Canadian Work Permit Photo Requirements

About Canadian Work Permits

A Canadian work permit is an official document that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer, location, and time period. It’s essential for most foreign workers who want to work temporarily in Canada.

What is a work permit used for?

• Legal authorization to work in Canada
• Employment verification for employers
• Access to social insurance number (SIN)
• Healthcare coverage in some provinces
• Proof of legal status in Canada
• Banking and financial services
• Rental agreements and housing
• Family member sponsorship eligibility

Types of Canadian Work Permits

Open Work Permits:

• No specific employer: Can work for any employer in Canada
• Location flexibility: Can work anywhere in Canada
• Examples: Post-graduation work permits, spouse/partner permits
• Duration: Varies by program

Employer-Specific Work Permits:

• Specific employer: Can only work for named employer
• Specific location: Work limited to specified location
• Job-specific: Limited to specified job/occupation
• Duration: Based on job offer and LMIA

International Mobility Program (IMP):

• No LMIA required: Exempted from Labour Market Impact Assessment
• Examples: NAFTA workers, intra-company transfers
• Reciprocal agreements: Based on international agreements

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):

• LMIA required: Employer must obtain Labour Market Impact Assessment
• Labour market testing: Employer must prove no Canadians available
• Specific conditions: Strict employer and job requirements

How to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit

Eligibility Requirements:

General Requirements:

1. Job Offer: Valid job offer from Canadian employer (usually required)
2. LMIA: Labour Market Impact Assessment (if required)
3. Qualifications: Meet job requirements and qualifications
4. Financial Support: Proof of funds to support yourself and family
5. Health Requirements: Medical exam if required
6. Character Requirements: No criminal record
7. Temporary Residence: Intention to leave Canada when permit expires

Application Process:

Step 1: Determine Permit Type

• Check if you need LMIA or are exempt
• Identify correct work permit category
• Verify employer eligibility

Step 2: Employer Obtains LMIA (if required)

• Employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada
• Labour market testing conducted
• LMIA decision provided to employer

Step 3: Gather Documents

• Passport: Valid for duration of intended work
• Job Offer Letter: Detailed offer from Canadian employer
• LMIA: Original or copy (if required)
• Qualifications: Educational credentials, work experience
• Passport Photos: Meeting IRCC specifications
• Medical Exam: If required based on country of origin

Step 4: Complete Application

• Fill out Form IMM 1295 (Application to Work in Canada)
• Include all supporting documents
• Pay application fees

Step 5: Submit Application

• Online: Through IRCC secure portal (preferred)
• Paper: At Visa Application Centre or embassy
• Biometrics: Provide if required

Step 6: Wait for Decision

• Processing times vary by country and permit type
• May be asked for additional documents
• Decision communicated via email

Processing Times:

• Inside Canada: 2-4 months
• Outside Canada: Varies by country (2-12 weeks)
• Express Entry: 2-3 weeks for some categories
• Seasonal workers: Expedited processing available

Fees:

• Work Permit: $155 CAD
• Open Work Permit: $100 CAD
• Biometrics: $85 CAD per person
• Medical Exam: $200-$500 CAD (varies by country)

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size) - Some programs may require 50 × 70 mm
• Face Height: 31–36 mm (measured from chin to crown, excluding hair)
• Background: Plain white or light-colored, uniform
• Quality: High resolution, sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows, glare, or red-eye

IRCC Standards for Work Permit Photos

• Background: Must be plain white or light-colored
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if no glare or reflections
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Program-Specific Requirements

Different work permit programs may have varying photo requirements:

• Check specific program guidelines before taking photos
• Some programs use 50×70mm instead of 35×45mm
• Digital submission requirements may vary
• Consult IRCC website for program-specific details

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Low resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry or out-of-focus photographs
• Over or under-exposed images
• Poor color reproduction
• Digital alterations or filters applied

Size and Dimension Problems

• Incorrect photo size for specific program
• Face height outside 31-36mm range
• Improper cropping or framing
• Head positioned incorrectly in frame
• Insufficient space around head

Background Issues

• Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects or people visible in background
• Non-uniform background color
• Busy or distracting backgrounds

Appearance Problems

• Eyes closed, squinting, or looking away
• Mouth open or smiling
• Hair covering eyes or face
• Heavy makeup altering natural appearance
• Reflections on glasses or skin

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible photo editing or retouching
• Wrong file format for digital submission
• File size issues for online applications

Tips for Perfect Work Permit Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with IRCC requirements
• Ensure they understand work permit photo specifications
• Verify they can provide correct size for your program
• Confirm they can provide both physical and digital copies

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional lighting setup
2. Background: Pure white wall or professional backdrop
3. Camera: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Wear professional, work-appropriate clothing

Program-Specific Tips

• Check your specific program requirements before taking photos
• Verify photo size requirements (35×45mm vs 50×70mm)
• Confirm digital submission specifications if applying online
• Keep extra copies for potential additional applications

Special Work Permit Categories

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Open work permit: Can work for any employer
• Duration: Based on study program length
• Photo Requirements: Standard 35×45mm specifications
• Application: Must apply within 180 days of graduation

Spouse/Partner Work Permit:

• Open work permit: Can work for any employer
• Eligibility: Spouse/partner of skilled worker or student
• Photo Requirements: Standard specifications apply
• Duration: Usually matches principal applicant’s permit

International Experience Canada (IEC):

• Working Holiday: For young people from partner countries
• Young Professionals: Job-specific permits
• International Co-op: Internship programs
• Photo Requirements: Standard 35×45mm specifications

Caregiver Program:

• Home Child Care Provider: Caring for children
• Home Support Worker: Caring for seniors or disabled
• Photo Requirements: Standard specifications
• Pathway to PR: Eligible for permanent residence

After Receiving Work Permit

Arriving in Canada:

• Present work permit to border officer
• Verify permit details are correct
• Understand permit conditions and restrictions
• Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Working in Canada:

• Can only work for specified employer (if employer-specific)
• Must respect all permit conditions
• Cannot work before permit start date
• Must stop working when permit expires

Extending Work Permit:

• Apply for extension before current permit expires
• Must continue to meet eligibility requirements
• New LMIA may be required
• Same photo requirements apply

Changing Employers:

• May need new work permit for new employer
• Some permits allow employer changes
• Check permit conditions carefully
• Apply for new permit if required

Applying for a Canadian work permit? Our AI-powered tool creates perfect photos that meet all official IRCC requirements for your specific work permit program.