Offer of Employment Number Canada: What the A-Number Means

Offer of Employment Number Canada refers to the identification number generated after a Canadian employer successfully submits an LMIA-exempt job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal.

The number begins with the letter A and is followed by seven digits. A typical number looks like A1234567.

The employer gives this number to the temporary foreign worker, who enters it in an employer-specific work permit application. It allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, commonly known as IRCC, to connect the worker’s application with the employer’s submitted job offer.

The A-number is not a work permit, visa, LMIA, application number or approval letter. Receiving one does not guarantee that IRCC will approve the work permit.

Offer of Employment Number Canada: Quick Overview

What Is an Offer of Employment Number?

An offer of employment number is a unique reference generated by IRCC’s Employer Portal after an employer submits an offer for an eligible employer-specific LMIA-exempt foreign worker.

The number allows IRCC to locate the employer’s submitted information when reviewing the worker’s work permit application.

The portal offer can include information about:

• The Canadian employer
• The foreign worker
• The job title and NOC code
• The main employment duties
• The wage and benefits
• The hours of work
• The Canadian work location
• The proposed employment dates
• The LMIA exemption code
• The explanation supporting the exemption

The A-number acts as the link between this employer information and the worker’s separate application.

What Does the A-Number Look Like?

The offer of employment number begins with a capital letter A followed by seven numbers.

The A is part of the number. Do not remove it when entering the number in the application.

Be careful with characters that can be misread, such as:

• The number 0 and the letter O
• The number 1 and the letter I
• The number 5 and the letter S
• The number 8 and the letter B

An offer number should normally contain only the initial A and seven numerical digits after it.

Who Creates the Offer of Employment Number?

The Canadian employer does not invent or manually choose the number.

IRCC’s Employer Portal automatically generates it after the employer successfully transmits the offer.

The general sequence is:

1. The employer confirms that an LMIA exemption applies.
2. The employer prepares the employment terms.
3. The employer enters the job offer into the Employer Portal.
4. The employer pays the compliance fee or documents a fee exemption.
5. The employer transmits the offer.
6. The portal changes the offer status to Submitted.
7. The A-number appears in the employer’s Employment Queue.
8. The employer gives the number to the worker.

For the full employer process, read Employer Portal Canada: How LMIA-Exempt Job Offers Work.

When Is an Offer of Employment Number Required?

An A-number is generally required when all of the following apply:

• The worker is applying for an employer-specific work permit
• The employment is exempt from an LMIA
• The employer is required to use the Employer Portal
• The employer is subject to the employer compliance regime

Examples may include eligible workers under:

• Francophone Mobility
• CUSMA and other international trade agreements
• Intra-company transfer categories
• Significant-benefit exemptions
• Young Professionals under International Experience Canada
• International Co-op under International Experience Canada
• Certain federal-provincial agreements
• Other employer-specific International Mobility Program categories

An applicant should not select an LMIA exemption or request an A-number merely because obtaining an LMIA would take longer.

Read LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada: Who May Qualify for a broader explanation.

When Is an A-Number Not Required?

LMIA-Based Work Permit

A worker applying with a positive LMIA normally uses the LMIA decision information rather than an Employer Portal A-number.

Read LMIA Canada Explained for the difference.

Open Work Permit

Open work permit applicants are not tied to a single job-specific offer, so they generally do not need an Employer Portal A-number.

Examples can include eligible post-graduation, bridging, spousal and Working Holiday open work permits.

Employer Compliance Exemption

Certain employers or categories may be exempt from submitting an offer in the Employer Portal.

Examples can include some:

• Foreign missions
• Foreign governments
• International organizations
• Bridge or tunnel authorities
• Other specifically exempt employers or employment categories

A compliance exemption should be confirmed using IRCC’s current instructions. It should not be assumed based only on the employer’s name.

Work-Permit-Exempt Activity

A person who meets a separate work permit exemption may not need an A-number because no employer-specific work permit application is submitted.

A-Number vs Other Canadian Immigration Numbers

Do not enter your UCI, work permit number, application number or SIN in the field requesting the offer of employment number.

How the Employer Gets the A-Number

The employer completes four main Employer Portal forms:

• Business information
• Foreign worker information
• Job details
• Wage and benefits

The employer then reviews the information, makes the required declaration, pays the compliance fee or uploads evidence of a fee exemption and transmits the offer.

Immediately after submission, the queue may temporarily display:

The employer knows the submission was successful when:

• The status changes to Submitted
• The A-number appears in the Employment Queue

If the number does not appear, IRCC advises the employer to wait up to 24 hours and check the queue again.

IRCC does not normally send a separate offer approval letter for the worker. The employer provides the number itself.

How Does the Worker Use the A-Number?

The worker should receive the A-number before submitting the work permit application.

The worker generally needs:

• The A-number
• A signed employment contract or employment agreement
• A job-offer letter where provided
• Documents supporting the LMIA exemption
• Evidence of education, experience or professional licensing
• A valid passport
• Biometrics and medical examination documents where required

During the online application, the worker enters the full number beginning with A in the section requesting the LMIA-exempt offer of employment number.

The worker should verify that the employment contract matches the portal offer regarding:

• Employer
• Job title
• NOC
• Main duties
• Wage
• Hours
• Work location
• Employment dates

Does the Worker Need Proof That the Employer Paid the Fee?

For most applications, the offer of employment number allows IRCC to locate the employer’s submitted offer and payment information.

The worker should still ask the employer to confirm that:

• The offer was successfully submitted
• The compliance fee was paid or a valid fee exemption was documented
• The correct A-number was provided

Some categories or personalized document checklists may request additional employer evidence.

International Experience Canada participants may also receive proof of the compliance fee payment and a signed job offer from the employer.

The worker should follow the personalized checklist rather than uploading unnecessary receipts to every application.

For a full explanation of the fee, read Employer Compliance Fee Canada: When It Must Be Paid.

Does an A-Number Mean the Job or Work Permit Is Approved?

No. The number confirms that an offer was submitted through the Employer Portal.

It does not prove that IRCC has accepted:

• The LMIA exemption
• The job as genuine
• The worker’s qualifications
• The worker’s admissibility
• The requested work permit duration

IRCC may refuse the application if the officer determines that the claimed exemption does not apply or the supporting evidence is insufficient.

One A-Number Can Be Used for One Work Permit Application

An offer of employment number is connected to one work permit application.

The employer should provide a new number for a future application.

A new number may be required when:

• The worker applies to extend an employer-specific work permit
• The worker applies after a previous application was refused
• The worker changes employers
• The occupation changes
• A material work-location change requires a new permit
• The original submitted offer contained an important error
• IRCC has already made a decision on the application linked to the original number

Do not use an old A-number simply because the employer and worker remain the same.

Do You Need a New A-Number for a Work Permit Extension?

An employer-specific LMIA-exempt work permit extension generally requires the employer to submit a new offer and provide a new A-number.

The employer may also need to pay the compliance fee again unless an exemption applies.

The worker should not reuse the number from the application that produced the current permit.

Before the worker applies, confirm that the new offer includes the correct:

• Employment period
• Wage and benefits
• Occupation and duties
• Work location
• LMIA exemption code

See Work Permit Extension Canada: How to Apply Before Expiry.

Changing Employers With an Employer-Specific Permit

An employer-specific work permit normally authorizes work only for the employer named on the document.

When changing employers under an LMIA-exempt category, the new employer generally must:

1. Confirm that an LMIA exemption applies to the new job.
2. Submit a new Employer Portal offer.
3. Pay the compliance fee or prove a fee exemption.
4. Provide the worker with a new A-number.

The worker generally submits a new work permit application using that number.

A previous employer’s A-number cannot be transferred to a new employer.

What If the A-Number Is Missing or Incorrect?

The Employer Has Not Submitted the Offer

The worker should generally wait until the employer successfully submits the offer and provides the number.

Do not submit the work permit application with a placeholder number.

The Employer Cannot See the Number

The employer should verify that the offer status shows Submitted rather than Draft or Processing submission.

If the offer was just submitted, wait up to 24 hours and check the Employment Queue again.

The Number Has the Wrong Format

Confirm that the number begins with A and contains seven digits after the letter.

Do not confuse it with an application number, UCI or LMIA number.

The Number Was Already Used

Ask the employer to create and submit a new offer. A decided application’s offer number cannot be reused.

What If the Employer Finds an Error in the Offer?

The correct procedure depends on whether the offer has been connected to the worker’s application.

Do not ignore errors involving the worker’s name, employer, NOC, wage, work location, duties or exemption code.

A discrepancy between the employer’s offer and the worker’s application can cause delays or refusal.

What Happens If the Employer Withdraws the Offer?

An employer can withdraw a submitted offer before the work permit is issued.

When the Withdraw application option is available, selecting it can trigger a refund of the employer compliance fee.

If the offer has already been connected to the work permit application, the employer may need to contact IRCC rather than using the portal withdrawal button.

The worker may also need to withdraw the work permit application through the IRCC web form.

Read IRCC Web Form: How to Contact IRCC Online.

Can the Same A-Number Be Used After a Work Permit Refusal?

No. Once an officer makes a decision on the work permit application, the offer number cannot be reused for another application.

When reapplying, the employer generally needs to:

1. Review the refusal reason.
2. Correct the job offer or supporting evidence where necessary.
3. Submit a new Employer Portal offer.
4. Pay the compliance fee again unless exempt.
5. Give the worker the new A-number.

The worker then submits a new application using the new number and documents addressing the refusal concerns.

A new A-number alone does not solve the problem if the same eligibility or documentation issue remains.

Offer of Employment Number Scams

Fraudsters may use fake A-numbers or real-looking job documents to sell false work opportunities.

Warning signs include:

• Someone selling an A-number without a real employer or job
• A recruiter saying the number guarantees a work permit
• A number that does not begin with A and seven digits
• An employer refusing to provide a written employment agreement
• A demand that the worker pay the employer compliance fee
• A job offer with no employer interview
• Different employer names across the contract and portal information
• Payment demanded through cryptocurrency, gift cards or a private account
• A promise that an A-number guarantees permanent residence

Offer of Employment Number Canada Checklist

Employer Checklist

• □ I confirmed that the position is LMIA-exempt.
• □ I confirmed that an Employer Portal offer is required.
• □ I selected the correct exemption code.
• □ The worker’s legal name is correct.
• □ The NOC and job duties are accurate.
• □ The wage, benefits and hours are correct.
• □ The work location and employment dates are correct.
• □ I paid the compliance fee or proved an exemption.
• □ The offer status shows Submitted.
• □ I received an A followed by seven digits.
• □ I gave the correct number to the worker.
• □ The contract matches the portal offer.
• □ I will submit a new offer for a future work permit application.

Worker Checklist

• □ My number begins with A and contains seven digits.
• □ I received the number directly from the employer or authorized representative.
• □ I received a written employment contract.
• □ The employer name matches my application.
• □ The job title, duties and NOC are correct.
• □ The wage, hours and work location are correct.
• □ I gathered evidence supporting the LMIA exemption.
• □ I entered the full A-number in the correct application field.
• □ I did not enter my UCI, SIN or application number instead.
• □ I understand the number does not guarantee approval.
• □ I have not used this number for another work permit application.
• □ I will not begin work until legally authorized.

Related Immigration Guides

• Employer Portal Canada: How LMIA-Exempt Job Offers Work
• LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada: Who May Qualify
• LMIA Canada Explained: What Workers and Employers Should Know
• Employer Compliance Fee Canada: When It Must Be Paid
• Work Permit Extension Canada: How to Apply Before Expiry
• Work Permit Canada Explained: Open vs Employer-Specific Work Permit
• NOC TEER Canada: How to Choose the Right Code
• IRCC Web Form: How to Contact IRCC Online

Helpful Official Resources

• IRCC: Employer Portal Sign-In
• IRCC: Employer Portal User Guide
• IRCC: How to Hire Through the International Mobility Program
• IRCC: Inside-Canada Work Permit Documents
• IRCC: Outside-Canada Work Permit Documents
• IRCC: Proof of Employer Portal Submission and Fee
• IRCC: Reusing an Offer of Employment Number
• IRCC: Correcting an Offer of Employment
• IRCC: Withdrawing an Offer of Employment

FAQ About Offer of Employment Number Canada

What is an offer of employment number in Canada?

It is a reference number generated after an employer submits an LMIA-exempt job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal.

What does an A-number look like?

It begins with the letter A followed by seven digits, such as A1234567.

Who gives the number to the worker?

The employer or authorized employer representative retrieves it from the Employer Portal and gives it to the worker.

Is the A-number the same as an LMIA number?

No. The A-number is for an LMIA-exempt Employer Portal offer. An LMIA number is associated with a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Is an offer of employment number the same as a UCI?

No. A UCI identifies a person in IRCC’s records. An A-number identifies a submitted LMIA-exempt job offer.

Do open work permit applicants need an A-number?

Generally no. An open work permit is not connected to one job-specific Employer Portal offer.

Does every LMIA-exempt worker need an A-number?

No. Some employers or categories are exempt from Employer Portal submission and will not provide one.

Can I apply before my employer gives me the number?

In most employer-specific IMP cases, wait until the employer has submitted the offer and provided the number.

Does the employer receive an approval letter?

IRCC generally does not send a separate offer approval letter. The A-number appears in the employer’s Employment Queue after successful submission.

How long does it take to receive an A-number?

It normally appears shortly after successful submission. IRCC advises waiting up to 24 hours if it does not appear immediately.

Does an A-number guarantee work permit approval?

No. IRCC still reviews the LMIA exemption, job, employer, applicant qualifications and admissibility.

Can the same A-number be used twice?

No. It is connected to one work permit application, and a new number is required for a future application.

Can I reuse the number after a refusal?

No. Once IRCC makes a decision, the employer must submit a new offer and provide a new number for a new application.

Do I need a new A-number for an extension?

An employer-specific LMIA-exempt extension generally requires a new Employer Portal offer and a new A-number.

Do I need a new number when changing employers?

Yes, in most cases. The new employer submits a new offer and provides a new number before the worker applies for new authorization.

What if the employer entered the wrong information?

The employer may need to update, withdraw or replace the offer. If the worker already applied, the work permit application may also need to be withdrawn and resubmitted.

Can the employer withdraw an offer?

Yes, before the permit is issued. The procedure depends on whether the offer has already been matched to the worker’s application.

Can I buy a valid A-number?

No. It must result from a genuine job offer submitted by a real employer under a legitimate LMIA exemption.

Final Thoughts

Offer of Employment Number Canada is the reference that links an employer’s submitted LMIA-exempt offer with a temporary worker’s employer-specific work permit application.

The employer must submit the offer first, pay or document an exemption from the compliance fee and give the worker the number beginning with A followed by seven digits.

The worker should confirm that the employer, position, wage, duties and work location match the employment documents before applying.

Remember that the number is generally used for one application only. It does not guarantee approval and cannot normally be reused for an extension, new employer or new application after a decision.

Last updated: July 2026