What documents do I need for a Canadian work permit?
Short answer
It depends on the route. We track 4 Canadian work and skilled routes; below are the documents they ask for most often, with how many of the routes ask for each. Each route's page has its full list from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Documents most routes ask for
- Valid passport4 of 4 routes
- Immigration medical exam4 of 4 routes
- Police certificates3 of 4 routes
- Proof of funds3 of 4 routes
- Job offer or employment contract (with an LMIA where needed)3 of 4 routes
- Proof of education or enrolment3 of 4 routes
- Proof of work experience (CV, reference letters)3 of 4 routes
- Language test results2 of 4 routes
- Photos2 of 4 routes
- Biometrics1 of 4 routes
- Health insurance1 of 4 routes
Route by route
- Employer-specific work permit supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment10 documents on the official list · Job offer needed
- Express Entry12 documents on the official list
- International Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op10 documents on the official list
- Post-Graduation Work Permit7 documents on the official list
Exceptions
Some work in Canada needs no work permit at all, and some people can apply from inside Canada or at the border instead of from abroad. Whether you need a medical exam or police certificates depends on where you have lived and the job. Check the official IRCC page for your situation.
Official sources
The figures here come from official government pages like these, checked on the date above. Each route's page lists its own sources.
- ESDC: Program requirements for high-wage positions (2026-09-18)
- ESDC: Hire a temporary foreign worker in a high-wage or low-wage position, wage thresholds (2026-10-07)
- ESDC: Hire a temporary foreign worker in a high-wage position (2026-10-07)
- ESDC: Hire a temporary foreign worker in a low-wage position (2026-10-07)
- ESDC: LMIA valid for a maximum of 6 months (2026-04-14)
- ESDC: LMIA processing times (2026-10-07)
- IRCC: Work permit, apply from outside Canada, eligibility (2026-05-25)
- IRCC: Work permit, submit your application from outside Canada (2026-08-28)
See which of these fit you
Build one profile and e-Passage checks it against every route, showing what you meet and what's missing.
More guides
General information from official government sources, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official page, or ask a licensed advisor, before you apply.