A Canada work permit refusal can feel like the end of the road, especially if you thought you did everything right.
Unfortunately, even strong applicants are denied for reasons that seem technical or minor. Each refusal can make future approvals harder to secure.
At Ackah Law, we’ve seen the patterns. In this post, we’ll walk you through the five most common reasons work permits are denied and how to make sure your application doesn’t fall into the same traps.
1. Incomplete or Inconsistent Employer Documentation
One of the most common reasons for a work permit refusal is missing, incomplete, or inconsistent employer documentation. Whether the application is LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt, IRCC needs to see clear, credible evidence that the job offer is legitimate and that the employer is capable of fulfilling it.
Common issues include discrepancies between the job title on the offer letter and the LMIA, unsigned contracts, or missing details about salary, job duties, or work location. If these documents raise questions, the officer may doubt the validity of the offer altogether.
For LMIA-exempt categories (like intra-company transfers or certain free trade agreements), proof of business operations, revenue, and the company’s operational need for the role becomes even more important.
A well-structured application should include a signed job offer, a detailed contract, proof of business legitimacy, and a copy of the positive LMIA (where applicable). Alignment across all documentation is key to building trust with the decision-maker.
2. Insufficient Proof of Labour Market Need or Job Match
Another frequent reason for work permit refusal is a weak connection between the job offer and the applicant’s background or a lack of clarity around why a foreign worker is needed at all.
In LMIA-based applications, the employer must clearly demonstrate that there’s a genuine need for a foreign hire and that no suitable Canadian is available. If the job posting, recruitment efforts, or explanation fall short, IRCC may conclude the labour market justification isn’t strong enough.
Even in LMIA-exempt cases, officers still assess whether the applicant is truly qualified for the role. If the work experience or education listed doesn’t align with the job description or National Occupation Classification (NOC) code, it could raise red flags.
For example, offering a technical position to someone without relevant training or experience or listing overly vague responsibilities can lead to doubts about the validity of the application. Clarity and alignment matter.
3. Questions About Employer Legitimacy
Even when the job offer is genuine, doubts about the employer’s credibility can derail a work permit application. Immigration officers are trained to look for signs that the company is actively engaged in business, financially stable, and capable of supporting a foreign worker.
Applications may be refused if the employer lacks clear evidence of business operations, such as a physical office, active payroll, or proof of recent contracts. This is especially important for smaller companies, newer start-ups, or businesses in industries prone to abuse.
For example, if a business submits a job offer but provides no recent tax filings, no website or contact information, or vague corporate records, the officer may question whether the job truly exists. In some cases, it can even raise concerns about fraud or “ghost employment.”
Remember, providing up-to-date business registration, tax documents, and proof of operational activity goes a long way in building credibility and trust.
4. Concerns Over Applicant’s Intentions
A Canadian work permit is a temporary document, and immigration officers must feel confident that you’ll respect its terms. If there’s any doubt about whether you plan to leave Canada when your permit expires, your application may be refused, even if you meet all other requirements.
Officers look for clear signs of “temporary intent.” That means showing that you have strong ties to your home country, such as ongoing employment, family obligations, property ownership, or future plans that bring you back.
For example, if you apply for a one-year position and don’t include a return itinerary, or your application lacks context about your future goals, it may raise concerns that you’re using the work permit as a backdoor to permanent immigration.
Including a letter of explanation, proof of ties to your home country, and evidence of your return plans helps present a full and honest picture and builds officer trust.
5. Past Immigration History or Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation is one of the most serious (and avoidable) reasons a work permit can be refused. It doesn’t just refer to intentional dishonesty. Even accidental omissions, inconsistencies, or vague answers can trigger concerns and lead to a refusal.
Immigration officers rely on the information you provide to make decisions. If anything appears misleading or incomplete, it can raise red flags. It doesn’t matter if it’s a missing detail in your employment history, an incorrect date, or an unanswered question.
For example, forgetting to mention a previous visa refusal from another country might seem minor, but if discovered, it could be viewed as withholding information. The consequences? A refused application, and in serious cases, a potential ban from reapplying for several years.
Honesty, clarity, and consistency are essential. Double-check every form, attach explanation letters when needed, and be transparent. It’s far better to explain a concern up front than to try to fix it after a refusal.
Build a Stronger Work Permit Application
A work permit refusal doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It usually means something was missed, miscommunicated, or misunderstood. Fortunately, these issues are often fixable with the right knowledge and guidance.
By understanding the common reasons applications get refused, you’re already a step ahead. The key is preparation: aligning your documents, presenting your case clearly, and anticipating what immigration officers need to see to say yes.
At Ackah Law, we help employers and individuals navigate the work permit process with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re applying for the first time or preparing to reapply, we’ll help you put forward the strongest possible case.
If your future in Canada is riding on a work permit, don’t leave it to chance. Let’s make sure your next application is your best one yet.
