Work Permit Document Number: Where to Find It, What It Looks Like, and When You'll Need It

Your work permit document number is the unique alphanumeric identifier printed directly on your

Canadian work permit. It is not your application number and it is not your UCI. It is the number on the

permit document itself, and you will need it any time you extend your status, fill out an IRCC form, or

respond to a request from an officer.

	What it is	Format	Changes?
Work permit document number	ID assigned to your specific permit	Letter + digits (e.g., W123456789)	Yes — new number each time a new permit is issued
UCI (Unique Client Identifier)	Your personal IRCC client ID	0000-0000 or 00-0000-0000	Never changes
Application number	ID assigned to each application you submit	Letter + digits	New number per application

What Does a Work Permit Document Number Look Like?

The work permit document number is a 10-character alphanumeric code. It typically begins with one

or two letters followed by a series of digits, though the exact format depends on how and where the

permit was issued. It resembles a passport-style document identifier rather than a long application

reference number.

Common examples include a W or U followed by digits — for instance, W123456789 or U1234567890. The exact prefix can vary depending on how your permit was issued (online versus at a port of entry), but the format is always alphanumeric and always appears in the top-right area of your document. If you see a number starting with U, that is a standard IRCC-issued identifier. W prefixes are also common on work permits issued through inland applications.

On a paper work permit issued at a port of entry or by an inland IRCC office, the document number

appears in the top right area of the permit. On an electronically-issued work permit, it appears on the

Confirmation of Work Permit letter that IRCC emails you after approving your online application,

usually labeled "Document Number" near the top of that PDF.

Where to Find Your Work Permit Document Number

You have three places to look:

1. Your physical work permit: If you received a paper permit at a border crossing or IRCC office,

check the top right corner. The document number is printed there alongside your name and permit

conditions.

2. Your Confirmation of Work Permit letter: If your permit was processed online, IRCC emails a

confirmation PDF. Open it and look near the top for the field labeled "Document Number."

3. Your IRCC secure account: Log in at canada.ca and navigate to your submitted applications. The

document number appears in the details for your issued permit.

If you received your permit at a port of entry, the number is on the paper document the border officer

handed you. Keep that document in a safe place alongside your passport.

Why Your Work Permit Document Number Matters for Your Application

You will need your work permit document number in several practical situations.

When you apply to extend your work permit using IRCC Form IMM 5710, there is a specific field

asking for your current work permit document number. Entering the wrong number, or leaving it

blank, can cause delays or a request for additional information from IRCC.

If you are transitioning toward permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee

Program, your work permit details are part of your immigration history. IRCC officers can also ask for

your document number when you follow up on an open application or call the client support line.

It works the same way as a study permit document number. If you previously held a study permit, you

may already be familiar with where to find it. The study permit document number appears in exactly

the same location on its respective document.

Preparing your work permit extension and not sure your documents are in order? Book a consultation with Amir Ansari RCIC. Amir reviews your current permit, confirms the details that go on your extension application, and walks you through each step before you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Work Permit Document Numbers

Is the work permit document number the same as my application number?

No. Your application number is assigned by IRCC when you submit an application and appears in

your online account. Your work permit document number is the identifier on the approved permit itself

and is only issued once the permit has been approved.

What if I cannot find my work permit document number?

Log in to your IRCC secure account at canada.ca. Under your application history, the document

number for any issued permit appears in the permit details. If you received your permit at a port of

entry and no longer have the original paper copy, contact IRCC directly for assistance.

Is the work permit document number different from my UCI?

Yes. Your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is a number that follows you across all your applications and

interactions with IRCC. Your work permit document number applies only to the specific permit issued

to you. Both may be asked for on different forms.

Do I need this number to apply for permanent residence?

In most cases, yes. Applications through Express Entry, the PNP, or family sponsorship will ask

about your current immigration status and the documents attached to it. Your work permit document

number is typically part of that information. Your immigration consultant can confirm exactly which

fields require it for your specific application.

What letter does a Canadian work permit document number start with?

Work permit document numbers commonly begin with W or U, depending on how and where the permit was issued. Permits issued online through the IRCC portal often begin with U. Permits issued at a port of entry or inland IRCC office may begin with W or another letter. What matters is the full alphanumeric code — whatever letter it starts with, it appears in the top-right corner of your permit labeled "Document Number.

On a work permit and planning your next step toward permanent residence? Book a consultation with Amir Ansari RCIC. Amir helps work permit holders in Canada understand their options and prepares their applications with accuracy from the start.