English, education and experience

When assessing a work permit, IRCC officers check that you can actually do the job in the offer. Specific requirements depend on the occupation and the category.

Language

• Regular employer-specific work permits have no single score threshold; it depends on the job. The language of work is stated in the job posting and the LMIA.
• Some categories have their own threshold: C16 requires French listening and speaking at NCLC 5.
• For permanent residence, language is mandatory with set levels: for example, the CEC needs CLB/NCLC 7 (TEER 0, 1) or 5 (TEER 2, 3) in all 4 abilities.
• For permanent residence, IRCC accepts English tests CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core, and French tests TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

Education

• Submit copies of diplomas relevant to the job, with certified translations.
• An educational credential assessment (ECA) confirms that a foreign credential is valid and equal to a Canadian one. It isn't required for a work permit but is for some permanent residence programs (such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program) and earns Express Entry points.
• Regulated occupations need a provincial licence.

Experience

• Work experience letters: company letterhead, job title, dates, weekly hours, salary, main duties.
• Duties must match the NOC description.
• Contracts, payslips and social insurance records can be added as supporting evidence.

How officers assess

According to IRCC's instructions, officers check whether the education and experience required in the offer fit the occupation, and whether the applicant has enough evidence of meeting them.

Note Start on language early, even if your work permit doesn't require a score: it is a key requirement for permanent residence.