Graduate Work Permit”

You have up to 180 days after you receive confirmation from your school that you have completed all the requirements of your study program to apply for a work permit. This confirmation could be a degree, diploma, transcript or an official letter from your school.

Note: To be eligible, your study permit must have been valid at some point during these 180 days.

See if you’re eligible for a Post-graduation work permit.


Important information:

Family member definitions

Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and any children that are their dependent children.

Spouse

Refers to either of the two persons (any gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Important information

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage.

Common-law partner

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

Dependent children

We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the "lock-in date". This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date, even though your child’s age may change during processing.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below on the lock-in date:

  • They’re under 22 years old, and
  • They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

  • They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
  • They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition

With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

Not sure if your child is a dependant? Check if your child qualifies by answering a few questions.

If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.

Dependent child of a dependent child

Refers to children of dependent children of the applicant and those of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.


Do I have to apply separately for my family members?

Family members must complete their own application forms. However, you may submit your applications together online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and use one payment receipt for the total amount.

Your spouse or common-law partner and children must meet all of the requirements for temporary residence in Canada.


May my spouse or common-law partner and children work in Canada?

To work in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children must apply for their own work permits. Each person must meet the requirements to get a work permit, including the LMIA requirement.

They may, however apply for their work permit from within Canada. Find more details in the Help Centre.


May my children attend school?

Your children may attend school in Canada. You must apply for their study permit at the same time as your own. If your children plan to join you at a later date, they must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada.


Are there medical requirements?

If you plan to work, visit or study in Canada for six months or less:

You usually do not need a medical exam.

If you plan to work, visit or study in Canada for more than six months:

You will need a medical exam if you:

  • have lived temporarily for six or more months in a row:
    • in any of these countries or territories
    • in the one year immediately before the date you want to enter Canada. (This applies even if you are a citizen of a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada.)

Regardless of the length of time you are in Canada, you will need a medical exam if you wish to work in one of the following fields:

  • a designated occupation, such as the field of health services or with children. Examples of designated occupations include hospital staff, clinical laboratory workers, patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes, and medical and dental students admitted to attend Canadian universities;
  • to work in agricultural occupations, you will need a medical exam if you have lived in certain countries or territories.

You and your family members may need a medical exam to come to Canada. Find out more by checking the Medical examination requirements for temporary residents.

You may either:

  • have an upfront medical exam by contacting a Panel Physician; or
  • wait until your application is reviewed and medical instructions are given to you by the visa office.

Get the instructions to complete the medical exam.

When medical results are submitted up front, routine cases benefit from faster processing since we do not have to ask for them at a later date. This is done at your own cost and does not influence the final decision on your application. If you have an upfront medical exam, you must submit proof that you completed the medical exam with your application. Failure to do so may result in processing delays.


The officer’s decision is based on the type of job you will have and where you have lived in the past year.

If you want to work in health services, child care, primary or secondary education, you will need a medical exam and a satisfactory medical assessment before we can issue you a work permit.

If you want to work in agricultural occupations, you will need a medical exam if you have lived in certain countries or territories.

Note: A medical exam may add over three months to the processing of your application.


Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You may need to appear in person to have your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point. If your family members are also applying, they may need to appear in person to have their biometric information taken as well.

If you’re in Canada as a visitor and you apply for an initial study or work permit, you need to give your biometrics. As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

Note: If you need to give biometric fingerprints and photo, you do not need to include paper photos with your application.

How often do you give your biometrics

You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.

If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a visitor visa, work or study permit and they are still valid, you don’t need to give them again for this application.

Find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Biometric Status Tool.

When to give your biometrics

If you submit your application online or by mail.

You can give your biometrics after you:

  • pay for and submit your application and biometric fees, and
  • get a biometric instruction letter (BIL) that will direct you to a list of official locations you may choose from.

You must provide your biometric data promptly after receiving the instruction letter inviting you to do so.

If you submit your application in person at a visa application centre (VAC)

You may be able to book an appointment in advance to give your biometrics at the same time that you submit your application at a VAC. If you can’t give your biometrics when you submit your application you will have to make an appointment at the VAC to give them at a later date.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.

We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents do I need?

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5488) (PDF, 316.89KB) to help you gather the supporting documents needed to apply for a work permit.

You need different forms depending on how you are applying and where you are applying from. Please refer to the specific instructions from the responsible visa office for your region to ensure you submit a complete application.

Important information: If you do not send all the requested information or documents, the processing of your application could be delayed.

  1. Proof of identity
    • A valid passport or travel document that gives you the right to return to the country or territory that issued it; and
    • Two (2) photos of yourself and each family member accompanying you, that meet the Visa application photograph specifications.

      Note: if you need to give biometric information (biometric fingerprints and a biometric photo), do not include paper photos. Find out if you need to give biometrics.

  2. Proof of employment in Canada
    • For LMIA-exempt work permits: The offer of employment number (begins with the letter “A” and is followed by seven numbers) that your employer should give to you,

      OR

      If you need an LMIA to work: A copy of the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from ESDC (your employer should give this to you), AND a copy of your employment contract from your future employer.

    • Proof that you are eligible for the job (for example: a valid Canadian provincial or territorial trade certificate, educational requirements or past work experience outlined in a resume).
    • A copy of the attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), if you plan to work in Quebec or will be working in Quebec. If you do not need an LMIA you will usually not need a CAQ.
  3. Proof of relationship
    • You may need to provide a marriage certificate and birth certificates for any accompanying family members.
    • If you are in a common-law relationship and your common-law partner will accompany you to Canada, you must fill out and click on the “Validate” button located at the end of the form Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) (PDF, 863 KB) and send proof listed on the form to support your relationship.
  4. Other documents
    • If you are not a citizen of the country or territory where you are applying, you must send proof of your present immigration status in that country or territory.
    • If the government that issued your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit, you must receive it before you apply for a work permit.
    • You may need to give us more documents.

Do you plan to work in Quebec?

In general, to work in Quebec, you need an attestation of issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) before applying for a work permit from.

Your employer must contact:

  • Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and
  • the MIFI to get permission to hire you.

Your employer will ask you to sign the application for a CAQ and will send it to the MIFI on your behalf.

Please refer to the MIFI website for contact information and for the latest updates on the process and documents needed for Quebec.


Translation of documents

You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

Translations may be done by:

  • a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
  • a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside of Canada:

  • a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.

small exclamation warning signImportant information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.


Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:

  • “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
  • the name of the original document;
  • the date of the certification;
  • the name of the authorized person;
  • their official position or title; and
  • their signature.

Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people can certify copies.

Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.

Outside Canada:

  • a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.


Step 2. Complete the Application 

You must fill out and submit these forms:

Note: A migration officer may ask you for more supporting documents.

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information on your application may be verified.



Important information

Be complete and accurate

Fill out all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. Do not do this for the name fields (your last name and given names). Instead, see questions 1 and 2 under the “Personal Details” section for instructions. You must sign and date the application.

If your application is incomplete it may be rejected or sent back to you and this will delay processing.

If you need more space for any section, print another page with the correct section. Complete and submit this page with your application.


Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295)

Who must fill out this application form?

Each person who needs a work permit must fill out this form.

Note: If this application form is completed on a computer it must be validated to generate a barcode page. If you apply on paper, print and place the barcode page (page 5 of 5) on the top of your application (or if applying as a group, each individual application package).


Note

Fill out the form

You must answer all the questions on this form unless instructed otherwise.

Download and fill out the form on a computer.

You also have the option to save your form and fill it out later.

Note: Filling out the form on a computer is easier and reduces mistakes that can slow down the application process.

Read and follow the questions below to help you fill out the form.

Question 1

Type your unique client identifier (UCI), if known. Otherwise, leave it blank. If this is your first time dealing with IRCC you will not have a UCI.

Question 2

Choose your preferred language of service (English or French).

Personal Details

Question 1
Full name

Type your family name (surname) exactly as shown on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all your given names here and leave the given name field blank.

Type all of your given names (first, second, or more) exactly as shown on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave this field blank. Do not enter “*”, “Not applicable” or “NA”.

Question 2
Nick names or Alias

Check the box to tell us if you have ever used any other name. This could include your birth name, maiden name, married name, nick name, etc.

If you checked “Yes”, type any other family name that you have ever used.

If you checked “Yes”, type any other given name (first, second, or more) that you have ever used.

Question 3

Choose your gender (F-Female, M-Male, U-Unknown or X-Another gender).

Note: If you choose a gender identifier that is different than what you currently have or have had on your Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit, study permit or visitor record), you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002) form and send it with your application. You also need to complete this form and send it with your application if you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document but you intend to apply for one and you identify with a gender that is different than what appears on your foreign travel document or passport. No supporting documents are required.

Question 4

Enter your date of birth. If your entire date of birth is unknown, please use ‘*’ (star sign or asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 5

Note, if your city, town, country or territory of birth is indicated in your passport or your travel document, please record it as it appears in the document.

Question 6

Choose your country or territory of citizenship. To be a citizen of a country or territory means that you were either born in that country or territory (in most cases) or have been granted citizenship by that country or territory. If you are a citizen of more than one country or territory, choose the country or territory that issued the passport you will be using for this trip.

Question 7

Choose the correct information:

  • The name of the country or territory you live in, if you have been lawfully admitted to that country or territory.
  • Your immigration status in that country or territory (choose one of the following):
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
  • Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status.
  • The dates (From – To) you have been living in your country or territory of residence.
Question 8

Check the box to tell us if during the past five years, you have lived in any other country or territory other than your country of citizenship or your current country or territory of residence (indicated above) for more than six months?

If you checked “Yes”, choose the correct information:

  • The name of the country or territory you lived in;
  • Your immigration status for the time you were in that country or territory:
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
  • Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status;
  • The dates (From – To) you were living in that country or territory.
Question 9

Check the box to tell us if you are applying from the country or territory you live in.

If you checked “No”, choose the correct information:

  • The name of the country or territory where you are applying from;
  • Your immigration status in that country or territory by choosing one of the following:
    • Citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Visitor
    • Worker
    • Student
    • Other
    • Protected Person
    • Refugee Claimant
  • Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status;
  • The dates (From – To) that you have been living in that country or territory.

If you are not a citizen of the country or territory where you are applying, you must send proof of your legal status in the country or territory you live in when you submit your application.

Question 10
  1. Choose your current marital status from the list below:
    Annulled Marriage
    This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marital union did not have a binding force.
    Common - Law
    This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one year.
    Divorced
    This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.
    Married
    This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.
    Separated
    This means that you are married, but are no longer living with your spouse.
    Single
    This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.
    Widowed
    This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.
  2. Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.
  3. Type the family names and given names of your current spouse or common-law partner.

If you are in a common-law union, you must also fill out the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 863 KB) form and include it with your application. If you are married, you must send a photocopy of your marriage licence or certificate with your application.

Question 11

Check the box to tell us if you have ever been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, enter the following information:

  • All family names,
  • All given names,
  • Date of birth,
  • Type of relationship:
    • Common-law, or
    • Married,
  • Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your former spouse or common-law partner.

Languages

Question 1
  1. Choose your native language (mother tongue).
  2. If your native language is not English or French, choose the language you would most likely use.
    • Both
    • English
    • French
    • Neither
  3. Choose English, French or both as your language of communication:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  4. Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to test your abilities in English or French.

Passport

Question 1

Type your valid passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 2

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your passport or travel document.

Question 3

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

Question 5

For this trip – Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows your personal identification number.

Question 6

For this trip – Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a National Israeli passport.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have a national identity document.

Question 2

Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the document.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your national identity document.

Question 4

Enter the date your national identity document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date your national identity document will expire.

US PR Card

Question 1

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are a lawful Permanent Resident of the United States with a valid alien registration card (green card).

Question 2

Enter your valid alien registration card (green card) document number exactly as shown on the document.

Question 3

Enter when your alien registration card (green card) document will expire.

Contact Information

Question 1

Type your current mailing address (where information should be mailed). Make sure you include the following information:

  • Post Office Box (P.O. Box) number, if you have one. If you do not have a post office box number, you must type the street number,
  • Apartment (Apt.) or Unit,
  • Street number (No.). If you did not type in a P.O. Box number, you must type the street number,
  • Street name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive, etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.),
  • City or Town,
  • From the list, choose the country or territory of your current mailing address,
  • Province or State,
  • Postal code or zip code,
  • District, if it applies to you.

All correspondence will go to this address unless you give us your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you must give us their email and mailing addresses in this section and fill out the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form.

Question 2

Check the box to tell us if the address you live at is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, type the following information:

  • Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you,
  • Street Number (No.),
  • Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.),
  • City or Town,
  • Country or territory,
  • Province or State,
  • Postal Code or zip code,
  • District, if it applies to you.
Question 3

Check the correct box to tell us if the telephone number is from Canada, the United States (US) or Other (any other country).

Choose the type of telephone:

  • Residence (home)
  • Cellular (cell or mobile)
  • Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 4

Check the correct box to tell us if your other telephone number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

Choose the type of telephone:

  • Residence (home)
  • Cellular (cell or mobile)
  • Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 5

Check the correct box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

If you have one, type your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area or regional codes, etc.

Question 6

If you have one, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: Make sure you check your email regularly. Any emails sent to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will end in:

  • “@cic.gc.ca”,
  • “@canada.ca”, or
  • “@international.gc.ca”.

Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If we find that your email address does not work or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail. By giving us your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing us to send your correspondence, including file and personal information electronically to this address.

Note: If you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and your work permit application is approved, you must give us your original passport so we can issue the visa counterfoil.

Details of Intended Work in Canada

Question 1

Choose the type of work permit you’re applying for:

  • Exemption from Labour Market Impact Assessment
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment Stream
  • Open Work Permit
  • Other
  • Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program
  • Start-up Business Class

Ask your employer if you’re not sure of which option you should choose

  • Labour Market Impact Assessment Stream; or
  • Exemption from Labour Market Impact Assessment.

If you choose “Open Work Permit”, leave questions 2 to 6 blank.

If you’re applying for a post-graduation work permit,

  • choose “Open Work Permit”;
  • write “post-graduation work permit” in question 2a;
  • leave the following questions blank: 2b, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Do not select “Other” unless your situation appears on the list below.

Who should select “Other”?

Choose “Otheronly if you’re applying to work in Canada for a:

Your employer must give you an employment contract or an employment letter including the following information:

  • name of employer;
  • address of employer;
  • job title;
  • salary;
  • hours of work;
  • any other relevant details.

Your employer does not need to submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal. This means you don’t need to provide a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) number or offer of employment (LMIA-exempt) number.

Question 2

a) If you need an LMIA to get a work permit, type the name of the employer as shown on the LMIA. Attach original employment contract and LMIA.

If you do not need an LMIA to get a work permit, type the name of the employer who gave you the offer of employment number.

If you are applying for a post-graduation work permit, write “post-graduation work permit” as the employer name.

b) Enter the complete address of your employer:

  • Province
  • City or Town
  • Address
Question 3

Enter the address where you will work in Canada:

  • Province
  • City or Town
  • Address
Question 4

Type the following information about the work you plan to do in Canada:

  • Job Title
  • Brief description of duties
Question 5

Type the expected start and end dates of your work in Canada (From–To). Use format YYYY-MM-DD.

The dates should match the dates in either the:

  • labour market impact assessment (LMIA);
  • offer of employment; or
  • duration allowed in the work permit category, if applying for an open work permit.

For example, the “From” and “To” date for a spousal open work permit must match the validity of the principal applicant's permit.

Note: A work permit cannot be issued for a duration that is longer than the validity of your passport.

Question 6

Type the seven-digit number of your valid LMIA or the alpha numeric combination of the offer of employment number (LMIA Exempt). This number begins with the letter “A” and is followed by seven numbers.

Education

Check the box to tell us if you have any post-secondary education (including university, college or apprenticeship training).

Examples of post-secondary education:

Trade or Apprenticeship

Training completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

Non-university certificate or diploma

Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering technician).

Bachelor’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who finished an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.

Master’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before a Master’s degree can be earned.

PhD

Highest university degree usually based on at least three years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have finished a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

If you checked “Yes”, give us full details of your highest level of post-secondary education:

  • Enter the dates (year and month) you attended the institution
  • Field(s) of study (mechanics, social sciences, medicine, etc.)
  • School or Facility name
  • City or Town
  • Country or territory (choose from the list) and
  • Province or State.

Employment (Work or job)

Enter the following information about your employment for the past 10 years. If you are retired, give information about the 10 years before your retirement.

Question 1

Current activity or job

Give details about your current activity or job:

  • dates (year and month) you have been working at your current job,
  • activity or job, or a brief description of your position. If you do not work, describe what you are currently doing (retired, not working, going to school, etc.),
  • name of the company, employer or facility where you work,
  • City or Town,
  • Country or territory,
  • Province or State, if it applies to you.
Question 2

Previous activity or job

Give details of your previous activity or job for the past 10 years. If you are retired, include the details about the 10 years before your retirement.

If you need more space, print out another page of the form, fill in this section and submit it with your application.

Background Information

You must answer all questions in this section, otherwise your application will be considered incomplete and will be sent back to you.

Question 1

Check the box to tell us if:

  1. you or any of your family members have ever had tuberculosis of the lungs or have been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis within the past two years.
  2. you have any physical or mental disorder that would require social or health services other than medication during your stay in Canada.
  3. If you checked “Yes” to any of the above questions, provide details and the name of the family member, if it applies to you.

Note: See the Family Members definition in this guide.

Question 2

Check the box to tell us if you have ever:

  1. stayed beyond the validity of your status, attended school without authorization or worked without authorization in Canada.
  2. been refused any kind of visa, admission or been ordered to leave Canada or any other country or territory.
  3. applied to enter or stay in Canada.
  4. If you checked “Yes” to one of the above questions, provide details.
Question 3

Check the box to tell us if you have ever:

  • committed,
  • been arrested for, or
  • been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country or territory.

If you checked “Yes”, give details.

Question 4
  1. Check the box to tell us if you have ever served in any military, militia, civil defence unit, served in a security organization or police force (including non-obligatory national service, reserve or voluntary units).
  2. If you checked “Yes”, write your dates of service and the countries or territories where you served.
Question 5

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have ever been a member or associated with any political party, or other group or organization which has engaged in or advocated violence as means to achieving a political or religious objective, or which has been associated with criminal activity at any time.

Question 6

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have ever witnessed or taken part in the ill treatment of prisoners or civilians, looting or desecration of religious buildings.

To complete your form:

  1. Once you have filled out the form, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page (page 5 of 5) - see image below. If you filled out the form on a computer and print it, place the barcode page on the top of your application (or, if applying as a group, each individual application package).
    Sample barcode

    Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

  2. If you are 18 years of age or older, you must sign and date the boxes at the bottom of the page.

    If you are less than 18 years of age, one of your parents or a legal guardian must sign your form.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have given is complete, accurate, and factual. If you do not sign and date the application form, it will be sent back to you.


Family Information (IMM 5707)

Who needs to fill out this form?

This form must be filled out by each person, 18 years of age or older, applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), a study or work permit outside Canada.

Section A

Write the personal details about:

  • yourself;
    • If when selecting your marital status, you indicate that you are married, choose the option that corresponds to your situation:
      • Check “Yes” if you were physically present at the marriage ceremony
      • Check “No” if you were not physically present at the marriage ceremony
  • your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, if it applies to you;
    • If you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
      • Check “Yes” if your spouse was physically present at the marriage ceremony;
      • Check “No” if your spouse was not physically present at the marriage ceremony.
  • your parent 1 (mother or father); and
  • your parent 2 (mother or father).

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the person will accompany you to Canada.

Write: Family name and given name(s) (as shown on passport or travel document), name in native language (if applicable), date of birth, country or territory of birth (as shown on passport or travel document), present address (e.g. street name and number, city, country, postal code), marital status, and present occupation (job).

If a person is deceased, write “deceased” under “Present address”, and write the city/town, country and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate if that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not applicable” or “N/A”.

Note: If you do not have a spouse, a common-law partner or conjugal partner, read “Note 1” at the end of Section A, then sign and date the declaration.

Section B - Children

Write the personal details about your children. It is very important that you list all of your children even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada, regardless of age or place of residence. This includes:

  • married children;
  • adopted children;
  • children of your spouse (step-children) or common-law partner;
  • any of your children who have been adopted by others; and
  • any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the person will accompany you to Canada.

Write: relationship (e.g. son, adopted daughter), family name and given name (as shown on passport or travel document), name in native language (if applicable), date of birth, country or territory of birth (as shown on passport or travel document), present address (e.g. street name and number, city, country, postal code), marital status, and present occupation (job).

If a person is deceased, indicate this under “Present address”, and write the city/town, country and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate if that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not applicable” or “N/A”.

If you require more space, please either add lines to the form by pressing the + button to the right or attach a separate sheet with the additional information.

Note: If you do not have any children, check the box “I do not have any children” and read “Note 2” at the end of Section B, then sign and date the declaration.

Section C - Declaration

Signature

Sign and date in the sections provided.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have given is complete, accurate and factual. If you do not sign or date the form, your application will be returned to you.

Important information: Once you have filled out the form, click on the “Validate” button located at the top of the form. Missing information will be identified by a pop up when you press the “Validate” button. You should fill out your forms on a computer and validate them electronically to reduce mistakes and help you submit forms that are complete.

Note: This form will not produce a barcode when it is validated.

For more information about the “validate” button, visit the Help Centre.


Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form?

Fill out this form only if you:

  • are appointing a representative;
  • need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
  • are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who:

  • you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
  • gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
  • has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

For more information, see: Use of a Representative.

Notify IRCC about any changes

You must use this Web form to tell us if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.

Notify IRCC about any changes

You must use this Web form to tell us if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.


Step 3. Pay the Fees

Fees

There may be three separate fees to pay:

  • an application processing fee;
  • an open work permit holder fee;
  • a biometric fee.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees you need to pay (all fees are in Canadian dollars). You must pay your processing fees and include the payment receipt with your application. If you or your family members need to give biometric information, the biometric fee should be paid at the same time and in the same way as the processing fee.

Note: You may need to pay the fees in local currency.


Your fees

Application $CAN
Work Permit (including extensions) – per person $155

Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists)

Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place

$465
Open Work Permit HolderFootnote 1 $100

Fees can change at any time.

Biometrics Fees $CAN
Biometrics – per person $85

Biometrics – per family (2 or more people)

Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

$170

Biometrics – per group (3 or more performing artists)

Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place

$255

Note: Make sure you are eligible for the services you are requesting before you pay the fees.

The processing and biometric fees will not be refunded, no matter the final decision. For example, being found ineligible for a study permit is part of the processing and the fees will not be refunded. If you apply again, you will have to pay another application processing fee and if it applies to you, another biometric fee.


How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

  • a valid e-mail address;
  • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

  • Go to Online Payment.
  • Follow the online instructions.
    • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
  • Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
    • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

stop sign hand Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!

If you cannot pay your fees online:

Visit the Pay your fees page to learn about the methods of payment accepted by Canadian migration offices.


Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing of your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

We will return your application.

Note: We will start processing your application after you return your application with the fees.

Payment issue – Not enough fees included

We will return your application and tell you of how much to pay.

Note: We will start processing your application once you return your application with the correct fees.

Payment issue – Overpayment

We will:

  • start processing your application, and
  • send you a refund.

Note: You do not have to ask for a refund, it will be done automatically.

Payment issue –Required biometric fee not included

We will:

  • tell you the fee amount and how to pay it.

Note: We will continue processing of your application after you send the missing fees.


Step 4. Submit the Application

Where do I apply?

You may send your application to a Visa Application Center (VAC) that serves your area or apply online.


Send the document checklist

Make sure you fill out the Document Checklist [IMM 5488] (PDF, 316.89KB) and include it with your application package.


What Happens Next

The application process

Submission

Completion check

Once you have submitted your application, we will check to make sure that:

  • you have properly completed and submitted all of the required application forms;
  • you have paid the application processing fee; and
  • you have sent all requested supporting documentation.

If your application package is incomplete:

  • we will return it to you;
  • we will not create a file; and
  • we will not keep a record until you have submitted a complete application.

Note: To avoid processing delays, pay your biometric fees at the same time as your application processing fees, using the same method of payment.

Processing

Review for decision

An officer will review your application and assess all the information and documents you have given. If the officer decides that an interview is needed, you will get a letter specifying the date, time and place.

If your application is refused:
  • we will send you any original documents, including your passport (if you submitted it with your application); and
  • we will send you an explanation about the refusal of your application.
If your application is approved:
  • we will send you any original documents, including your passport (if you submitted it with your application); and
  • we will send you a letter of introduction confirming the approval of your work permit application.

Note: If we suspect that you have submitted false documents, they will not be returned.


Arrival in Canada

If there has been a change in circumstances between the date of your application for a work permit and your arrival in Canada, or if more information becomes available to the migration office, you may be refused entry.

letter of introduction does not guarantee entry into Canada.

An officer at the port of entry will decide if you are still eligible for admission when you arrive and how long you may stay. You will be issued a work permit at this time.

You must leave Canada on or before the date set by the officer or you must apply for an extension of your status in Canada.

Note: If you gave biometric information as part of your application, when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry, the officer:

  • will check your travel documents and compare you to the photo taken at the time of your application, and
  • may ask you to proceed to a secondary inspection line where your fingerprints will be compared with the fingerprints that were taken at the time of your application.

What you can do to help processing

There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:

  • submit all documents and information we have asked for with your application
  • pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
  • provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
  • tell us if your contact information changes, including:
    • mailing address;
    • telephone numbers;
    • facsimile number (fax);
    • e-mail address.

Things that delay processing

The following may delay processing:

  • unclear photocopies of documents;
  • verification of your information and documents;
  • a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations;
  • a criminal or security issue;
  • consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.


For more information

Current processing times

You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.


Protecting your information

Your personal information, including biometric fingerprints and photograph, if given:

  • may be shared with other Canadian government institutions as well as foreign governments as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act,
  • will be available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
  • will not be disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

For more information:

You can find more information about the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre.

Find out more about the protection of your biometric information.


Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:

  • verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
  • verify that your application has been completed properly.

Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.



Online services

For more information about the programs offered by IRCC, visit Immigration and Citizenship.


Need help?

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.


Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications

Send two photos meeting the Visa application photograph specifications. On the back of two photos, write your name and date of birth.

Note: If you need to give biometric fingerprints and photo, you do not need to include paper photos with your application


Features

Find out if you are eligible

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