Documents and Paperwork
Documents and Paperwork
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What Canadian documents do you need?
Immigration status change
Work permit holder
International student
Permanent Resident, including refugee
Refugee Claimant
Visitor, including not in Canada
Canadian Citizen
SIN number
Identification / Drivers license
Provincial health card
Canadian passport
I don't know
Immigration status change
Work permit holder
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Your Documents for Working in Canada

Securing your work permit is a key step, and knowing which documents to keep with you is important for working and travelling.

Your main document is your work permit. 📝 This official paper gives you permission to work in Canada. It lists important details, such as your employer, your job title, where you can work, and when the permit expires.

Re-entering Canada as a Worker

Your work permit allows you to work in Canada, but it does not guarantee you can re-enter the country if you leave. To return, you also need a valid travel authorization document. ✈️

The type of travel document you need depends on your country of citizenship.

  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): You will need a TRV if you are from a visa-required country. The TRV is a sticker (called a counterfoil) placed inside your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements to enter Canada.

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): You will need an eTA if you are from a visa-exempt country. An eTA is not a physical document; it is electronically linked to your passport.

Travel Tips ✅

When you travel outside of Canada, always carry your original passport and your original work permit. You will need to show these to the border services officer when you return.

Before you book any travel, check the expiry dates on your passport, work permit, and your TRV or eTA. Make sure they will all be valid for your return.


This information is for guidance and not legal or medical advice. Always check official government sources for the most up-to-date information.