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Work Permit Document Checklist

· Reviewed by Tamara Bulantseva, RCIC

Work permit documents depend on the stream. Most applicants need identity documents and IRCC forms; employer-specific permits also need either a positive LMIA package or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment number. Open work permits need proof you fit an IRCC-listed category. Always follow the checklist in your IRCC account and confirm fees on IRCC’s fee list—currently $CAN 155 for a work permit, plus $CAN 100 for most open permits.

Quick reference

EveryoneIdentity + IRCC forms
Closed + LMIAPositive LMIA + job offer docs
Closed + exemptOffer of employment number
OpenCategory eligibility proof

Overview

Use this page as a document map for Canadian work permits. Start with your permit type—open vs employer-specific—then add LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer documents. Always download the live checklist inside your IRCC account before you submit.

Common situations

Employer-specific with LMIA

Collect the positive LMIA package from the employer, then assemble your personal identity and forms.

Employer-specific LMIA-exempt

Wait for the Employer Portal offer of employment number, then align your forms with the portal job details.

Open work permit (for example PGWP or spouse category)

Focus on category proof rather than a job offer. Wrong or thin category evidence is a frequent refusal theme.

Applying after a refusal

Rebuild documents against each refusal reason. See Work Permit Refusal and Reapply After Work Permit Refusal.

Core documents most workers need

  1. Passport / travel document bio-data pages (and any needed visas/eTA history context)
  2. IRCC application forms for your channel (inside Canada vs outside Canada)
  3. Photos meeting IRCC specifications
  4. Proof of current status if applying from inside Canada
  5. Biometrics enrolment when required
  6. Medical exam results when required for your occupation or residence history
  7. Police certificates when required

Employer-specific extras

If the job requires an LMIA

IRCC commonly expects:

  • copy of the positive LMIA and LMIA file number
  • job offer letter
  • employment contract
  • CAQ when Quebec paid-work rules require it

If the job is LMIA-exempt

IRCC commonly expects:

  • employment contract / agreement
  • offer of employment number from the Employer Portal (when required)

Some employers are exempt from submitting a portal offer—follow the exemption instructions.

Open work permit extras

Provide documents that prove you fit the specific open category (for example graduation proof for PGWP, relationship and principal-applicant status for spouse pathways, or other IRCC-listed evidence). Do not submit a closed-permit LMIA package and call it an open application.

Fees to confirm before upload day

ItemCurrent IRCC list (re-check live)
Work permit processing$CAN 155
Open work permit holder fee$CAN 100 (most open cases)
Employer compliance fee (IMP)$CAN 230 (employer; if applicable)
BiometricsSeparate fee when required

ESDC LMIA fees are separate from IRCC’s list.

Application steps

  1. Confirm open vs closed, and LMIA vs LMIA-exempt.
  2. Collect employer documents or open-category proof.
  3. Complete the IRCC account checklist for your channel.
  4. Align names, NOC/job titles, wages, and dates across all PDFs.
  5. Pay the correct fees and submit only when the package is complete.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing LMIA and LMIA-exempt document sets
  • Using an expired or mismatched offer/LMIA
  • Omitting Quebec CAQ when required
  • Assuming a job offer letter alone replaces portal or LMIA proof
  • Ignoring medical requirements for certain occupations

When to get help

Ask for a review if documents conflict, your stream is unclear, Quebec or medical issues apply, or you are refiling after a refusal.

Want a document review before you submit?

Tamara can check whether your package matches the stream—LMIA, LMIA-exempt, or open—before you pay IRCC fees.

Book a Consultation

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

  • Identified open vs employer-specific stream
  • Passport bio-pages and digital photos ready
  • LMIA copy/file number or Employer Portal offer number (if closed)
  • Category proof gathered (if open)
  • Checked medical, police, CAQ, and biometrics needs
  • Confirmed live IRCC fees for your permit type

Frequently asked questions

Is there one universal document list?
No. IRCC generates checklists by application type and situation. Visa offices and streams can add extras.
What do I need for an LMIA-based permit?
Typically a positive LMIA and file number, job offer letter, and employment contract, plus identity documents. Quebec may require a CAQ.
What do I need for an LMIA-exempt permit?
Typically the Employer Portal offer of employment number and employment agreement when required, plus identity documents.
Do open work permits need a job offer?
No. They need proof you qualify under an IRCC open-permit category.
What fees should I budget?
IRCC currently lists $CAN 155 for a work permit and $CAN 100 for the open work permit holder fee in most open cases. Employers may owe LMIA or compliance fees separately.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

References

  1. Work permit documents (inside Canada)
  2. Get a work permit
  3. Open work permits
  4. Citizenship and immigration fees
  5. Which work permit fees do I have to pay? (Help Centre 1306)

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

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