If you’re in Canada and have problems applying online to work, study or visit
Most people in Canada must apply online to work, study or extend their stay as a visitor. In a few cases, you need to either
- submit a paper application or
- follow special instructions to
- get the right online checklist and
- fill out your forms
Check the list below to find out if you need to apply on paper, online or online with special instructions.
Authorized paid representatives (APRs)
If you can access the APR Portal, you must apply online on behalf of your clients. The APR Portal allows you to submit any documents, so you can apply online for all applications.
If you don’t have access to the portal, you can apply on paper if your client is applying under one of the programs listed on this page.
Bridging open work permit applicants (permanent residence)
You need to apply for your work permit on paper if you
- used Express Entry to submit your permanent residence application and
- received an acknowledgment of receipt letter confirming that your permanent residence application is complete
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: A75
Destitute students
Apply for your work permit on paper if you’re unable to support yourself due to war, upheaval or the collapse of the banking system in your home country.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: H181
Failed refugee claimant (claim rejected)
Follow these special instructions to apply online for a work permit if your claim was rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board and you’re appealing the decision.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: S62
Foreign physicians (doctors) coming to work in Quebec
Apply for your work permit on paper.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: C10
In-Canada applicants under the Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot and their family members
As of October 21, 2022, you must submit your application for permanent residence online for this program.
If you apply for permanent residence online using the Permanent Residence Portal, you must apply online for your work permit at the same time. You must
- upload your work permit application under Upload required supporting documentation
- choose Other as the document type
If you can’t apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print). Your open work permit application can be submitted together with your permanent residence application.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: C90 (principal applicants) and C91 (family members)
International Experience Canada participants
Follow these special instructions to apply on paper for a work permit if you’re eligible to extend your participation or change your employer.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: C21
Persons under an unenforceable removal order
Follow these special instructions to apply online for a work permit if you’re under an unenforceable removal order.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: S62
Persons with disabilities that prevent them from applying online
If you can’t apply online or use the PDF forms on our website because of a disability, you can ask for other formats, including large print and Braille. Contact the Client Support Centre (in Canada only) or submit a web form for other formats.
Post-graduation work permit extension
Apply for your work permit on paper if your post-graduation work permit was not valid for the full period that you were eligible for.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: C43
Refugee claimant
If you did not apply for a work permit when you applied for refugee protection in Canada, you can either
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: S61
Seafood processing workers
Temporary resident permit holders
Follow these special instructions to apply online for a work permit if you have a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months.
Labour Market Impact Assessment code: H82
Family members of low-skilled (NOC C) work permit holders
Apply for your work permit on paper if you’re
- a visitor in Canada and
- a family member of a work permit holder whose job is at National Occupation Code (NOC) level C
Family members of study or work permit holders
Apply for a study permit on paper if you’re applying for an initial study permit and you’re
- a visitor in Canada and
- a family member of a study or work permit holder
All other workers, students and visitors in Canada
You must apply online if you’re in Canada and want to work, study or visit.
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