Get a work permit: If your spouse or common-law partner can’t apply online

Most people already in Canada have to apply online for a work permit. However, there are some people who may not be able to apply online.

To get a paper application, tell us why your spouse or common-law partner can’t apply online.

Why can’t they apply online?

  • They can’t apply online because of a disability
  • There’s a problem with the online application

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Apply on paper for a work permit (because of a disability)

Follow the steps below to apply on paper to get a work permit.

Step 1: Get the application package

This package includes the application guide and all the forms they need to fill out.

Read the guide before you fill out the application form:

Tips for downloading and completing the forms

  • You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
  • You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • You must also turn JavaScript on.
  • Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
  • Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?

Step 2: Prepare their application package

Make sure they submit all the pages of the form.

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
    • This makes sure that they answered all the questions in the form and will help them avoid processing delays.
  2. A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of their form.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
    • Use a laser printer.
  4. Place the barcode page at the top of their package. If they have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Find out more about the barcode form.

Third party fees

Depending on their situation, they may need to pay third parties for:

If they need either of these services, they’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.

Step 3: Pay the application fees

In most cases, their fees will include processing fees for them and anyone they include on their application.

Our instruction guide can help them understand which fees apply and show them how to pay them.

Step 4: Submit the application

Submit their completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure they include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

Alternate formats

If they can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, they 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.

Apply on paper for a work permit (problem with the online application)

Follow the steps below to apply on paper to get a work permit.

Step 1: Get the application package

This package includes the application guide and all the forms they need to fill out.

Read the guide before you fill out the application form:

Tips for downloading and completing the forms

  • You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
  • You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • You must also turn JavaScript on.
  • Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
  • Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?

Step 2: Prepare their application package

Make sure they submit all the pages of the form.

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
    • This makes sure that they answered all the questions in the form and will help them avoid processing delays.
  2. A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of their form.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
    • Use a laser printer.
  4. Place the barcode page at the top of their package. If they have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Find out more about the barcode form.

Third party fees

Depending on their situation, they may need to pay third parties for:

If they need either of these services, they’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.

Step 3: Pay the application fees

In most cases, their fees will include processing fees for them and anyone they include on their application.

Our instruction guide can help them understand which fees apply and show them how to pay them.

Step 4: Submit the application

Submit their completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure they include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

Alternate formats

If they can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, they 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.

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