Guide to IMM 5708: Work Permit Document Checklist for Canada
By WelcomeAide Team
Applying for a Canadian work permit involves gathering a significant number of documents, and the process can feel overwhelming — especially for newcomers who are unfamiliar with Canadian immigration procedures. The IMM 5708, officially known as the "Document Checklist" for work permit applications, is your roadmap to ensuring you have everything you need. This guide will walk you through the IMM 5708 form in detail, explain each required document, and provide tips to help you submit a complete and successful application.
What Is the IMM 5708?
Quick tip: download the official IMM5708 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM5708 form (official IRCC).
The IMM 5708 is a document checklist form provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is not a form you fill out with personal information — rather, it is a checklist that helps you identify and organize all the documents you need to include with your work permit application. Think of it as IRCC's way of telling you exactly what they need from you.
The checklist varies depending on your specific situation, such as whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada, whether you have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and what type of work permit you are seeking. You can download the most current version from the IRCC work permit application guide.
Types of Work Permits in Canada
Before diving into the checklist, it helps to understand the two main types of work permits in Canada:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: This ties you to a specific employer, job location, and duration. Your employer typically needs a positive LMIA or your job must fall under an LMIA-exempt category (such as NAFTA/CUSMA, intra-company transfers, or international agreements).
- Open Work Permit: This allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions). Open work permits are available to certain groups, such as spouses of skilled workers or international students, post-graduation work permit holders, and refugee claimants.
The documents required for your IMM 5708 checklist will depend on which type of permit you are applying for.
See also: Canada Student Visa Guide
Documents Commonly Required on the IMM 5708
While the exact requirements vary by situation, here are the core documents you will typically need:
1. Application Form (IMM 1295 or IMM 5710)
The main application form for a work permit. IMM 1295 is used for applications from outside Canada, while IMM 5710 is used for applications from within Canada. Complete all fields accurately — incomplete forms are one of the most common reasons for delays or refusals.
2. Valid Passport or Travel Document
You must provide a copy of your valid passport. The passport should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada, plus additional time. Include all pages that contain stamps, visas, or endorsements, as well as any blank pages.
3. Photographs
You need two recent passport-size photographs meeting IRCC's specific requirements. Photos must be 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or light-coloured background. Write your name and date of birth on the back of each photo. Full specifications are available on the IRCC photo specifications page.
4. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA Exemption Documentation
If your employer obtained a positive LMIA, include the LMIA number and a copy of the LMIA confirmation letter. If your work permit is LMIA-exempt, include documentation supporting the exemption (such as an international agreement, an intra-company transfer letter, or a provincial nominee certificate).
5. Job Offer Letter or Employment Contract
A detailed letter from your Canadian employer confirming your job title, duties, salary, work location, and the duration of employment. This should match the information on the LMIA (if applicable).
6. Proof of Education
Depending on your occupation, you may need to provide copies of your educational credentials, such as degrees, diplomas, certificates, and transcripts. If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide certified translations.
7. Proof of Work Experience
Reference letters from previous employers confirming your job title, duties, duration of employment, and hours worked. These letters should be on company letterhead and signed by an authorized representative.
8. Provincial or Territorial Licence or Certification
If your occupation requires a licence or certification in Canada (such as nursing, engineering, or electrician), you may need to provide proof that you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the necessary credentials.
9. Proof of Financial Support
You may need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada. This can include bank statements, a letter from your employer confirming salary, or proof of accommodation arrangements.
10. Family Information Form (IMM 5707)
This form requires you to list all your family members, including your spouse, children, parents, and siblings. All family members must be listed, regardless of whether they are accompanying you to Canada.
11. Medical Examination
Depending on the length of your stay and the country you are coming from, you may need to undergo a medical examination by a panel physician designated by IRCC. The IRCC panel physician finder can help you locate an authorized doctor.
12. Police Certificates
You may need to provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18. Requirements vary by country — check the IRCC police certificates page for specific instructions for each country.
13. Processing Fee Payment
Include proof of payment for the work permit processing fee. As of 2025, the fee is $155 CAD for an individual work permit. You can pay online when submitting through the IRCC portal. Check the IRCC work permit page for current fee amounts.
See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada
Tips for Completing the IMM 5708 Checklist
- Use the correct checklist: IRCC has different checklists for different situations. Make sure you download the one that matches your application type (inside Canada, outside Canada, open work permit, employer-specific, etc.).
- Check every box: Go through the checklist item by item and check off each document as you prepare it. If a document is not applicable to your situation, note this clearly rather than leaving it blank.
- Provide certified translations: Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translator must provide a sworn statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation.
- Make copies of everything: Before submitting your application, make copies of all documents for your own records. If applying online, save digital copies of all uploaded files.
- Follow formatting requirements: When uploading documents online, ensure they meet IRCC's file format and size requirements (typically PDF, JPG, or PNG, with file sizes under 4MB each).
- Double-check for consistency: Make sure all your documents are consistent — your name, date of birth, passport number, and other details should match across all forms and supporting documents.
- Submit a complete application: Incomplete applications are one of the top reasons for delays and returns. Take the time to ensure every required document is included.
Where to Submit Your Application
Most work permit applications are now submitted online through the IRCC online portal. Paper applications are still accepted in some circumstances, but online submission is faster and allows you to track your application status in real time.
Key Resources
- Apply for a Work Permit — IRCC
- Guide 5487 — Applying for a Work Permit Outside Canada
- Guide 5553 — Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Stay as a Worker
- Work Permit Eligibility — IRCC
Final Thoughts
The IMM 5708 document checklist may seem daunting at first, but it is actually one of the most helpful tools IRCC provides. By following it carefully and ensuring every document is complete and accurate, you significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful work permit application. Take your time, be thorough, and do not hesitate to seek professional help from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer if you are unsure about any part of the process. Your career in Canada starts with a well-prepared application.
Download This Form
Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM5708 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.
Related internal guides
Official external resources
- Download IMM5708 form (official IRCC)
- IRCC forms and guides library
- IRCC document checklists
- CRA forms and publications
- IRCC processing times
- WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
- Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
- Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
- Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
- Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services
- OINP Human Capital Priorities Stream: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): All Streams Explained
- BC PNP Skills Immigration: How the Registration System Works
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