Canada's work permit system is among the most complex in the world — not because it is difficult to navigate, but because there are many pathways, each with its own document requirements. Whether you are applying for an open work permit as a spousal applicant, a closed work permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a CUSMA professional permit, or an International Experience Canada (IEC) permit, the documents you need differ substantially.
The main application form for most work permits is IMM 1295 (Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada). If you are already in Canada and need to extend or change your work permit, you use IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker). Let's break down each stream.
1. Open Work Permits
An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job. Several categories qualify for open work permits.
Common Open Work Permit Categories
- Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- Spouse or common-law partner of a full-time international student at a DLI
- Holders of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing Canadian studies
- Refugee claimants and protected persons
- Bridging open work permit (BOWP) applicants awaiting PR decision
- IEC Working Holiday participants
Documents for Spousal Open Work Permit
- IMM 1295 application form
- Valid passport (yours, and sponsor's)
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (12 months cohabitation evidence)
- Sponsor's current work permit or study permit (copy)
- Sponsor's employment letter or enrollment letter
- Proof of relationship: joint bank accounts, lease agreements, photos together
- Biometrics (if not already provided)
- Application fee: CAD $155 + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee
2. LMIA-Based Closed Work Permits
Most employer-specific (closed) work permits in Canada require the employer to first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA proves there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available for the position.
LMIA-Based Work Permit Documents
- IMM 1295 application form (completed and signed)
- Copy of the positive LMIA letter (provided by employer)
- Signed written job offer from the employer
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Educational credentials (degrees, diplomas, certificates)
- Professional certifications or licenses relevant to the NOC code
- Updated resume / CV
- Reference letters from previous employers
- Language test results (if required by the employer or NOC)
- Biometrics Instruction Letter compliance
- Medical exam results (for certain occupations — healthcare, childcare)
3. CUSMA / USMCA Work Permits (formerly NAFTA)
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, known as USMCA in the US) allows citizens of the US and Mexico to work in Canada in specific professional categories without an LMIA. This is one of the fastest work permit streams — approvals can happen at the port of entry for US citizens.
CUSMA Work Permit Documents
- Valid US or Mexican passport
- Proof of citizenship (not just residency — must be a citizen)
- Signed employment offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Proof of professional qualifications (degree transcripts, licenses)
- Evidence of pre-arranged employment (job description matching a CUSMA eligible profession)
- Completed IMM 1295 form
- Application fee: CAD $155
- Resume/CV demonstrating relevant experience
4. International Experience Canada (IEC)
IEC allows young people (typically 18–35) from participating countries to work in Canada on a Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op permit. The process begins with creating an IEC profile and waiting for an invitation to apply.
IEC Work Permit Documents
- Valid passport (must be valid for the full permit duration)
- IEC invitation letter from IRCC
- Proof of sufficient funds (typically CAD $2,500 minimum)
- Return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one
- Valid health insurance for the duration of stay
- Police certificate from your home country (for some categories)
- IMM 1295 application form
- Biometrics
- Application fee: CAD $155 + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Graduates of eligible Canadian DLIs can apply for a PGWP, which is an open work permit valid for up to 3 years (matching the length of study, up to 3 years). You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
PGWP Documents
- IMM 5710 or online application through IRCC portal
- Official final transcript or degree/diploma
- Completion letter from your DLI
- Copy of your current study permit
- Valid passport
- Proof of completion within 180 days of application
- Application fee: CAD $255 (work permit + open work permit holder fee)
General Documents Required for All Work Permits
Regardless of the stream, the following documents are typically required in every work permit application:
- Completed IMM 1295 (outside Canada) or IMM 5710 (inside Canada)
- Schedule A — Background/Declaration form (IMM 5669)
- Family information form (IMM 5645)
- Valid passport biographical page
- One recent passport photograph meeting IRCC standards
- Biometrics (if not already on file within the last 10 years)
- Application fee receipt
Download Your Work Permit Document Checklist
Get our free printable checklist customized for your work permit stream — LMIA, open, CUSMA, IEC, and PGWP.
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