Applying for a work permit as a refugee claimant in Canada opens the door to legal employment while your protection claim is being processed. The process involves a few specific steps, a mandatory medical examination, and some patience, but understanding what to expect makes it far less overwhelming. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, document by document and screen by screen.
Key Facts
- Most eligible refugee claimants can apply for an open work permit shortly after their claim is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board
- You need a completed Immigration Medical Examination from a designated physician before applying
- IRCC processing times in 2026 run approximately 30 to 90 days for this application type
- While you wait, Ontario Works, legal aid, and settlement services can help cover essential costs
- Your open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada
Who Qualifies for a Refugee Claimant Work Permit
What Makes You Eligible
To apply for a refugee claimant open work permit, you must have made a refugee protection claim with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) or at a port of entry, and your claim must have been referred to the IRB for a hearing. Once your claim is referred, you receive documentation confirming this status, and that document is central to your work permit application.
You can apply as soon as your claim is referred. You do not need to wait for a hearing date or for a decision on your claim.
Who Is Not Eligible
Not every claimant qualifies. If your refugee claim was found ineligible and was not referred to the IRB, you generally cannot apply for this permit. Claimants whose claims have been rejected and who are under a removal order also fall outside this category. If you are unsure whether your claim has been referred, review your paperwork from IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), or speak with a settlement worker or legal aid lawyer.
Understanding the Open Work Permit
What "Open" Means for You
An open work permit lets you accept a job with almost any employer in Canada. Unlike a closed, employer-specific work permit, you are not tied to a single company or job offer. You can work in most industries, switch employers, and take on part-time or full-time positions as your situation allows.
A few occupations are restricted regardless of work permit type, including certain security-sensitive roles, but for the vast majority of job seekers, an open permit provides broad flexibility.
Duration and Renewal
Your work permit is issued for a defined period. IRCC generally aligns the permit's expiry with the projected timeline for your claim. You can apply to renew it before it expires if your claim is still pending. Aim to renew at least 30 to 60 days before the expiry date to avoid any gap in your authorization to work.
What You Need Before You Apply
Documents to Gather
Before you log into the IRCC portal, collect the following:
- Your IRB referral letter or Basis of Claim acknowledgement
- Your IMM 1000 or Acknowledgement of Claim document
- Proof of identity: passport, travel document, or national identity card
- Your biometrics enrollment receipt (if you have already given biometrics)
- Completed Immigration Medical Examination results (see below)
Having all of these ready before you start will prevent delays mid-application.
The Medical Examination Requirement
One of the most important steps many applicants overlook is the upfront medical exam. IRCC requires refugee claimants to complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with a designated physician before applying for a work permit. This is separate from any medical exam that may be required later in the permanent residence process.
You can find a list of designated physicians on the IRCC website. The exam covers standard health screening and does not affect your refugee claim. Results are submitted electronically from the clinic directly to IRCC, so you do not need to mail anything yourself.
Allow one to two weeks for booking and completing the exam, plus additional time for results to appear in the system. Your application will not be processed until IRCC can confirm the exam results are on file.
Biometrics
Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) if they have not already done so. If you gave biometrics when you made your claim, they are likely already on file. If not, you will need to visit a Service Canada location or Application Support Centre with your biometrics instruction letter and fee receipt before submitting your work permit application.
Step-by-Step: Applying Through the IRCC Online Portal
Create or Log In to Your IRCC Account
Go to ircc.canada.ca and sign in using a GCKey or your provincial digital identity credential. If you do not have an account, create one. The registration process takes about 10 minutes. Your account stores your application history and lets IRCC send you official correspondence electronically, so check it regularly once your application is submitted.
Complete Form IMM 1295
The main application form for an open work permit in Canada is IMM 1295, titled "Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker." Despite the name, this is the correct form for refugee claimants applying for an initial open work permit while in Canada.
Fill in each section carefully. In the section asking for your reason for applying, select the refugee claimant category. You will be prompted to enter your IRB claim number. Double-check all entries before moving forward, as errors can trigger delays or a request for corrections.
Upload Documents and Pay the Fee
Scan or photograph each supporting document so the images are clear and fully legible. IRCC will reject blurry or cropped uploads. Accepted file formats are PDF and JPEG.
The application fee must be paid online by credit or debit card. Fee amounts can change, so confirm the current amount on the official IRCC fee page before paying. Keep your payment receipt, as you will need to upload it as part of your submission.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation number. Record it and store it somewhere safe. This number is your reference for all future inquiries.
Processing Times in 2026
What to Expect
As of 2026, IRCC is processing refugee claimant open work permit applications in approximately 30 to 90 days. Processing times fluctuate based on application volume and staffing. You can check current estimates using the "Check processing times" tool on the IRCC website, which is updated regularly.
Do not contact IRCC to ask about your application before the posted processing time has passed. Multiple inquiries do not speed up the process and can add to wait times for all applicants.
Tracking Your Application
Log into your IRCC account regularly to check for messages. IRCC may send requests for additional documents or clarification at any point during processing. These requests carry response deadlines, and missing one can delay or close your file entirely.
You can also use the IRCC Application Status Checker tool, accessible through your online account, to see where your application stands in the queue.
If Delays Run Long
If your application has been pending significantly longer than the posted processing time, you can submit a web form inquiry through the IRCC help centre. Include your confirmation number and the date you submitted. If you are facing an urgent situation, such as a confirmed job offer with an imminent start date, document the circumstances clearly in your message. IRCC does consider documented urgent situations in some cases.
Bridging Income While You Wait
Ontario Works and Social Assistance
In Ontario, Ontario Works (OW) provides financial assistance to people who need help with basic living costs while they are not yet working. Refugee claimants are generally eligible to apply. Benefits help cover food, housing, and utilities, and a caseworker can connect you with additional settlement supports.
Outside Ontario, provincial social assistance programs operate similarly under different names: BC Income Assistance in British Columbia, Alberta Supports in Alberta, and equivalent programs in other provinces. Contact your provincial social services office to apply.
Receiving social assistance while waiting for your work permit is lawful and does not affect your refugee claim. You are expected to report changes in your situation, including when you begin working.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Ontario and equivalent programs in other provinces provide free or low-cost legal representation to refugee claimants. Legal aid lawyers can help you understand your rights, prepare for your IRB hearing, and navigate complex situations that may arise during the process. To apply, contact your provincial Legal Aid office or ask a settlement agency to help you through the intake process.
Settlement Services
Federally funded settlement agencies operate in most Canadian cities and offer services to refugee claimants at no cost. They can help with language training through LINC programs, resume writing, job search coaching, and referrals to food banks and housing supports. These services are confidential. RefugeeEmployment.ca also maintains resources for newcomers and can connect you with relevant contacts in your area as you prepare to enter the workforce.
After Your Work Permit Arrives
Starting Your Job Search
Once your open work permit arrives in the mail or through your IRCC account, you can begin working immediately. You do not need any additional approval. Your work permit document serves as proof of your authorization to work, and you will need to show it to employers alongside your identity documents when you are hired.
This is the right moment to register on the RefugeeEmployment.ca job seekers page, create a candidate profile, and start browsing openings matched to refugee and newcomer job seekers across Canada.
Renewing Your Permit
Apply for a renewal at least 30 to 60 days before your permit's expiry date. As long as your refugee claim is still pending at the IRB, you should be eligible to renew. The renewal process follows the same IRCC portal steps described above. Keep your confirmation of renewal submission, as it serves as proof that you have maintained your status while awaiting the renewed permit.
The Road to Permanent Residence
If the IRB accepts your refugee claim, you will be recognized as a protected person in Canada. At that point, you can apply for permanent residence, and your options in the Canadian labour market expand significantly. The open work permit you held as a claimant can be renewed or transitioned as your immigration status evolves.
FAQ
Can I apply for a work permit the same day I make my refugee claim?
Generally, no. You can apply only after your claim has been referred to the IRB, which typically happens within days to a few weeks of making your initial claim. Once you have your referral documentation in hand, you can submit your work permit application right away.
Do I need a job offer to get this work permit?
No. The refugee claimant open work permit is not tied to any specific employer or job offer. You can apply without having a job lined up and use the permit to work for almost any employer once it is issued.
How much does the work permit application cost?
IRCC charges a fee for work permit applications. The exact current amount is listed on the official IRCC fee page and can change. Always verify the current fee before submitting, as figures from older guides may be outdated.
What happens if my refugee claim is rejected while my work permit is still valid?
If the IRB rejects your claim, you may have the right to appeal or to apply for judicial review. Your existing work permit remains valid through its printed expiry date even if your claim is rejected. However, once all appeal options have been exhausted and a removal order is in effect, renewal is no longer available. Consult a legal aid lawyer promptly if your claim is rejected.
Can my spouse or partner also apply for a work permit?
Yes, in most cases. Family members who are accompanying claimants and whose names appear on a referred refugee claim may each apply for their own open work permit. Each person must go through the individual application process, including the medical examination requirement.
What does "designated physician" mean, and how do I find one?
A designated physician is a doctor specifically authorized by IRCC to conduct Immigration Medical Examinations. You cannot use your regular family doctor for this exam. The full list of approved physicians, searchable by city and province, is available on the IRCC website under the immigration medical examinations section.
Ready to take the next step in your job search? Once your open work permit is in hand, you can begin working for almost any employer in Canada right away. Visit the RefugeeEmployment.ca job seekers page at https://refugeeemployment.ca/job-seekers to browse current openings and create a candidate profile matched to employers who actively welcome refugee and newcomer talent.