Case type codes on Canadian work permit documents
Every profession comes with unique jargon and acronyms. Of course, the Canadian immigration system is no exception. Some of these terms and abbreviations are easy to understand. However, some of them seem remote. Consequently, we have developed a glossary to help you understand those concepts. Regardless, some terms deserve a standalone article. Case-type codes on Canadian work permit documents are some of them.
Table of contents
What is a work permit document?
When foreign nationals intend to work in Canada, they need authorization. Sometimes, you may work in Canada without a work permit. However, holding a work permit in most circumstances would be best. Unless you are already inside Canada, you will receive your work permit document at the port of entry. Unless you apply at the port of entry, you must already have approval from an immigration officer. The following image shows a highly redacted work permit sample. Regardless, I have used an old format work permit to prevent abuse. As you can see, one of the main elements of a work permit is a case-type code that appears in the middle of the document.
Case type codes on Canadian work permit documents
A typical code consists of two digits. I requested the codes from IRCC, and they shared the following list with me. However, this list may not be comprehensive.
| Code | Definition |
| 07 | The US government |
| 08 | The US government (dependent) |
| 20 | Worker Not Elsewhere Specified |
| 21 | Employment form |
| 22 | Official status |
| 23 | Entertainer |
| 24 | Student |
| 25 | Commuter |
| 26 | National of a communist country |
| 27 | Under application |
| 28 | Under enforcement |
| 29 | Refused application for permanent resident |
| 52 | LMIA exempt |
| 53 | Caregiver Pathways (LSP) |
| 54 | Same employer or Subsequent open work permit |
| 56 | Post Graduation work permit (PGWP) |
| 57 | Live-in caregiver work permit (LCP) |
| 58 | International Experience Canada (IEC) |
| 59 | Co-op work permit |
| 60 | Employer compliance exempt |
| 86 | Others |
| 98 | Seasonal worker (Mexico and the Caribbean) |
Some of these codes seem outdated. For example, code 26 makes no sense in the 21st century. However, many of them are still in effect. The case-type codes help immigration authorities quickly understand the nature of the work permit. Of course, the officers could look into GCMS for more information. The GCMS is a giant database. Therefore, a glance at the code could answer many questions.
Helpful resources besides case type codes
Now that you know case-type codes on Canadian work permits, you may consider reading the following articles. Of course, I have cherry-picked some of the more relevant ones.
- How to submit a Canada work permit application
- LMIA process and types
- NOC codes for immigration and work permit
- Two-Stage Immigration for Self-employed and Entrepreneurs – IMP Code C11
- Why do people immigrate to Canada?
I have many other articles. However, you may also watch my educational videos on YouTube.
Let us help!
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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