Work Permit: photo and application guide
Temporary employment in Canada. Employer-Specific work permits tie the worker to a named employer; Open work permits allow any employer.
Quick answer
50 × 70 mm photo · CAD $155 work permit fee · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared IRCC 50 × 70 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities; biometrics valid 10 years. Fee CAD $155 work permit fee + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee (if applicable) + CAD $85 biometrics. Processing 4-16 weeks depending on country and LMIA status. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Canadian Work Permit (Employer-Specific or Open) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Temporary employment in Canada. Employer-Specific work permits tie the worker to a named employer; Open work permits allow any employer. |
| Application form | IMM 1295 online via IRCC, after Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA exemption |
| Fee | CAD $155 work permit fee + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee (if applicable) + CAD $85 biometrics |
| Processing time | 4-16 weeks depending on country and LMIA status |
| Biometric appointment | Yes for most nationalities — captured at the VAC |
| Official portal | IRCC — Work Permit ↗ |
Photo specification
The Work Permit uses the shared IRCC biometric photo standard. The biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the application file.
| Size | 50 × 70 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or light grey, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed since 2016 |
| Digital file | JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels minimum, 60 KB to 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Work Permit
Work Permit categories include LMIA-based (with positive LMIA from employer), International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt), and Post-Graduation Work Permit (for recent Canadian graduates). All use the same biometric photo specification regardless of the sub-category.
Frequently asked questions about the Work Permit
What size photo do I need for a Work Permit?
50 × 70 mm portrait orientation. The Work Permit uses the standard IRCC biometric photo: head 31 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression. The biometric capture happens at the VAC.
How much does the Work Permit cost?
CAD $155 work permit fee + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee (if applicable) + CAD $85 biometrics. The biometrics fee (CAD $85) is shared across categories — applicants who already provided biometrics within the last 10 years pay only the application fee.
How long does the Work Permit take to process?
4-16 weeks depending on country and LMIA status. Processing time starts after biometrics are submitted, not when the online application is filed.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Work Permit?
Yes for most nationalities — captured at the VAC. Once captured, your biometrics are reused for any Canadian application within 10 years.
Will the photo be used on my Permanent Resident card later?
If you transition from this category to permanent residence, the biometric photo on file at IRCC will be used on the PR card. Choose a photo at the VAC that will still match your appearance 5+ years from now.
Other Canadian visa categories
Prepare your Work Permit photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the IRCC 50 × 70 mm format and biometric framing automatically.