Open Work Permit for Refugee Claimants

## Work while you wait for a decision on your claim If you’re making an asylum claim, you may be eligible for an open work permit so you can look for a job to support your needs (food, clothing, and shelter). You need a valid work permit to legally work in Canada. If your family members are also in Canada with you, are part of your asylum claim, and plan to work, they may also be eligible for an open work permit. When you answer the questions in your online application, choose “Yes” when asked if you would like to request a work permit. There is no separate application or extra fees to apply. ### Who can get a work permit

## 6. Work permit and Social Insurance Number To work legally in Canada, you must have a work permit and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can request a no-fee work permit within your online refugee claim application (through the IRCC portal) to work for any employer. The length of time it’s valid will be specified on the work permit. Before IRCC can issue a work permit, the following steps must occur: * a decision on the eligibility of your claim must be made * your immigration medical examination must be completed and passed and * biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) must be taken (see section 8). The proof that you’ve completed your immigration medical exam is the “IME” number, or a copy of the eMedical info sheet (this can be requested from the doctor who performs the examination (see section 4)). If you don’t request a work permit during the refugee claim intake process, you can apply for one online at www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html . Note: Once the work permit has been issued, it will be mailed to you. It is very important that addresses are kept up to date. To change an address, please use the IRCC Webform†secure.cic.gc.ca . When you get your work permit, you must then apply for a Social Insurance Number. You may use your Acknowledgement of Claim document as part of your application for a SIN. You can do this online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Information on the application process can be found at www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html . To find a local Service Canada Centre, call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). ## 7. Study permits

### Who can get a work permit You will only be issued a work permit if: * your claim was found eligible to be referred to the IRB * you have passed your medical exam As soon as you receive your work permit, you should apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) (required by employers to pay employees). Once you have your SIN, you can look for a job locally and register for Job Bank†www.jobbank.gc.ca . * If you didn’t apply for a work permit when you started your asylum claim If you already completed your asylum claim but didn’t apply for a permit at the same time, you can submit a work permit application separately . With your application, you need to include the following: * a copy of your RPID or RPCD * proof that you passed your immigration medical examination * proof that you need a job to pay for your basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) * proof that the family members you’re requesting permits for are with you in Canada and also applying for refugee protection There are no fees for an open work permit if your claim is eligible and you are waiting for a decision on your asylum claim. * If your claim is ineligible You might still be eligible to get a work permit. You will have to apply for a new open work permit and pay the non-refundable application fee. * Extend your work permit You must apply to extend your work permit before it expires. You will be able to continue working while you wait for a decision on your extension. To prove that you can still work, you can show your * expired work permit * proof of your application for an extension, including * a copy of your application * confirmation that it was sent and delivered before your permit expired If you let your work permit expire before you apply to extend it, you have to submit a new application and stop working while you wait for a decision. ### Keep your information

Before IRCC can issue a work permit, the following steps must occur: * a decision on the eligibility of your claim must be made * your immigration medical examination must be completed and passed and * biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) must be taken (see section 8). The proof that you’ve completed

Claimants 16 years and older may request a work permit. You don’t need to submit a separate application or pay extra fees. Requesting a work permit doesn’t mean you’ll get one. You must still be eligible for a work permit. * * * From the options, select “Yes” or “No”.

### Working after you get a refusal letter Temporary new rules mean you can: * keep working if you already have a valid work permit (until it expires) * apply for a work permit and pay the $155 non-refundable fee right away if you’ve received an RPID * While you wait

### Work Permits (including extensions) Fees | $CAN --- | --- Work permit (including extensions) – per person | 155.00 Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists)Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place | 465.00 Open work permit holder | 100.00 Restore your status as a worker Restore your status ($246.25) and get a new work permit ($155) | 401.25 Notes: Work permit maximum group fee: To qualify, you must be a group of three or more performing artists and their staff, and apply at the same time and place. If you also need visitor visas (temporary resident visas), you still need to pay for them individually. For visitor visas, the group fee only applies to families. ## Permanent Residence

* If you didn’t apply for a work permit when you started your asylum claim If you already completed your asylum claim but didn’t apply for a permit at the same time, you can submit a work permit application separately . With your application, you need to include the following: * a copy of your RPID or RPCD * proof that you passed your immigration medical examination * proof that you need a job to pay for your basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) * proof that the family members you’re requesting permits for are with you in Canada and also applying for refugee protection

When you answer the questions in your online application, choose “Yes” when asked if you would like to request a work permit. There is no separate application or extra fees to apply. ### Who can get

* If you didn’t apply for a work permit when you started your asylum claim If you already completed your asylum claim but didn’t apply for a permit at the same time, you can submit a work permit application separately . With your application, you need to include the following: * a copy of your RPID or RPCD * proof that you passed your immigration medical examination * proof that you need a job to pay for your basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) * proof that the family members you’re requesting permits for are with you in Canada and also applying for refugee protection There are no fees for an open work permit if your claim is eligible and you are waiting for a decision on your asylum claim. * If your claim is ineligible

Claimants 16 years and older may request a work permit. You don’t need to submit a separate application or pay extra fees. Requesting a work permit doesn’t mean you’ll get one. You must still be eligible for a work permit. * * * From the options, select “Yes” or “No”.

Note: Once the work permit has been issued, it will be mailed to you. It is very important that addresses are kept up to date. To change an address, please use the IRCC Webform†secure.cic.gc.ca . When you get your work permit, you must then apply for a Social Insurance Number. You may use your Acknowledgement of Claim document as part of your application for a SIN. You can do this online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Information on the application process can be found at www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html . To find a local Service Canada Centre, call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). ## 7. Study permits

* Extend your work permit You must apply to extend your work permit before it expires. You will be able to continue working while you wait for a decision on your extension. To prove that you can still work, you can show your * expired work permit * proof of your application for an extension, including * a copy of your application * confirmation that it was sent and delivered before your permit expired If you let your work permit expire before you apply to extend it, you have to submit a new application and stop working while you wait for a decision. ### Keep your information

If your family members are also in Canada with you, are part of your asylum claim, and plan to work, they may also be eligible for an open work permit. When you answer

## Study while you wait for a decision on your claim A study permit lets you go to school while you’re waiting for a decision on your claim. You and any of your family members who also made an asylum claim may be eligible for study permits. Minor children don’t need a study permit to go to kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school. Their RPID or RPCD can be used for school registration. ### How to apply for a study permit If you or any of your family members want to study while you’re in Canada, you must apply online for a study permit. You must have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution to apply. You can’t request to apply for a study permit as part of your asylum claim. You must apply for a study permit . * Extend your study permit You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires. You will be able to continue studying while you wait for a decision on your extension. To prove that you can still study, you can show your * expired study permit * proof of your application for an extension, including * a copy of your application * confirmation that it was sent and delivered before your permit expired If you let your study permit expire before you apply to extend it, you have to submit a new application and stop studying while you wait for a decision. ## If you want to withdraw

As an asylum claimant, you have access to healthcare through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which includes: * hospital services * services from health care professionals * vision and emergency dental care * prescription medications You will also be covered for one Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and any necessary IME-related diagnostic tests. This coverage lasts until you obtain provincial or territorial health insurance or leave Canada. IFHP coverage will be cancelled automatically if you withdraw your claim or if the IRB declares your claim abandoned. Learn more about health care coverage

## 1. General information: The Government of Canada departments that deal with refugee claims are: * Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html ): IRCC determines whether a refugee claim made inside Canada is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). * The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca†www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ): CBSA determines whether a refugee claim made at a Canadian port of entry (that is, an airport, land border crossing or marine port), or at an inland enforcement office, is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division. * The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) (www.irb-cisr.gc.ca†www.irb-cisr.gc.ca ): The IRB is an independent body responsible for making immigration and refugee decisions. ## 2. Right to counsel As a refugee claimant, you have the right to be represented by counsel (a lawyer or other professional representative) at your own expense during the refugee claim process. If you cannot afford to pay for counsel, you can apply to a provincial or territorial legal aid office for assistance. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of counsel or not. If you do choose to hire counsel, your application will not be given special attention. Information on hiring a representative: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigration-citizenship-representative.html . Note: Check the local telephone directory or use this link to consult the provincial and territorial legal aid services’ webpages: www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide/index.html†www.justice.gc.ca . ## 3. Submitting

Note: Once the work permit has been issued, it will be mailed to you. It is very important that addresses are kept up to date. To change an address, please use the IRCC Webform†secure.cic.gc.ca . When you get your work permit, you must then apply for a Social Insurance Number. You may use your Acknowledgement of Claim document as part of your application for a SIN. You can do this online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Information on the application process can be found at www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html . To find a local Service Canada Centre, call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). ## 7. Study permits

## 10. Contact Information All claimants must inform IRCC of any changes in address or contact information. All updates can be completed through the IRCC Webform: secure.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/canada-case-cas-eng.aspx†secure.cic.gc.ca by selecting “Change of Contact Information”. Note: Once your claim has been referred to the IRB, you must also advise the IRB of any change in contact information. Instructions on how to do this are included in the IRB’s Claimant’s Guide: www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/Eng/RefClaDem/Pages/ClaDemGuide.aspx†www.irb-cisr.gc.ca . ## 11.