Documents you need at the border
Not applying at a POE?
See what documents you need if you apply from outside Canada or at a inside Canada.
Make sure you have the documents you need when you travel to Canada to apply for your work permit.
On this page
Required for all applicants
When you apply at the port of entry, you'll need to bring:
- your passport or other travel document
- proof that you passed a medical exam, if required
- Your medical exam results must still be valid when you arrive.
Upfront medical exam
If you haven’t left your country of residence yet, you can get an upfront medical exam before you leave. If you bring the proof when you arrive at the Canadian border, your work permit won’t include medical conditions.
If you already have your work permit, you may still be able to remove the conditions.
Documents for employer-specific work permits
If you're applying for an employer-specific work permit, you need to bring some additional documents.
These additional documents 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, you need to bring:
- 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
- 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.
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.