What documents do I need to apply for a Canadian work permit?
The documents required for a Canadian work permit application vary by stream, but a typical application includes: a valid passport, the job offer letter from your Canadian employer, proof that your employer obtained a positive LMIA (or that the position is LMIA-exempt and the basis for that exemption), evidence of your qualifications or credentials for the job, and, where required, a medical exam result.
Some streams also require a police clearance certificate (criminal record check) from your country of origin and any other country where you have lived for an extended period. If you are being assessed at a port of entry, you should bring physical copies of all key documents.
Education credentials, licences, or professional certifications may need to be translated into English or French by a certified translator if they are in another language.
IRCC has published checklists for each stream on its website — these are the definitive source because requirements change. Following an outdated checklist is one of the most common reasons applications are returned or refused.
Starting your document collection early matters. Some documents, like a medical exam or police clearance, take time to obtain.
Key takeaways
- Required documents vary by stream; always use IRCC's current checklist for your specific application.
- Key documents typically include a passport, job offer, LMIA or exemption proof, and credentials.
- Foreign-language documents usually require certified English or French translation.
- Medical exams and police clearances take time — start early.