Documents Required for Canada Work Permit

The required documents will depend on the type of Work Permit you are pursuing. This is because the Canadian government has various programmes for different categories of applicants. Also, some of the required documents will be from your employers, while you will provide some.

In addition, where you are applying from will also determine whether some documents are necessary or not. For instance, if you are applying from within Canada, there could be some differences in the types of documents required compared to someone applying from Nigeria. In general, however, you will may need to provide all or some of the following documents:

• Completed application forms
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LIMA)
• A written job offer from your employer
• Copy of your academic credentials
• Proof of certifications and membership in professional bodies in your field
• Proof of visa application fees payment
• Proof of a relative in Canada and their status
• Proof of your current immigration status in Canada
• Marriage certificate
• Your valid passport
• Result of your medical examination
• Up-to-date CV/resume
• Financial evidence showing you have enough funds to meet your needs for a given period of time
• Recent passport-sized photographs

Understanding the purpose of each document you submit and ensuring it is tailored to meet those requirements is essential. Remember, immigration officers will carefully review your documents to decide on your application. So, make certain it contains necessary and convincing information.

Page Contents

• Which Documents Are Required for Canada Work Permit Application?
• Why Are Work Permit Applications Denied?
• How Can IAS Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

IMM 1295 – Work Permit Application Canada

Form IMM 1295 is the standard application piece required if you are applying for a Work Permit from outside Canada. The main purpose of this form is to provide biodata information about yourself and other personal information. This will include your full name, citizenship, marital status, native language, passport information and information about your past visit stay in Canada, if applicable.

Your contact information, education and employment history, and background information regarding your health and criminal record (if any) will also be required. You must fill the form carefully to avoid mistakes.

IMM 5476 – Use of Representative

The purpose of this form is to appoint a representative to complete the application on your behalf. The consultant/representative will complete the application on a consultant portal. You will sign Form 5476 to indicate that you are using a representative.

The government of Canada authorises certain qualified immigration experts to represent and advise applicants on their application process. This is because while the process looks simple on paper, the processes and documentation are complex in reality and require some degree of professionalism and experience.

Working with these experts, such as IAS, will greatly help avoid errors that might lead to denial. You can call us today to know the various tailored services we offer for Nigerian applicants seeking Canada Work Permit.

IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information

This form is required if you authorised Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (Canada Border Services Agency) to release information from your case file to someone other than yourself or your representative. While such an individual is not your representative, they can obtain updates on your case file, such as your application status. They can also monitor how the application progresses.

Labour Market Impact Assessment

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an important document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker. Having a positive LMIA means there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the position, thus giving an employer the green light to hire a foreign national for it. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.

Before you start your application process, your employer must first check if the job requires an LMIA and apply for it. Once they have a positive result, they will then share a copy with you, which you will use to start your Work Permit application process. So, in essence, you will need the following from your employer:

• A copy of LMIA
• The LMIA number
• A contract
• A job offer letter

Do I Need Police Clearance for Canada Work Permit?

Depending on the type of Work Permit you are applying for, you may need to provide a police character certificate as part of your Work Permit application. You will provide your fingerprints and photo to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force, which they will use to run background checks. You can apply in person or online.

To apply in person, you will visit the Central Criminal Registry, Force CID (Criminal Investigation Department), Alaggbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos. You may also apply at the designated police headquarters in different states. You will need the following to apply:

• Your valid passport
• 2 passport-size photos
• The applicable fees

To apply online, visit the Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP) on possap.gov.ng. You will register on the website, provide the required information, and follow the instructions to complete your application.

Medical Exams for Work Permit Application

You will need to undergo Immigration Medical Exams if you will be staying in Canada for more than 6 months. This is even more crucial if you are going to be working in jobs where public health must be protected. The medical exams involve answering medical history questionnaire, physical examinations, and possibly an x-ray and some other tests, depending on your situation.

You must visit one of the assigned Panel Physicians in Lagos or Abuja for the medical exams. Only results from these centres are recognised by IRCC. This means you cannot just walk into any clinic of your choice.

The most popular locations are the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) centres in Asokoro, Abuja and GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Apart from these two, you may also complete the exam at Q-Life Family Clinic, Victoria Island, Lagos. There are four Panel Physicians in this centre recommended by IRCC.

There are many reasons why a Work Permit application may be denied. Generally speaking, failure to convince the visa officer that you merit the visa and have provided all the required evidence can be the cause. The following are some specific reasons Work Permit applications are denied:

• Failure to convince the visa officer you meet the eligibility criteria for the Work Permit type you applied for.
• Failure to convince the officer that you will return to your home country at the end of your authorised stay in Canada, if applicable.
• Failure to convince them that you have the required skills and qualifications to perform the job duties you are applying for.
• Inconsistencies in the documents or information provided in your application. The embassy may deny your Work Permit application if the details in different documents don’t correspond. Also, Canada only welcomes documents in English and French. So if you submit a document in any other language, it won’t be processed. You’ll have to submit a certified translated copy in either English or French.
• Missing evidence and documents. Your Work Permit will be denied if you don’t provide all necessary documents. Sometimes, after submitting the initial requested documents, the embassy will request further evidence to support your application. Make sure you provide them all as well.

These and many more can be a significant setback to your desire to work in Canada. To avoid such pitfalls, it is recommended to work with an immigration expert for guidance on how to approach your application. If you are about to apply for a Work Permit or your application was denied, you can speak with us today at IAS; our lawyers will be happy to guide you on what steps to take.