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© 2026 Minute Notary. All rights reserved.
Work Permit Application Documents: Essential Checklist for Canada | Minute Notary Blog | Minute Notary
Immigration Work Permit Application Documents: Essential Checklist for Canada Complete guide to document requirements for Canadian work permits. Learn what documents you need for LMIA-based, open, and closed work permits, and how notarization helps your application.
MN
Minutes Notary
Notary Public • Ottawa, ON
Understanding Canadian Work Permits
A work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer, occupation, or duration. Document requirements vary based on the type of permit and your personal circumstances.
This guide covers all major work permit categories and their document requirements.
Types of Work Permits
Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permits
Tied to a specific employer. Most require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer.
Common examples:
LMIA-supported work permits
Intra-company transferees
International agreements (CUSMA/NAFTA professionals)
Open Work Permits
Allow you to work for any employer in Canada.
Common examples:
Spousal open work permit
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
Bridging open work permit
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Universal Document Requirements
Regardless of work permit type, you'll typically need:
1. Identity Documents
Valid passport Original for travel, certified copies for application Photos IRCC specifications Birth certificate Certified copy National ID (if applicable) Certified copy
Passport Validity: Must be valid for the entire duration of your intended work permit.
2. Proof of Current Status If applying from within Canada:
Current visa/permit
Study permit (if transitioning from student status)
Visitor record
If applying from outside Canada:
Entry visa (if required for your nationality)
3. Police Certificates
Working in healthcare, education, or with vulnerable populations
You've lived in certain countries
IRCC specifically requests it
LMIA-Based Work Permit Documents The most common employer-specific work permit requires these documents:
From Your Employer Document Description Positive LMIA Letter from Employment and Social Development Canada Job offer letter On company letterhead with detailed job description Employment contract Terms, salary, duration, benefits LMIA number Must match your application
From You Document Notary Service Educational credentials Certified copies of diplomas, degreesProfessional licenses Certified copies Work experience letters Originals on letterhead preferred Skills certificates Certified copies
Reference Letters Each letter should include:
Your job title and duties
Dates of employment
Hours worked per week
Supervisor's name and contact information
Tip: If you can't get a reference letter, a statutory declaration explaining why, combined with supporting evidence (pay stubs, tax documents), may be accepted.
Intra-Company Transfer Documents For employees transferring within a multinational company:
Document Requirement Proof of continuous employment 1+ year with the company Letter from parent company Confirming employment history Letter from Canadian entity Job offer and position details Organizational charts Showing relationship between entities Company registration documents Certified copies Executive/managerial proof Job descriptions showing qualifying duties
CUSMA/NAFTA Professional Documents For professionals from the US or Mexico under trade agreements:
Document Checklist Document Requirement Proof of citizenship US or Mexican passport Educational credentials Certified copies of degreesProfessional licenses Where applicable (e.g., engineers, accountants) Job offer letter Specifying CUSMA profession Proof of qualifications Matching CUSMA occupation list
Professional Categories Common CUSMA professions include:
Engineers
Accountants
Scientists
Computer systems analysts
Management consultants
Architects
Each profession has specific credential requirements.
Open Work Permit Documents
Spousal Open Work Permit If your spouse/partner has a valid work or study permit:
Document Notary Service Spouse's valid permit Certified copy Marriage certificate Certified copy Common-law proof Statutory declaration + evidenceProof of cohabitation Joint documents, lease, bills Relationship photos Throughout relationship
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) For international students who completed studies in Canada:
Document Requirement Official transcript From your institution Completion letter Confirming graduation Study permit Valid or expired (apply within 180 days) Passport Valid for permit duration
PGWP Tip: Apply before your study permit expires or within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
International Experience Canada (IEC) For youth from participating countries:
Document Requirement Proof of citizenship Passport from participating country Police certificate From countries lived 6+ months Resume Optional but recommended Proof of funds Bank statements Travel insurance Full duration of permit
Work Permit Extensions When extending your work permit, include:
Document Requirement Current/previous work permit Certified copy Updated passport If passport was renewed New LMIA (if required) From employer Updated job offer If terms changed Recent pay stubs Proving current employment T4s or tax documents Showing Canadian income
Documents Requiring Notarization Several work permit documents benefit from or require notarization:
Commonly Notarized Documents
When to Get Affidavits
You can't obtain a reference letter from a previous employer
Documents from your home country are unavailable
You need to explain gaps in employment
You're claiming work experience without traditional documentation
Translation Requirements Documents not in English or French must be professionally translated. The translation package includes:
Original document (or certified copy)
Certified translation
Translator's declaration of accuracy
Notarized translator signature (recommended)
Common Work Permit Mistakes
❌ Incomplete Job Offer Letters
Specific job title matching LMIA (if applicable)
Detailed duties and responsibilities
Salary and benefits
Start date and duration
Work location
Your name, job title, and dates must match across:
LMIA (if applicable)
Job offer
Employment contract
Application forms
❌ Expired Documents
Police certificates: Usually 12 months
Medical exams: 12 months
LMIA: 6 months from issue
❌ Missing Proof of Qualifications If the job requires specific credentials:
Include ALL relevant diplomas and licenses
Get certified copies of foreign credentials
Include ECA if education is from abroad
❌ Applying Too Late
Apply at least 2-3 months before you need to start work
If extending, apply 30+ days before current permit expires
Processing Times and Fees Application Type Processing Time Government Fee Work permit (outside Canada) 4-16 weeks $155 Work permit (inside Canada) 4-16 weeks $155 Open work permit holder fee — $100 Biometrics — $85 LMIA (employer pays) 2-6 months $1,000
Processing times vary significantly based on country of residence and application complexity.
Document Preparation Timeline Timeline Action 3-4 months before Gather credentials, request reference letters 2-3 months before Get certified copies and translations 1-2 months before Obtain police certificates if needed 1 month before Complete forms, organize application Submit Upload all documents
Biometrics Requirement Most work permit applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo):
Fee: $85 (individual) or $170 (family)
Validity: 10 years
Complete within 30 days of receiving instruction letter
How We Can Help At Minutes Notary, we assist work permit applicants with:
We understand work permit timelines and offer same-day service to keep your application on track.
Ready to Apply? Don't let document issues delay your work permit. Book an appointment with Minutes Notary to ensure your documents are properly prepared.
Related Articles #work permit #immigration #LMIA #Canada #employment
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