Forms and documents

Forms and documents that all applicants must provide

All applicants need to include:

• Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710)
  • If you need help filling out the application form, read the instruction guide.
• a photocopy of your passport or travel document
• 1 photo meeting the visa photo specifications

When you apply online, you’ll get a personalized document checklist in the portal. Make sure you provide all of the documents listed on the checklist.

Optional: You can also print the generalized document checklist to keep track of the documents as you gather them.

Documents for employer-specific work permits

If you're applying for an employer-specific work permit, you have to include some additional documents with your application. Your prospective employer will need to give you some of these documents.

You’ll always be asked to include the following documents:

• a letter from your current employer
• a reference letter from past employers
• proof of past work experience (for example, pay stubs)
• proof that you meet the requirements of the job (for example, the license or certification if your job is regulated)
  • Upload a blank sheet of paper with “Not applicable” written on it if your job doesn’t require a license or certification
• a résumé

These additional documents listed below will depend on whether or not your job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

LMIA-required work permits

If your job requires an LMIA, your employer must give you:

• a copy of the positive LMIA and LMIA file number
• an employment contract
• a job offer letter
• a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) (if you plan to work a paid job in Quebec for more than 30 days)

Positive LMIA

A positive LMIA (sometimes called a confirmation letter) will show that:

• there’s a need for a foreign worker to fill the job
• no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job

Job offer letter

You need a job offer letter if your job requires an LMIA.

A job offer letter is a document that a Canadian employer gives you (as a temporary worker). It explains the details of your job.

Generally, a job offer letter (or “employment letter”) is less detailed than a contract.

The letter includes information about:

• your pay and deductions from your pay
• your job duties
• conditions of employment, such as hours of work

LMIA-exempt work permits

If your job is LMIA-exempt, your employer must give you:

• an employment contract (also known as the employment agreement)
• an offer of employment number

Offer of employment number

You need an offer of employment number if your job is LMIA-exempt.

Your employer will need to submit an offer of employment in the Employer Portal. Once submitted, the portal generates an offer of employment number that you need when you apply for your work permit.

The offer of employment number starts with the letter ‘A’ followed by a 7-digit number. You can only apply using this number once. Your employer will need to give you a new number for any future application.

Exceptions

Some LMIA-exempt employers don’t need to submit an offer of employment and won’t have an offer of employment number for you, such as foreign missions or international organizations.