Work permit for refugee claimant-what to know

Canada is famous across the world for their several core values, which make Canada unique and separate from others. Canada strongly believes in compassion, respect, openness, being there for each other, willingness to work hard and to search for equality and justice.

That’s why Canada has launched 2 refugee protection programs, including the In-Canada Asylum Program to help refugees inside Canada and the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program to protect people outside Canada. But that’s not the end; now Canada has started to issue work permit for refugee claimant so they have a good social and economic life in Canada.

Can Refugee Claimant Apply for a Work Permit?

As you know, doing a job in Canada without a valid work permit is risky, and you may face strict legal action if found. Canada issues work permit for refugee cliamant for a certain period. In order to renew the permit, the applicant must submit an application with the help of expert immigration consultants at least 2 months before it expires.

Scheduled 12: is It Necessary for a Work Permit?

If the refugee claimant needs a work permit quickly, the applicant must complete forms, including Schedule 12. When the Canadian government decides the refugees are eligible for a refugee protection hearing, the applicants must be instructed to undergo a medical examination and biometrics, and only after that will they issue a work permit for the refugee claimant.

But if the applicant doesn’t apply for scheduled 12, they may apply for a work permit later. Keep in mind that the applicants must update their address with IRCC. They also don’t have to pay fees for getting a work permit.

Eligibility Criteria for a Refugee Claimant to Get a Work Permit

To apply for a work permit as a refugee claimant in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have made a claim for refugee protection in Canada.
Canada’s government has referred your claim to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or IRB.
You have to work to support yourself or your family members financially.
You must be in Canada legally.
You must not be a threat or danger to the public.
You don’t have any inadmissibility in Canada.

You may also get a work permit for a refugee claimant if:

You are waiting for a decision on your refugee claim for approx. 12 months.
You are a family member of a refugee claimant who has been granted a work permit.

How Can You Apply for a Work Permit?

To apply for a work permit, you must submit an application form and relevant documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC. The supporting documentation is a copy of your refugee claim form, proof of your financial need and a letter from your employer.

Once your application is approved, they will issue a work permit. In this way, you can work in Canada for a specific employer. Remember that you can renew your work permit as long as your refugee claim is pending.

The Work Permit Process for Refugee Claimant has Become Quicker

As we mentioned, an asylum seeker must have claimed refugee status in Canada, but Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada take a long time to make their decisions. But recently, the Canadian government announced that the work permit for refugee claimants will be processed more quickly than ever.

The asylum seeker gets their permit within six to eight days after fulfilling all the eligibility criteria through a new online application portal. According to the report, Canada granted approx. 20,000 work permits after the online portal was launched in September 2022.

Contact Us!

There is no doubt that the work permit for refugee claimants is complicated, and the applicants are required to have professional guidance in this matter. If you are a refugee claimant inside Canada and want to apply for a work permit, contact us at CANADA WELCOMES IMMIGRATION.