Apply for your work permit on paper: Inside Canada

If you’re trying to apply for a work permit online in one of the categories below, you may have problems getting the right result. If you’re not sure if this applies to you, ask your employer.

LMIA-exempt applicants

• Permanent residence applicants in Canada who
  • used Express Entry to submit their permanent residence application, and
  • have received an acknowledgment of receipt letter (A75)

  LMIA-required applicants

  • Seafood-processing workers
  • Agricultural workers who are not part of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

  Visitors to Canada

  • Visitors in Canada applying for an initial study permit, work permit or both who are accompanying a spouse holding a low-skilled work permit

  Most people have to apply online to extend their stay in Canada as a worker. In a few cases, you may not be able to apply online.

  This application is for you if you need to apply on paper to:

  • get a new work permit
  • extend your work permit
  • make changes to your work permit

  How to apply

  Follow the steps below to apply on paper to extend your stay as a worker.

  Step 1: Get the application package

  This package includes the application guide and all the forms you 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?”

  Documents

  • Document Checklist [IMM 5556] (PDF, 1.55 MB)
  • Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] (opens in a new tab)
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (opens in a new tab)
  • Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab)

  If you have questions about the forms, find answers to your questions in the Help Centre.

  Step 2: Prepare your application package

  Make sure you submit all the pages of the form.

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
     • This makes sure that you answered all the questions in the form and will help you avoid processing delays.
  2. A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your 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 your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

  Step 3: Pay your application fees

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

  Step 4: Submit your application

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

  Track your application

  If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.

  Alternate formats

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