Guide 5487: Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada
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.
Some migration offices may need more supporting documents specific to your country or territory. For more information, check the Application to work in Canada page.
Important information: If you do not send all the requested information or documents, the processing of your application could be delayed.
- Proof of identity
- A valid passport or travel document that guarantees you re-entry to the country or territory that issued it and
- Two (2) photos of yourself and accompanying family members 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.
- 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). Your employer should give this to you, ORIf you need an LMIA to work: A copy of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC (your employer should give this to you), AND a copy of an 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 Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI), 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.
- 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 come with you to Canada, you must fill out the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409). Send proof listed on the form to support your relationship.
- 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 a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) before applying for a work permit from any Canadian migration office.
Your employer must contact:
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and
- the MIDI to get permission to hire you.
Your employer will ask you to sign the application for a CAQ and will send it to the MIDI on your behalf.
Please refer to the MIDI website (available in French only) for contact information and for the latest updates on the process and documents needed for Quebec.
