Getting authorized to work in Canada as a refugee involves a set of forms, fees, and procedures that differ from standard work permit streams. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation and what IRCC actually requires can save weeks of back-and-forth and help you start earning income sooner.
Quick takeaways
- Refugee claimants and protected persons follow different work permit pathways
- IMM 5710 is the correct form for most applicants already in Canada; IMM 1295 is for applicants outside Canada
- Refugee claimants and protected persons are exempt from the work permit application fee
- Applications can be submitted online through an IRCC account or by paper
- Processing times vary; IRCC publishes current service standards at ircc.canada.ca
Understanding Your Status: Refugee Claimant vs. Protected Person
Your eligibility for a work permit and which form you use depends on where you are in the refugee protection process. The two main categories are refugee claimants and protected persons, and IRCC treats them differently at each stage.
Refugee Claimants
A refugee claimant (also called an asylum seeker) is someone who has filed a claim for refugee protection in Canada but whose claim has not yet been decided by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). If you are a refugee claimant, you can apply for an open work permit while your claim is pending. This permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without restriction.
To be eligible as a refugee claimant, you generally need to:
- Have made a refugee protection claim at a port of entry or an IRCC inland office
- Have received an Acknowledgement of Claim letter or other documentation confirming your claim is in process
- Not be subject to an exclusion or ineligibility finding at the time of your work permit application
Protected Persons
Once the IRB approves your refugee claim, you become a "protected person." At that point, you are also eligible for a work permit and may apply while your permanent residence (PR) application is being processed. Protected persons often move quickly toward PR, but a work permit can provide immediate employment authorization while you wait for your PR to be finalized.
Both refugee claimants and protected persons qualify for fee-exempt open work permits, covered in more detail below.
Which Form Do You Need: IMM 5710 or IMM 1295
This is where many applicants get confused. IRCC has two main work permit application forms, and choosing the wrong one delays your file. The key question is whether you are applying from inside Canada or from outside Canada.
IMM 5710: For Applicants Already in Canada
If you are physically in Canada, whether as a refugee claimant or a protected person, IMM 5710 is the correct form. Its official name is "Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker." Despite the name referencing extending a stay, this form covers initial open work permit applications made from inside Canada as well as renewals.
Use IMM 5710 if:
- You are a refugee claimant with a pending claim in Canada
- You are a protected person applying for your first open work permit in Canada
- You need to extend an existing work permit while remaining in Canada
IMM 1295: For Applicants Outside Canada
IMM 1295 ("Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada") is intended for people applying from abroad before entering Canada. In the context of refugee protection, this form is rarely relevant because most refugee claimants are already in the country when they apply for work authorization. If you are outside Canada, consult an authorized representative or a settlement agency about which pathway fits your situation.
Supporting Documents to Gather
Whichever form you use, plan to include:
- Your refugee claim documentation (Acknowledgement of Claim letter, Basis of Claim receipt, or IRB decision letter)
- A copy of your passport or travel document, if available
- Your current immigration document (Visitor Record, ARC, or Refugee Protection Claimant Document)
- A completed IMM 5710 with all mandatory fields filled in
- Proof of your fee-exempt status
Gathering these documents before you begin your application reduces the chance of IRCC returning it as incomplete.
The Refugee Fee Exemption
Applying for a work permit normally costs $155 CAD, plus an additional open work permit holder fee for some categories. However, refugee claimants and protected persons are exempt from these fees under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
To claim the exemption, you indicate your status in the application form and attach supporting documentation confirming your refugee claimant or protected person status. You will not be billed, and you should not include payment with a paper application.
This exemption applies to both the main work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee. Read the fee section of IMM 5710 carefully and check the box indicating your exempt category. If you apply online, the IRCC portal removes the fee automatically when you select the refugee claimant or protected person option. If the system prompts you for payment anyway, review your selected category and recheck the exemption field before proceeding.
Keep a copy of your fee exemption documentation with your application records. IRCC may ask for clarification, and having your supporting documents organized avoids delays.
Applying Online vs. Paper
IRCC encourages online applications, and for most refugee claimants and protected persons, the online route is faster and more transparent. That said, a paper option exists for those who need it.
Applying Online Through IRCC's Portal
- Create or log into your IRCC Secure Account at ircc.canada.ca
- Select "Apply to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada as a worker"
- Complete the digital version of IMM 5710
- Upload your supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format
- Submit and the system will handle your fee exemption automatically based on your selected status
Online applicants can track their application status through the portal and receive electronic correspondence from IRCC. This eliminates postal delays and makes it easier to respond quickly if IRCC requests additional documents. You can also upload follow-up materials directly to your file without mailing anything.
Paper Application
If you cannot apply online, for example if you lack reliable internet access or have a document that cannot be scanned, you can submit a paper application. Download IMM 5710 from IRCC's website, complete it by hand or digitally, and mail the full package to the address listed in the instruction guide for your application type.
Paper applications take longer to process because of postal and manual handling time. If possible, use the online route. Many public libraries and settlement agencies have computers and staff who can help you apply online at no cost.
Using a Settlement Agency
Settlement agencies across Canada provide free immigration assistance to refugees. Organizations such as ACCES Employment, COSTI Immigrant Services, and local refugee settlement centres can review your application before you submit it, catch errors, and help you gather the right documents. You do not need a paid immigration consultant or lawyer for a straightforward refugee work permit application.
2026 IRCC Processing Times for Refugee Work Permits
IRCC publishes updated processing time estimates at ircc.canada.ca. Processing times for open work permits for refugee claimants and protected persons vary depending on application volume, whether your application is complete on first submission, and whether IRCC needs additional information.
Check the IRCC processing times tool directly for the most current estimate, because these numbers are updated regularly. Relying on any single source outside of IRCC's own tool may give you outdated figures.
A few practical points that affect how quickly your application moves:
- Complete applications process faster. Missing documents or unanswered questions are the most common cause of delays. Double-check every field and include all requested evidence before submitting.
- Biometrics may be required. If you have not given biometrics to IRCC previously, you may receive a biometric request letter after submitting your work permit application. Respond promptly at a designated Service Canada or IRCC collection site.
- Check your status online. If you applied online, log into your IRCC account to see updates. Paper applicants can use IRCC's web form to check status after the standard processing window has passed.
- Implied status. Under IRCC policy, refugee claimants who have submitted a work permit application may have implied status while waiting for a decision, meaning they can continue to remain in Canada lawfully. Consult a settlement worker about how this applies to your specific situation, as implied status does not authorize employment until the work permit is issued.
RefugeeEmployment.ca offers resources to help you identify job opportunities and prepare your search while your work permit application is in progress.
What to Do While You Wait
The period between submitting your application and receiving your work permit can feel uncertain. There are concrete steps you can take during this time so you are ready to move quickly once your authorization arrives.
Update Your Resume for the Canadian Market
Canadian resumes typically do not include photos, dates of birth, or marital status. Focus on specific accomplishments and transferable skills, and tailor your resume to the types of roles you are targeting. Many settlement agencies offer free resume workshops designed specifically for newcomers and refugees, and feedback from a local advisor can help you align your experience with what Canadian employers expect to see.
Connect with Settlement Employment Programs
Employment-focused settlement programs exist specifically for newcomers and refugees. Many offer free job-matching services, interview coaching, credential assessment referrals, and connections with employers who are actively hiring refugees. Registering with these programs before your work permit arrives means you can act quickly once you receive authorization.
Build Your Professional Network
Informational interviews, professional associations, and community events help you establish contacts in the Canadian job market. Many refugees find their first Canadian position through a personal connection rather than a cold job posting. Even a brief conversation with someone in your field can open doors that job boards do not show.
Browse Current Openings on RefugeeEmployment.ca
The RefugeeEmployment.ca job seekers page lists current openings from employers actively seeking to hire refugees and newcomers. Creating a candidate profile now means you are ready to apply the moment your work permit arrives, without losing time to setup during what can be a fast-moving hiring window.
FAQ
Can I work in Canada before I receive my work permit?
No. You must have a valid work permit in hand before starting any employment in Canada. Working without authorization is a violation of your immigration conditions and can negatively affect your refugee claim. Submit your work permit application as early as possible after your refugee claim is confirmed.
How long does a refugee claimant open work permit last?
Open work permits for refugee claimants are typically issued to cover the expected duration of your refugee claim proceedings, often with a validity date of one year or longer. You can apply to extend your permit before it expires if your claim is still being decided by the IRB. IRCC will issue a new permit for a period appropriate to your remaining claim timeline.
Do I need a job offer to get a refugee work permit?
No. Both refugee claimant and protected person open work permits are "open," meaning they are not tied to a specific employer or occupation. You can work for any eligible employer in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer letter as part of your application.
What happens to my work permit after I become a permanent resident?
Once your PR is approved and you receive confirmation of permanent residence, your work permit conditions no longer apply. Your permanent residence status itself gives you full authorization to work in Canada indefinitely. You do not need to renew or surrender your work permit separately; PR supersedes it.
Can my spouse or family members also get work permits?
Eligible family members accompanying refugee claimants may also qualify for open work permits. IRCC assesses each person separately, and each family member must submit their own IMM 5710 application. A settlement worker or IRCC's website can help you understand the eligibility rules for accompanying dependents and spouses.
What if IRCC asks for more information after I apply?
Respond promptly to any IRCC request for additional documents or information. The letter from IRCC will specify a deadline, and failing to respond within that window can result in your application being refused without a full review. If you applied online, you can upload the requested materials directly through your IRCC account without mailing anything.
Take the Next Step Toward Employment
Understanding the IRCC refugee work permit process, which form applies to your situation, how to claim your fee exemption, and what to realistically expect for processing times, puts you in a much stronger position to start working in Canada without unnecessary delays. Submit a complete application, respond quickly to any IRCC follow-up, and use the waiting period to prepare your job search materials so you are ready to move the moment your work permit arrives.
Ready to take the next step? Visit RefugeeEmployment.ca at https://refugeeemployment.ca/job-seekers to browse current openings and create a candidate profile.