Canada · work · guide
Canada Work Permit from Outside Canada: Requirements
This guide explains the documents you need to apply for a Canadian work permit from outside Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 13 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit-outside/forms-documents.html
Required application forms and personal documents
You must complete the Application For Work Permit Made Outside of Canada, which is form IMM 1295. You also need to submit one photo that meets the visa photo specifications and a photocopy of your valid passport or travel document.[1][2][3]
If you are applying from outside your country of citizenship, you must submit proof of your current immigration status in that country or territory.[4]
Job and employer documents
You must obtain an employment contract from your prospective employer. If your job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment, you must get a job offer letter, a copy of the positive LMIA, and the LMIA file number from your employer. If your job is LMIA-exempt, your employer must provide you with an offer of employment number.[5][6][7][8]
You must obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate if you plan to work a paid job in Quebec for more than 30 days.[9]
Employer-specific work permit requirements
If you are applying for an employer-specific work permit, you must include your résumé and proof of your past work experience, such as pay stubs. You also need to provide a letter from your current employer and reference letters from your past employers.[10][11][12][13]
Checklist
- Complete the IMM 1295 application form[1]
- Provide a photocopy of your valid passport or travel document[3]
- Submit one photo that meets visa specifications[2]
- Obtain an employment contract from your prospective employer[5]
- Get a copy of the positive LMIA and LMIA file number if your job requires one[7]
- Get an offer of employment number if your job is LMIA-exempt[8]
- Include a résumé, current employer letter, past reference letters, and pay stubs for an employer-specific permit[10][12][13][11]
Questions people ask
Which application form do I need to fill out?
You must complete the Application For Work Permit Made Outside of Canada, which is form IMM 1295.[1]
What do I need if my job requires an LMIA?
You must get a job offer letter, a copy of the positive LMIA, and the LMIA file number from your employer.[6][7]
What if my job is exempt from an LMIA?
Your employer must provide you with an offer of employment number.[8]
Do I need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate?
You must obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you plan to work a paid job in Quebec for more than 30 days.[9]
What documents do I need for an employer-specific work permit?
You must include a résumé, a letter from your current employer, reference letters from past employers, and proof of past work experience like pay stubs.[10][12][13][11]
What if I am applying from a country where I am not a citizen?
You must submit proof of your current immigration status in that country or territory.[4]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.