cover letter for canada work permit

Our partner, Cigna, offers newcomers peace of mind. Get a free quote !

Find the best immigration program for you. Take our free immigration quiz and we’ll tell you the best immigration programs for you!

How to write the perfect cover letter for Canada

Craft a winning cover letter that will help you land your dream job in Canada.

Advertisement

How do you write a cover letter for Canada? We’re here to provide tips on how to write a focused Canadian cover letter and supply you with cover letter examples.

Being able to write a cover letter for Canada is a must for all professional job applications and is crucial to finding work in the country, so let’s get started.

Write the perfect cover letter for Canada’s job market

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to creating the perfect cover letter for Canada is that there’s a three-pronged approach to success.

First of all, you need to introduce yourself and the job you are applying for.

Secondly, make it patently clear that your skill set matches that requirements listed in the job description.

Finally, articulate the reasons why you would be an ideal candidate for an interview but don’t be too pushy.

OK, so let’s look at these three points in closer detail.

• Always state your relevant skills and reasons why you are right for the role in question as early as possible in your cover letter for Canada. A cover letter in Canada is not all about you. Ensure you spend at least 30 per cent of the document talking about what you know about the company — recent projects, company values, company news. Make the company feel special and they will be more likely to invite you for an interview.
• Do not simply rehash your resume. Instead you should focus on showing why the skills and experience you have would be a fit for the role in question . It makes sense to address each requirement in turn, doing so shows the hiring manager that you understand the role clearly and could be a great fit for the position.
• Do your research on the company and demonstrate this in your cover letter to ensure you make a good first impression. Don’t take it as a given. Highlight what you know, but don’t be brash about it.
• Don’t forget that you will need two documents — a resume and cover letter — for a successful job application in Canada. Keep your resume brief and then craft a cover letter to provide more nuance to the key skills and attributes that you will bring to the role if hired. In brief, make sure that you “tick all the boxes” that are outlined in the job description.
• Our comprehensive resume guide should help you with the accompanying resume, which is also crucial to landing an interview and ultimately your dream job in Canada.
• Also, we have listed some common interview questions and how to answer them.

Want to write the best Canadian cover letter possible?

A cover letter for canada: always needed.

In some instances — such as if you are lucky enough to be referred by an employee of a company — a cover letter may not be completely necessary. However, it is best to write a Canadian cover letter for each job application as it is a means of demonstrating your understanding of the position and how your skills and experience match the requirements. This is particularly true if you want to land that dream career job.

Take the time to understand the company and elaborate concisely about how you can help them. That’s how to make a strong first impression and write a successful cover letter. Generic cover letters for Canada that state “I have always wanted to work for {insert company name} . . .” don’t cut it, so differentiate yourself by showing the company you are genuinely interested in them.

Don’t forget to download the  Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide today. In this free guide you will find detailed templates for a Canadian-style resume and a Canadian cover letter. The guide will give you exclusive access to our proven cover letter techniques and will help you accelerate your job search in your new home.

Get help landing your dream job in Canada

Related content.

New Updates To The TFW Program Bring Higher Wages But Fewer Approvals

How to Win in Canada’s Job Market as a Newcomer: 5 Strategies from the Deloitte and ICC Report

Intra-Company Transferees Eligibility Clarified

The Francophone Mobility Program

Popular Topics

Search results

results for “ ”

Immigration

Learn everything you need to know about Canadian immigration

If you need help with your immigration, one of our recommended immigration consultant partners can help.

Calculate your estimated CRS score and find out if you're in the competitive range for Express Entry.

Take the quiz

Your guide to becoming a student in Canada

Take our quiz and find out what are the top programs for you.

Watch on YouTube

This guide will help you choose the best bank in Canada for your needs.

Get your guide

News & Features

latest articles

Our Partners

Cookies keep our resources free for you, privacy overview.

• User Preferences: They remember choices you have made on the website, such as language, region, or font size, so you don't have to set them every time you visit.
• Enhanced Features: They enable enhanced features on the site, like remembering login details, so you don't have to log in every time you visit.

FREE Canadian Cover Letter Template

Share This Post With Your Friends!

A Canadian cover letter acts as an introduction to your resume and is tailoured to a particular role you wish to apply in Canada. A cover letter's primary purpose is to introduce you to the Canadian employer and urge them to read your resume. It should demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate for their firm. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and favourable work characteristics. Also, if you don't have a Canadian Resume, you can create one below. FREE Canadian Resume Builder Download your Free Canadian Cover Letter Sample and Template below on your laptop/desktop.

If you don't have a Canadian-Style Resume yet, you can create one below FREE Canadian Resume Builder

About the Author

Content Creator

El Zid Tabuzo (Zid), who handles the Brand ZT Canada, is a Filipino-Canadian who moved to Canada in May 2015 as a landed immigrant. Originating from the Philippines, he immigrated through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), one of Canada's economic immigration programs.

Driven by a passion for sharing his immigration journey, Zid launched a YouTube channel in 2018 to provide insightful content to aspiring immigrants.

Read more about ZT Canada

Recommended For You

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (...

Email me New Job Opportunities in Canada!

We've helped thousands of applicants find Job Opportunities in Canada!

Popular Posts

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 76)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 75)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 74)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 73)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 72)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 71)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 70)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 69)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 68)

Canadian Employers with LMIA ready to Hire Foreign Workers (List 67)

Quick Links

• Login and Apply for Jobs
• Update your Profile
• Upload your Resume and Cover Letter
• Apply for Jobs
• Search For Employers
• Immigration FAQs
• Canadian Immigration and Job Blogs
• Terms of Use

Job By Provinces

• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan

Job By Popular Cities

• Toronto, ON
• Vancouver, BC
• Calgary, AB
• Montreal, QC
• Edmonton, AB
• Halifax, NS
• Winnipeg, MB
• Saskatoon, SK
• Victoria, BC
• Charlottetown, PEI
• Mississauga, ON

Want a new Job in Canada ?

Keep track of fresh job openings, confirm your email.

A confirmation letter has been sent to your Email. Please confirm your email address to receive the latest Job Openings in Canada

• International Experience Canada
• Labour Market Impact Assessment
• Intra-Company Transfers

Post Graduation Work Permit

Bridging open work permit.

• Express Entry Guide
• Alberta advantage immigration program
• BC Provincial Nominee Program
• Spousal Sponsorship
• Canadian Citizenship
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧
• Czech Republic 🇨🇿
• Netherlands 🇳🇱
• Slovakia 🇸🇰
• Switzerland🇨🇭
• Lithuania 🇱🇹
• Australia 🇦🇺
• New Zealand 🇳🇿
• South Korea 🇰🇷
• Hong Kong 🇭🇰
• Express Entry CRS Score Calculator
• Express Entry Ebook
• CLB Calculator
• Get started

How to write a cover letter for a permanent residence application

A cover letter for a permanent residence application is used to address any doubts or concerns that an immigration officer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada may have regarding your application.

A cover letter, also known as a letter of explanation, may be useful in assisting officials in determining whether or not you are eligible to immigrate through the program of choice since it is your duty to demonstrate that you are qualified to apply under the chosen immigration program.

Table of contents

Sample cover letter, when to add a cover letter.

All Canadian immigration program applications are human-assessed by immigration officers and not machine-scanned. So when you’re writing your letter of explanation, keep in mind that you must persuade the immigration agent that your case is genuine and meets the criteria, but that you are unable to produce the documents to demonstrate this for whatever reason.

The immigration officers who process applications are busy, analyzing a large number of cases every day. Consequently, it is beneficial to maintain a respectful tone throughout the letter and state your intent early on. Try to avoid giving irrelevant information that won’t aid your cause.

Here are some simple rules to follow to write a successful cover letter:

• Should be short, concise and factual
• Keep it to a maximum of 1-2 pages
• You do not need an index for your papers. IRCC system gives you a document checklist

Are you ready to get started, or not sure which option is best for you?

Find out how you can move to Canada.

Your Full name                                                                   

Your Mailing address

Your Telephone

Your Email address

Re: UCI number XXXX-XXX

Dear Visa Officer,

I am applying for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class.

I am attaching this letter to provide an explanation on the following:

Explain the situation.

Insert your request here.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns about your application, it may be in your best interest to include a properly drafted cover letter to increase your chances of being granted PR status.

If any of the following describes you, among other relevant factors, then adding a cover letter may help with processing your application:

• If the proof you submitted to verify settlement funds does not contain all of the required fields and information
• If your application does not contain all of the required fields and information, such as details about the responsibilities you were obliged to perform during your time in that profession
• If you cannot get a police clearance certificate by the time you need to submit your application
• If you can not obtain a birth certificate if you are from a country with an unstable government

When not to add a cover letter

In some cases, a letter of explanation will not be useful and it cannot fix all the gaps in your application or rectify missing information.

Below are some examples of times when a letter of explanation will not aid your case:

• If your application is missing a key document, such as a passport
• If you have not included the results of a medical examination
• If your documents have not been converted into English or French before submitting your application

It is important to remember that a letter of explanation is simply an explanation. The only thing it can do is explain why a certain document wasn’t submitted. You cannot use it to explain when you don’t meet the eligibility requirements that the PR application process entails.

Is a cover letter for a permanent residence application mandatory?

No, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada does not need or request a cover letter with applications. Although not mandatory, a letter of explanation may be beneficial to your application process.

Do I need to combine the cover letter with each document?

A cover letter is not required to be merged with every additional document you submit along with your application. Address all the issues in a single document and submit it as a Letter of Explanation.

Does the cover letter need to be notarized?

Is the cover letter required to be notarized? No, the cover letter does not have to be notarized. It doesn’t have to be self-attested, either.

Why does the cover letter not appear under additional documents?

Have you submitted your documents online and the cover letter or letter of explanation does not appear under additional documents?

This is a technical issue where the Letter of Explanation tab disappears.

To fix this issue, attempt Clearing your browser cache and logging into your online account using the incognito mode.

A cover letter for a permanent residence application can be helpful when trying to explain gaps or missing information from an application. The cover letter should be concise, factual and respectful. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, get in contact .

Nicola Wightman

Nicola Wightman is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Her professional immigration consultant number is R706497.

Immigration options

Intra-Company Transfers to Canada

Are you ready to start your application, or not sure which option is best for you.

Start Your Move to Canada Today—Contact Us Now!

Fill out the form, and our team will review your inquiry. We’re here to guide you through every step of your immigration journey.

" * " indicates required fields

We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. Read about how we use cookies and how you can control them, along with our terms.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

When you visit Wild Mountain Immigration, the website may store or retrieve information on your browser in the form of cookies. Your privacy is important to us, and we respect your right to choose which services to allow. However, please note that disabling certain services may affect your experience and limit the services we can provide. If you choose to contact us, to learn more about your Canadian immigration options please be aware that we may ask for sensitive information in order to provide you with the best options available. Rest assured that we prioritize the security and confidentiality of your information and will handle it with the utmost care. If you have any concerns or questions about how your information is handled, please refer to our privacy policy or contact our support team for further assistance.

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions

• Forums New posts Search Forums
• Members Registered members Current visitors Recent Activity
• Free Assessment

Cover Letter Sample for Spouse Visa (Open Work Permit)

• Thread starter bilaleagle
• Start date Aug 22, 2021

Full Member

Hi, I am currently on a post-grad work permit. I would like to apply for my spouse's open work permit. Does anyone have a cover letter sample to help me regarding this? If you can share your format and what to write in the letter would be a great help and appreciated. Thank you  

Hey, I had my own letter but it won't works for you or anyone else. The only thing you need is to highlight your job's NOC# and its Category (0,A or B) in your LOE. If you couldn't find an exact match in NOC bank, then you may need to attache your Job Description and find the closest job's match in NOC and explain it in your letter.  

Language selection

• Français fr

Work permit: How to apply

From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

• 1. About the process
• 2. Who can apply
• 3. How to apply
• 4. After you apply
• 5. Prepare for arrival
• 6. When you start working

How to apply

You need to apply online for a work permit. Answer a few questions to find out how to apply.

Where are you applying from?

• Outside Canada

Do any of these situations describe you?

You can apply from inside Canada if one of these applies:

• You have a valid study or work permit.
• Your spouse, common-law partner or parent has a valid study or work permit.
• You’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid.
• You or your spouse, common-law partner or parent has a temporary resident permit that is valid for 6 months or more.
• spouse and common-law partner in Canada class or overseas family class
• temporary resident permit holder class
• You made or will make a claim for refugee protection.
• You’ve been recognized as a Convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
• You’re allowed to work in Canada without a work permit , but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors ).
• You’re a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) .

Select the option that best describes you:

• My work permit has expired, and I have no status in Canada.
• I’m a visitor in Canada.

Do you need a visitor visa to come to Canada?

• I don’t know

Outside Canada: Apply from outside Canada

To get the forms you need, tell us how you’re applying and where you’re applying from.

Priority processing for work permit applicants

We’re prioritizing certain work permit applications.

If your occupation is not on the lists below, we’ll still process your application. However, it may take longer than it normally would.

People who perform or support essential services

We’re prioritizing the applications of people who  perform or support essential services .

When you fill out the work permit application form

To get priority processing, follow these steps:

• offer of employment  or
• labour market impact assessment (LMIA)
• This is box 4 in the  Details of intended work in Canada  section.
• You must enter only the number .

On November 16, 2022, we switched to the 2021 version of the NOC system.

If you apply for a work permit on or after November 16, 2022, make sure you use the NOC 2021 codes .

Eligible occupations that perform or support essential services

Agriculture and agri-food occupations

NOC 2021 codes

• Butchers – retail and wholesale (NOC 63201)
• Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale (NOC 65202)
• Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
• Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)
• Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
• Harvesting labourers (NOC 85101)
• Nursery and greenhouse labourers (NOC 85103)
• Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142)
• Labourers in food and beverage processing (NOC 95106)
• Labourers in fish and seafood processing (NOC 95107)
• Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers (NOC 94141)

Health-care occupations

• Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300)
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
• Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)
• Police investigators and other investigative occupations (NOC 41310)
• General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
• Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302)
• Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (NOC 31303)
• Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (NOC 32103)
• Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (NOC 31209)
• Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
• Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120)
• Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (NOC 33101)
• Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)
• Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (NOC 32123)
• Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101)
• Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102)
• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102)

Get the application to work in Canada

Apply online from inside Canada

Step 1: make sure you have what you need.

To apply online, you’ll need:

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and
• a valid credit or debit card

You can submit a paper application if either

• you can’t apply online because of a disability
• In some cases, you may be able to apply online if you follow special instructions.

What to do if you have problems applying online

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

We’re prioritizing the applications of people who perform or support essential services .

• offer of employment or
• This is box 4 in the Details of intended work in Canada section.
• Home child care providers (LMIA-required in-Canada applicants) (NOC 44100)
• Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (LMIA-required in-Canada applicants) (NOC 44101)

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.

Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Fees for open work permits

If you’re applying for an open work permit, make sure you pay all applicable fees:

• work permit fee ($155)
• open work permit holder fee ($100)

Step 5: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

• pay your fees
• submit your application
• check your status

Inside Canada – Not eligible: You can’t apply for a work permit from within Canada

You’re not eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada. You may be eligible to apply for one from outside Canada.

Get the application to apply from outside Canada

My work permit has expired, and I have no status in Canada: Apply to restore your status as a worker

If your work permit has expired, you need to apply to restore your status as a worker.

How to restore your status as a worker

Port of entry – Visa required

You can’t apply for a work permit at a port of entry. You need to follow the instructions for applying for a work permit from outside Canada.

Apply for a work permit from outside Canada

Port of entry – Visa not required

How to apply at a port of entry

Port of entry – I don’t know if I need a visa

If you’re not sure, you can answer a few questions to find out if you need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a visa

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ®  (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for  at least  18 months after you pay to make refunds easier.  Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using  INTERAC ®  Online , and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ®  and Visa ®  Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ®  Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Page details