Document checklist: Spouses or common-law partners of low-skilled workers (TEER 4 or 5)
Informational only, not legal advice.
Last verified on 2026-10-26. Check the official source.
This checklist is past the review window. Check the official source.
No conditional flags.
Printable link: https://unredacted.ca/checklist/imp-c47-spouse-low-skilled
This page stores nothing. The flags in the link choose conditional documents. Nothing is uploaded.
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Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295)
The family-member apply page says every applicant includes the Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295), a photocopy of a valid passport or travel document, and one photo that meets the visa photo specifications. Guide 5487 and the outside-Canada forms page list the same core forms.
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Photocopy of a valid passport or travel document
The family-member apply page says every applicant includes the Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295), a photocopy of a valid passport or travel document, and one photo that meets the visa photo specifications. Guide 5487 and the outside-Canada forms page list the same core forms.
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One visa photograph
The family-member apply page says every applicant includes the Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295), a photocopy of a valid passport or travel document, and one photo that meets the visa photo specifications. Guide 5487 and the outside-Canada forms page list the same core forms.
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Family Information form (IMM 5707)
Guide 5487 says you must submit the Family Information form (IMM 5707). The outside-Canada forms page lists the same form among supporting documents the checklist may include.
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Document Checklist (IMM 5488)
Guide 5487 says you must submit the Document Checklist (IMM 5488) and use it to gather the supporting documents.
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Proof of the relationship to the principal applicant
The apply page says a spouse or common-law partner must submit proof of the relationship. The examples are a marriage certificate or the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409).
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Proof the principal applicant is authorized to work in Canada
The apply page says to submit proof the principal applicant can or will be legally authorized to work in Canada, such as a work permit, a letter of introduction, or a visitor record that shows work without a permit. The page lists the cases where this proof is not required because the applications go in together.
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Proof of how long the principal applicant can work
The apply page asks for proof of the remaining work authorization. For a high-skilled worker who is not on a permanent-residence pathway, the page says at least 16 months after the open work permit application is received. For a worker on a pathway, including a low-skilled worker on a pathway, the page says at least 6 months. The examples are the work permit, the letter of introduction, the visitor record, or passport stamps when the person is work-permit exempt.
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Proof of the principal applicant’s occupation
The apply page asks for proof of the principal applicant’s TEER category. For most open work permit holders it is a letter from the current employer with the employment details, occupation, duties, and the NOC or TEER, or the offer of employment. A high-skilled worker who is not on a pathway is TEER 0 or 1, or a select TEER 2 or 3 occupation. A low-skilled worker on a pathway is TEER 4 or 5. The occupation list stays on the eligibility page.
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Not-applicable page for employment documents
The outside-Canada forms page says an open work permit applicant who is asked for employment documents uploads a blank document with the words Not applicable.
If this also applies
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If the relationship is common-law, also add IMM 5409 and the proof that form lists.
Guide 5487 says the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) is submitted when it applies, with the proof the form lists.
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If a representative was hired, also add IMM 5476.
Guide 5487 says the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) is submitted if a representative was hired.
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If you authorize release of case information, also add IMM 5475.
Guide 5487 says IMM 5475 is submitted only if you authorize release of case information to someone else.
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If this applies, also add Translation and a copy of the original.
Guide 5487 points to the visa office when a document is not in English or French. IMM 5488 says to check that office before treating a translation as required.
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Confirm eligibility on the official page or book a consult
Confirm eligibility on the official page. Booking a consult is a separate step from this informational checklist.
Sources
- Open work permits for family members of foreign workers: Who can apply. Last verified on 2026-10-26.
- Open work permits for family members of work permit holders: How to apply. Last verified on 2026-10-26.
- Guide 5487 – Applying for a work permit outside Canada. Last verified on 2026-10-26.
- Work permit: Forms and document requirements for applications outside Canada. Last verified on 2026-10-26.