Renewing your refugee work permit in Canada is one of the most time-sensitive tasks you will face as a refugee or protected person. Miss the window and you may have to stop working entirely. Get it right and you stay employed without interruption, even while IRCC is still processing your paperwork.
Quick Takeaways
- Apply at least 90 days before your current permit expires
- Implied status allows you to keep working while a timely renewal is pending
- The government fee for a work permit extension is $155 CAD
- Biometrics may add an $85 CAD fee if IRCC requires new data
- If your permit expires before you apply, you must stop working and restore status
- Open work permits issued to refugees do not require a job offer or LMIA
Who Needs to Renew a Refugee Work Permit
Protected Persons
People who have been recognized as convention refugees or persons in need of protection by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or by IRCC are eligible for an open work permit. These permits have an expiry date and must be renewed before that date passes if you want to continue working legally in Canada.
Refugee Claimants Still Awaiting a Decision
If your refugee claim is still pending, you may have been issued a work permit as a refugee claimant. That permit also expires and must be renewed. Your eligibility for renewal depends on the status of your claim. As long as your claim is active and you have not received a final negative decision, you can generally apply to renew your work permit.
Work Permits vs. Study Permits
If you are also attending school, note that work permits and study permits are separate documents and have separate renewal processes. This guide covers work permit renewal only. If you need to renew both, make sure you track the expiry dates independently.
When to Apply: Timing Your Renewal
The 90-Day Window
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recommends applying to renew your work permit at least 90 days before it expires. This gives the department enough time to process your application in most cases. Because processing times fluctuate and can stretch beyond a few months depending on application volumes, applying earlier than 90 days is never a mistake.
Implied Status: Your Right to Keep Working
If you submit your renewal application before your current permit expires, Canadian immigration law protects you under what is called implied status. Implied status means you are legally authorized to continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit while IRCC reviews your application. This protection lasts until IRCC issues a decision on your renewal. It does not show up on a physical document, so you should keep a printed copy of your submission confirmation to show your employer if needed.
Why Applying Late Creates Serious Problems
If your work permit expires before you submit your renewal application, implied status does not apply. You lose the right to work in Canada as of the expiry date. To recover your ability to work, you would need to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of expiry. Restoration is more expensive, more complicated, and not guaranteed. Applying on time is by far the easier and safer path.
Documents Required for Renewal
Core Documents
When you apply to renew your refugee work permit in Canada, you will typically need the following:
- A copy of your current work permit
- A valid passport or other travel document (IRCC has procedures for applicants without a passport)
- Your Confirmation of Refugee Protection letter, IRB decision letter, or the interim measures letter IRCC issued confirming your work permit eligibility
- Any recent correspondence from IRCC about your protection case
Proof of Ongoing Eligibility
You need to show that your status has not changed in a way that would cancel your eligibility. This typically means:
- A copy of the most recent decision or notice confirming your refugee claim is still active or that you are a protected person
- Documentation of any updates to your case, such as a positive IRB decision you received after your initial permit was issued
Supporting Documents
Depending on your individual circumstances, IRCC may also request:
- Proof of your current address in Canada
- Photographs meeting IRCC specifications
- Completed versions of any additional forms IRCC specifies for your application type
If you are unsure exactly which documents apply to your specific situation, a licensed settlement worker or a registered immigration consultant can help you compile your file. For help finding employment support organizations in your city, RefugeeEmployment.ca maintains resources for refugees and newcomers across Canada.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1 - Create or Log Into Your IRCC Account
Most work permit renewal applications in Canada are submitted online through the IRCC secure account portal. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one before you can begin. Keep your login credentials stored securely.
Step 2 - Complete Form IMM 5710
The primary form for extending your stay as a worker in Canada is IMM 5710, titled Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker. You may also need to complete Form IMM 5645, the Family Information form, depending on your application type. Read each question carefully. Errors or omissions are among the most common causes of processing delays.
Step 3 - Pay the Government Fee
The government processing fee for a work permit extension is $155 CAD. This is paid online at the time you submit your application. Save your payment receipt. It serves as one of your key records that you applied before your permit expired.
Step 4 - Submit and Save Your Confirmation
After submitting your application and payment, IRCC will generate a confirmation with a unique application number. Save this confirmation both digitally and as a printed copy. You can use the application number to track the status of your renewal through your IRCC account.
Fees for Refugee Work Permit Renewal in Canada
The $155 Processing Fee
The standard government fee for renewing a work permit from within Canada is $155 CAD. This fee is non-refundable once your application has been submitted, regardless of the outcome.
Biometrics Fee
If IRCC requests that you provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your renewal, there is a separate fee of $85 CAD. Biometrics collected previously may still be valid for up to 10 years from the date they were taken, so you may not need to pay this fee again. Check your IRCC correspondence or account to confirm whether new biometrics are required.
Fee Waivers for Financial Hardship
Fee waivers are available in some circumstances for people who cannot afford the application cost. If financial hardship is a concern, speak with a settlement agency before submitting your application. They can advise you on whether you qualify and how to request a waiver through the proper process.
Processing Times for Refugee Work Permit Renewal
How Long It Takes
Processing times for work permit renewals fluctuate based on IRCC's workload and the volume of applications received. IRCC publishes updated time estimates on its official website. Historically, processing times for work permit extensions from within Canada have ranged from several weeks to several months. Because these estimates change regularly, always check the current figure on the IRCC website when planning your application.
Monitoring Your Application
Once your application is submitted, you can check its progress through your IRCC secure account. IRCC will contact you through your account or by email if they need additional information or documents. Respond to any requests quickly to avoid unnecessary delays to your renewal.
What Can Slow Down Your Application
Your renewal may take longer if:
- Your application is missing documents or contains errors
- IRCC needs to verify information in your immigration file
- You are required to provide new medical exams or biometrics
- There is a high volume of applications being processed at the same time
Double-checking your application before submission is the single most effective way to prevent avoidable delays.
If Your Work Permit Expires During Processing
Implied Status Covers You If You Applied on Time
If you submitted your renewal before your permit expired, implied status keeps you legally authorized to work while IRCC processes your application. Your employer is legally required to accept implied status as valid work authorization. Keep your submission confirmation on hand in case your employer asks for documentation.
If Your Permit Has Already Expired
If your permit expired before you submitted a renewal, you must stop working as of the expiry date and apply to restore your temporary resident status within 90 days. The restoration fee is $229 CAD in addition to the $155 work permit extension fee. Restoration applications are more involved than standard renewals and approval is not automatic. This is why applying early is so important.
Where to Get Help
If you are in a difficult situation -- your permit has expired, you are unsure of your status, or you cannot afford the fees -- contact a settlement organization, legal aid clinic, or a consultant registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Many settlement agencies offer free immigration advice for refugees. You can also visit RefugeeEmployment.ca for guidance on finding employment resources and support services available to refugees in Canada.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Mark your permit expiry date in your calendar now and set a reminder 90 days before it arrives
- Keep both digital and printed copies of all your immigration documents in a secure place
- Use only official IRCC forms downloaded from the official IRCC website
- Verify any paid consultant's credentials through the CICC public register before hiring them
- Update your address with IRCC any time you move so all correspondence reaches you
- If you change employers while your renewal is pending, confirm that your new position is still permitted under an open work permit (which has no employer restrictions)
FAQ
How long does refugee work permit renewal in Canada take?
Processing times change regularly based on IRCC's current volume. Times have ranged from several weeks to several months. Check the current estimate on the official IRCC website before submitting, and plan to apply at least 90 days before your permit expires to reduce the risk of any work gap.
What are the fees for refugee work permit renewal in Canada?
The government processing fee for a work permit extension is $155 CAD. A separate biometrics fee of $85 CAD applies if IRCC requires new biometric data. If you are facing financial hardship, ask a settlement agency about fee waiver eligibility before you apply.
Can I work while my renewal application is being processed?
Yes, provided you submitted your renewal application before your current permit expired. Under implied status, you are legally authorized to continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit until IRCC issues a decision. Keep your submission confirmation as documentation for your employer.
What happens if my refugee work permit expires before I renew it?
If your permit expires before you submit a renewal, you must stop working immediately. You then have up to 90 days from the expiry date to apply for restoration of status. Restoration costs $229 CAD plus the standard work permit fee and is not guaranteed. This is a more difficult and expensive path than simply renewing on time.
Do I need a job offer to renew my refugee work permit?
No. Refugees and protected persons in Canada are typically issued open work permits, which allow you to work for any employer without a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. You do not need to involve your employer in the renewal process beyond keeping them informed of your implied status if needed.
Where do I submit my refugee work permit renewal application?
Most applications are submitted online through your IRCC secure account using Form IMM 5710. Paper applications may be available in limited circumstances. Always use official IRCC forms and submit through official channels to protect yourself from fraud and delays.
Knowing the rules around refugee work permit renewal in Canada gives you the confidence to act early and avoid disruptions to your employment. Apply at least 90 days before your expiry date, gather the right documents, pay the government fee, and monitor your application status through your IRCC account. Ready to take the next step? Visit refugeeemployment.ca to explore job opportunities and connect with employment resources built for refugees and newcomers across Canada.