Applying from Outside of Canada

How to apply online

1. Start by filling out the Check your eligibility to apply questionnaire

   Scenario A: You are applying for the open work permit for your spouse or common-law partner with your study permit application.

   1. Enter that you would like to study in Canada in the questionnaire.
   2. Answer the questions as follows:

      Q: Do you want to submit an application for a family member?
      A:  Yes

      Q: Why is your family member visiting Canada?
      A: Work with an Open Work permit

   Scenario B: Your spouse/common-law partner is applying for the open work permit separately from your study permit application.

   1. Your spouse/common-law partner must enter that they would like to work in Canada in their questionnaire.
   2. Answer the questions as follows:

      Q: I have a job offer and my employer gave me an offer of employment number or LMIA number.
      A: No

      Q: Are you a spouse or common-law partner of a person who holds a study permit?
      A:  Yes.

2. Write down the personal reference code you are given at the end of the questionnaire.

3. Log into your IRCC Secure Account (or register for an account - also known as a "GC Key" - if you don't have one already)

4. Complete the PDF Application Form(s) provided

   1. Save it to your desktop, and upload it to your application (the electronic signature is not needed).
   2. No job offer is necessary when applying for a spousal work permit. You can indicate "not applicable" in fields requesting this information.
   3. No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is necessary for the above work permits; you can leave this section blank.
   4. NOTE: McGill's Designated Learning Institution number (DLI#) is O19359011033

5. Upload required documents

   1. Upload the saved Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295) form to the application
   2. When asked to upload your passport, be sure to include ALL stamped/marked pages of your passport. These should all be scanned into 1 document.
   3. Upload your Letter of Admission to McGill (and your Proof of Enrolment Letter for the current term if you have already started your studies in Canada). 
   4. Upload proof of relationship" either a Marriage Certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
   5. If your spouse/common-law partner was required to do a medical exam as part of their work permit application, upload proof of this (i.e. a receipt).
       

6. Pay the required fees:

   1. Spousal work permit = $155 + $100 fee = $255

7. Wait to receive your online work permit approval notice (Letter of Introduction).

   1. You can check processing times provided by IRCC to find out how long it will take before you get your Work Permit. Processing times vary according to volume and time of year.

If you are having problems with your IRCC secure account online application, we suggest you contact your visa processing office.

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