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As of November 16, 2022, we’ll process work permits for asylum claimants once we find them eligible and before we refer them to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Before we issue a work permit, claimants must still
You and your family members may be eligible for open work permits if you’re making a refugee claim and
If you haven’t already submitted your refugee claim, you can let us know in your online claim application.
If you already submitted your refugee claim, but didn’t apply for a permit at the same time, you can apply for a work permit separately.
With your application, you need to include a copy of your Refugee Protection Claimant Document and proof that
There are no fees for these permits when you’re waiting for a decision on your refugee claim.
To avoid delays, make sure we always have your current address. You can change your address online.
Minor children don’t need a study permit to go to kindergarten, elementary or secondary school.
A study permit lets you to go to school while you’re waiting for a decision on your claim. You and any of your family members who also made a refugee claim may be eligible for study permits. You must have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.
If you 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 when you submit your refugee claim. You must apply for a study permit separately.
If you apply to extend your work or study permit before it expires, you have the right to keep working or studying while you wait for a decision on your extension.
To prove that you can still work or study, you can show your
If you let your work or study permit expire before you apply to extend it, you have to submit a new application and stop working or studying while you wait for a decision.
