Outside Canada · IMM 1295
Canada Work Permit
from outside Canada
Apply for a Canadian work permit before you arrive. AI fills IMM 1295 from your job offer letter, passport, and supporting documents. You review everything before submission, with free DIY tools and platform features so work pathways stay accessible.
Work Permit - Outside Canada
IMM 1295
Free tools
Document checks, form fill, and a walkthrough
1
Join the waitlist
2
Upload your documents - AI validates in seconds
3
AI fills your IMM 1295 · You confirm the details
4
You submit to IRCC
No obligation · 30 minutes · Free eligibility assessment
What you need to know
What is a Canadian Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific period. If you are applying from outside Canada, you submit your application using Form IMM 1295.
Most work permits are employer-specific (tied to a particular employer, position, and location). However, open work permits allow you to work for any employer in Canada and are available to certain eligible individuals, including post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders, spouses of skilled workers, and participants in specific international agreements.
Processing times vary significantly by country of application and application type - GetNorthPath will advise on the expected timeline for your specific situation and whether expedited processing is available.
Quick Facts - IMM 1295
Form numberIMM 1295 E
Application typeTemporary Work
Applicant locationOutside Canada
Open vs. closedBoth supported
IRCC fee$155 CAD
Open WP fee$255 CAD
Processing time4–24 weeks
Maximum durationUp to 3 years
Platform featuresFree DIY tools
Two categories
Closed Work Permit vs. Open Work Permit
Your eligibility determines which type you can apply for. Both use IMM 1295 when applying from outside Canada.
Closed Work Permit (Employer-Specific)
Most common
Tied to a specific employer, position, and work location in Canada. You must have a valid job offer, and in most cases your employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you can apply.
Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer
Employer usually needs an LMIA (exceptions apply)
Valid for the position and location stated
Changing employers requires a new permit
IRCC fee: $155 CAD per applicant
Open Work Permit
No LMIA
needed
Not tied to a specific employer - you can work for any Canadian employer in any location (with some restrictions on certain regulated occupations). Available to qualifying applicants only.
Work for any employer in Canada
No LMIA or job offer required in most cases
Available to spouses of skilled foreign workers
PGWP eligible (post-graduation)
IRCC fee: $255 CAD per applicant
International agreements (IEC, CUSMA, CETA)
Am I eligible?
Eligibility - Work Permit Outside Canada
Eligibility varies by permit type. Select the category that applies to you.
LMIA-Based (Closed)
Open Work Permit
LMIA-Exempt
You likely qualify
if…
You have a valid written job offer from a Canadian employer
Your employer has obtained a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
You are admissible to Canada (no serious criminal history, no previous deportation orders)
You pass a medical examination (required for some positions/countries)
You intend to leave Canada when your work permit expires
You can demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself
Common
disqualifiers
Criminal conviction without a record suspension (pardon) or Criminal Rehabilitation
Negative LMIA - employer failed to prove a Canadian couldn't fill the role
Failure to demonstrate intent to leave Canada at end of authorized stay
Misrepresentation on a previous immigration application
Outstanding deportation or removal orders
Open Work Permit
categories
PGWP: Graduated from a designated Canadian institution (DLI) with a program of at
least 8 months
Spouse/common-law partner of a skilled foreign worker in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or
3)
Spouse/partner of an international student enrolled full-time in a master's,
doctorate, or designated professional program
International Experience Canada (IEC): Working holiday, young professionals,
international co-op
Refugees and protected persons and their dependants
Bridging open work permit (BOWP): Pending PR application and expiring work permit
What you still need
Valid passport from your home country (must be valid for the duration of your requested permit)
Proof of your qualifying category (diploma, marriage certificate, accepted refugee status, etc.)
Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada
Medical examination for certain countries and positions
Police certificate from your home country and any country where you lived 6+ months in the past 10
years
LMIA-Exempt work
permit categories
CUSMA/USMCA: US and Mexican citizens in qualifying professional categories (R204(a))
🇪🇺
CETA: European Union citizens in intra-company transfers, contractual service
suppliers, independent professionals
Intra-company transfers: Senior managers, executives, or specialized knowledge
workers transferring within a multinational company
Performing artists: Entertainment and performing arts under specific agreements
Researchers and academics: University professors, visiting researchers under
academic agreements
Journalists and media workers: Foreign media representatives covering Canadian
events
Important
notes
LMIA-exempt does NOT mean no documentation - you must still prove your exemption category applies to
you
Most LMIA-exempt categories still require a job offer and an employer-specific work permit
Your employer must submit an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal (LMIA-exempt employer
compliance fee: $230 CAD)
Processing times may be faster under CUSMA due to dedicated processing streams
What to gather
Required Documents
GetNorthPath AI reads and validates each document the moment you upload it. Fields marked AI are auto-filled into your IMM 1295 automatically.
Identity & Travel
Required Valid passport (all pages) AI
Required Passport-style photo (IRCC specs)
If applicable Previous Canadian visas or permits
If applicable Current immigration status docs
Employment Documents
Required Written job offer letter (employer name, position,
salary, duration) AI
If closed Positive LMIA copy (if applicable) AI
If exempt LMIA-exemption support letter from employer
If ICT Proof of parent company relationship
If CUSMA Proof of citizenship + profession credentials
Education & Experience
Required Educational credentials (diploma, degree) AI
Required CV / resume
If PGWP Canadian graduation transcripts + diploma AI
If skilled Professional licensing or certification
Financial Evidence
Required Bank statements (last 3–6 months) AI
If applicable Proof of salary/employment income AI
If applicable Sponsor letter + sponsor's financial docs
Note Statement must be issued within 90 days of application
Background & Medical
Required Police certificate from home country
If 6+ months abroad Police certificate from each country of residence
If required Medical examination by IRCC-designated physician
Note Medical required for many countries and healthcare-adjacent positions
Open WP - Additional
If spouse OWP Marriage certificate AI
If spouse OWP Sponsor's work permit + NOC proof
If PGWP Degree/diploma from Canadian DLI AI
If IEC IEC participation letter
If BOWP Pending PR acknowledgment letter
AI reads all tagged
documents automatically
Documents tagged AI are read by the GetNorthPath Document Validator within 10 seconds of
upload. Passport data, employer details, educational credentials, financial figures, and language test
scores are extracted and pre-filled directly into your IMM 1295. you verify every field before
submission.
The GetNorthPath process
How it works - Work Permit
From free tools to IRCC submission, with document checks and form fill along the way.
1
free tools
30-min call with GetNorthPath. We assess your eligibility, confirm your permit type,
and check if your employer needs an LMIA.
Feature-assisted
2
Upload Documents
Upload your passport, job offer, LMIA, credentials, and bank statements. AI validates
each document in under 10 seconds.
AI-powered
3
AI Fills IMM 1295
The AI Form Fill Agent reads your documents and auto-populates all extractable fields.
You fill in the rest - travel history, ties, declarations.
AI-powered
4
Review & Submit
you review every field and document. Once approved, one-click IRCC
submission via the GetNorthPath Chrome Extension.
Feature-assisted
Traditional firm
The firm holds the file and sends updates when it replies
2–4 week wait for initial consultation
Manual form filling - error-prone
Little visibility into your application
Feedback only in final weeks of deadline
GetNorthPath
free tools - no surprises
free tools within 24 hours
AI fills IMM 1295 from your documents
Real-time portal - full visibility at every
step
You review everything before
submission
Powered by AI
What AI fills for you
The GetNorthPath AI reads your uploaded documents and auto-populates your IMM 1295. Here's exactly what gets extracted - and what you fill in yourself.
IMM 1295 - Auto-fill Preview
Field
Value
Source
Family name
SAMPLE
AI
Given name(s)
the applicant
AI
Date of birth
1998-11-14
AI
Country of citizenship
INDIA
AI
Passport number
N●●●●●●7
AI
Employer name
Maple Tech Inc.
AI
Job title
Senior Software Engineer
AI
Work location
Toronto, ON
AI
Offered wage
$95,000 CAD/yr
AI
LMIA number
A-138●●●●●
AI
Available funds
$24,500 CAD
AI
Travel history
You fill this in
You
Criminal declarations
You fill this in
You
+ 22 more fields
auto-filled · Guides verifies all
Document Validator - 10 seconds
Every uploaded document is validated in under 10 seconds. Passport expiry, photo
specs, LMIA number consistency, bank statement recency, sudden deposits. Issues flagged immediately with
plain-language fix instructions.
Form Fill Agent - IMM 1295
Reads your job offer letter, LMIA, passport, and financial docs. Cross-references all
values for consistency. Pre-fills 30+ fields. you review every field before any submission.
My Details Check - Preliminary AI Review
Before your application goes to GetNorthPath, AI reviews your travel history, ties
declarations, and background declarations for completeness and consistency. Flags weak answers with
specific improvement suggestions.
Chrome Extension - One-Click IRCC Submit
Once you approve, the GetNorthPath Chrome Extension loads all approved
data directly into the IRCC portal. No copy-pasting. No re-entry. One click submits your complete
application.
What to expect
Processing Timeline
1
free tools + Assessment
Eligibility confirmed, permit type selected, employer requirements discussed,
GetNorthPath service purchased.
Day 0
2
Documents Uploaded + AI Validated
Upload your passport, job offer, LMIA, credentials, and bank statements. AI validates
each instantly and flags any issues.
Day 1–3
3
My Details + IMM 1295 Filled
AI pre-fills your form. You complete travel history, ties, and declarations via the
portal. AI runs a preliminary check.
Day 3–5
4
free tools + Approval
you review every document and form field. May request corrections or
additional docs. Signs off on the application.
Day 5–7
IRCC Submission
One-click submission via Chrome Extension. IRCC acknowledgement received. Application
enters IRCC processing queue.
Day 7–10
IRCC Processing Times (approximate)
India (LMIA-based)8–16 weeks
Nigeria (LMIA-based)10–20 weeks
Philippines (LMIA-based)8–18 weeks
USA (CUSMA)Same day – 2 weeks
Mexico (CUSMA)1–4 weeks
Open
Work Permit (general)8–24 weeks
Times vary by IRCC volume. Your
check official IRCC times when you apply.
Biometrics required for
most applicants
Most applicants must provide biometrics
(fingerprints + photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). You typically receive a biometrics
instruction letter within a few weeks of submitting. Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person.
What's included
Features and free tools. That's the platform.
Document checks, IMM 1295 form fill, and a walkthrough, from the first tool through the file you submit.
Work Permit - Outside Canada
Open or closed · IMM 1295 · All nationalities
Free tools
AI document checks, form fill, and a walkthrough
What's included
Free 30-minute eligibility consultation with a guides
AI Document Validator - 10-second checks on every upload
AI auto-fill of IMM 1295 from your documents
My Details intake - guided section for travel history, ties, declarations
AI Preliminary Check on your answers before your final check
Full checklist pass on every document and form field
One-click IRCC submission via Chrome Extension
Real-time application status portal (9-stage pipeline)
Direct email + in-app messaging in your GetNorthPath dashboard
Additional costs (not included)
IRCC work permit fee (closed)$155 CAD
IRCC open work permit fee$255 CAD
Biometrics (most applicants)$85 CAD
LMIA-exempt employer fee$230 CAD
Medical examination (if
required)Varies by country
GetNorthPath helps you confirm exactly which IRCC
fees apply to your specific application at the
consultation.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer to apply for a work permit?
+
For a closed (employer-specific) work permit, yes - you need a valid job offer from a
Canadian employer, and in most cases, your employer must also have obtained a positive Labour Market Impact
Assessment (LMIA). For an open work permit, you do not need a job offer in most cases - eligibility is based
on your personal circumstances (spouse of a skilled worker, PGWP, IEC, etc.).
What is an LMIA and does my employer need one?
+
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from Employment and Social Development
Canada (ESDC) that confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job because no Canadian citizen or
permanent resident is available. Most closed work permit applications require a positive LMIA. However,
several categories are LMIA-exempt - including CUSMA/USMCA workers, intra-company transfers, and certain
international agreement workers. GetNorthPath helps you confirm your employer's obligations during the free
consultation.
How long does IRCC take to process a work permit?
+
Processing times vary significantly by applicant country and permit type. LMIA-based work
permits from India, Nigeria, and the Philippines typically take 8–20 weeks. CUSMA applicants from the US may
receive same-day decisions. Open work permits generally take 8–24 weeks. GetNorthPath will give you the
most current IRCC estimates with the free tools. IRCC publishes live processing times at ircc.canada.ca.
Can my spouse work in Canada if I get a work permit?
+
Potentially yes. If you hold a valid work permit in a skilled NOC category (TEER 0, 1, 2, or
3), your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. This means your spouse can work
for any Canadian employer without needing their own job offer or LMIA. GetNorthPath can handle both
applications simultaneously - ask about our bundled pricing with the free tools.
What happens after my work permit expires - can I get PR?
+
A work permit does not directly lead to permanent residence, but Canadian work experience is
one of the strongest factors in Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class) and
Provincial Nominee Programs. After working in Canada for 1–3 years, many work permit holders become eligible
for PR pathways. GetNorthPath can help you see your PR eligibility with the free tools, including a walkthrough of the long-term pathway.
How do the tools compare with preparing the file alone?
+
Preparing a file by hand means filling forms, reviewing documents one by one, and tracking the application in separate systems. GetNorthPath tools do the form-filling, document reading, and preliminary checking. You review the finished forms. The tools handle the copying, so you are not retyping passport numbers.
Free DIY tools · AI for All
Plan your work permit with free tools.
Immigration stays accessible with free DIY tools, plus platform features when you want more. Inspired by AI for All. Book a walkthrough to see how a tool or feature works. Join the waitlist for the full AI Powered Immigration Ecosystem.
Eligibility Checker
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CRS Calculator
Estimate your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System score.
OINP Calculator
Read the Ontario Workforce Priority stream scoring grid.
PR Tracker
Follow official IRCC processing data from AOR onward.
IRCC Ready Docs
Prepare files to IRCC upload rules in your browser.
IRCC Processing Times
Check published wait times by program and country.
Want the whole AI Powered Immigration Ecosystem? Join the waitlist
Ready to work in Canada?
Join the waitlist. We'll confirm your eligibility, explain your options, and give you a clear plan - at no obligation.
Work Permit - Outside Canada · IMM 1295 · free tools · Free eligibility consultation