To apply for an Open Work Permit as a refugee claimant in Canada, you generally need to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) or qualify for an exemption. Under the federal Bill C-12 rules in force in 2026, even if your claim is found ineligible for referral to the IRB, a special Temporary Public Policy allows you to obtain or maintain an open work permit while waiting for the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) process.
Arriving in a new country and asking for asylum is a massive life change, and figuring out how to support yourself financially is usually the very first challenge. An Open Work Permit as a refugee claimant in Canada is a vital document that allows you to legally work for almost any employer while you wait for your refugee hearing or subsequent immigration assessments. 🌎 Because the waiting period can stretch for many months or even years, getting this permit is incredibly important for your survival, allowing you to pay for rent, buy groceries, and maintain your mental health by staying active in your new community.
Many newly arrived claimants are confused about how to get this document, especially regarding the strict medical requirements. The good news is that the Canadian government generally waives the standard processing fees for asylum seekers, meaning you do not have to pay the usual hundreds of dollars. In this guide, we will explain exactly how to complete your required medical exam, use your health coverage, and file your paperwork properly. If you feel overwhelmed by the forms, reaching out to a legal professional from our directory is a great way to ensure your application is done right the first time.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Figuring out how to navigate the immigration system can feel like learning an entirely new language. Whether you are living in a shelter in Toronto, Ontario, or renting a small room in Calgary, Alberta, the rules for getting your work permit are exactly the same across the country. 📍 Here is a simple, step-by-step breakdown of how most asylum seekers successfully secure their right to work in Canada.
Step 1: Submitting Your Refugee Claim and Assessing Eligibility
Most applicants request their open work permit when they submit their initial refugee claim online through the secure Canadian Refugee Protection Portal. However, under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12), which received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026, claims are ineligible for referral to the IRB if submitted more than 1 year after first entering Canada (after June 24, 2020), or 14 days or more after an irregular crossing at the Canada–US land border. If found ineligible under these new rules, a special Temporary Public Policy enacted on March 26, 2026, still allows you to apply for or keep an open work permit while awaiting your Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). If you did not request a work permit during your initial claim, you can still apply for it separately through your secure online IRCC account later.
Step 2: Booking or Exempting Your Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
While passing an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) is standard, you may be completely exempt from a new exam. Under IRCC’s temporary public policy (extended until October 5, 2029), in-Canada applicants are exempt from undergoing a new IME if they completed one within the last 5 years and the previous results showed low or no risk to public health. If you do not qualify for this exemption, you must undergo a new exam with an approved Panel Physician. After you submit your claim, you will receive a medical instruction letter, and it is highly recommended to book your appointment immediately, as clinics can be very busy. 🩺
Step 3: Attending the Medical Appointment
If you require a new exam, when you arrive at the clinic, you generally need to bring your passport, your Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD), and your medical instruction letter. The doctor will perform a basic physical check-up, take a chest x-ray, and do a blood test to ensure you do not have any serious contagious diseases. You do not need to mail the results yourself; the doctor will use an electronic system called eMedical to send your health records directly to the government processing centre in Ottawa, Ontario.
Step 4: Waiting for the Online Approval
Once IRCC receives your clean medical results and your biometrics (fingerprints), they will begin processing your work permit application. 🕐 Because you are a refugee claimant, your application is processed electronically. If everything is approved, IRCC will mail the physical open work permit directly to the Canadian address you provided on your file. With this document in hand, you can then visit a local Service Canada location, such as the major centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and legally start working.
Comparing Open Work Permits vs. Closed Work Permits
It is important to understand what kind of document you are actually receiving. Here is a quick comparison showing why an open work permit is so incredibly valuable for someone waiting for an Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) hearing.
| Feature | Open Work Permit (For Refugees) | Closed Work Permit (Regular Foreign Workers) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Choice | You can work for almost any employer in Canada. You can change jobs freely. | You are tied to one specific employer. If you quit, you cannot work for anyone else. |
| Job Offer Required? | No. You can apply without having a job lined up. | Yes. You need a formal job offer and often an LMIA. |
| Cost to Apply | Generally $0 CAD (Fee-exempt). | Usually costs $155 to $255 CAD. |
| Location Restrictions | You can live and work anywhere in the country. | You must work in the location stated on the permit. |
How Much Does it Cost?
One of the biggest reliefs for asylum seekers is that getting an open work permit is generally very affordable compared to other immigration pathways. 💰 While the government waives the application fees, there are still a few medical costs you should be prepared to handle.
- Government Work Permit Fee: The standard fee is $0 CAD. Refugee claimants are completely exempt from paying this fee.
- Immigration Medical Exam (IME): Usually, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) covers the cost of your very first IME, meaning it is $0 CAD for you. While basic medical services (such as doctor visits and hospital care) and your first IME remain free ($0 CAD), please note that starting May 1, 2026, IFHP beneficiaries must pay co-payments for certain benefits. This includes a flat $4 CAD fee for each prescription filled or refilled, and 30% of the cost of supplemental health services (such as urgent dental, vision care, and psychological counselling). Always ask the clinic if they accept IFHP before booking.
- Translation Services: If any of your identity documents need to be translated into English or French, certified translators typically charge $40 to $80 CAD per page.
- Passport Photos: If the doctor requires physical photos for your medical file, a local pharmacy might charge $15 to $25 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
When you are running out of savings, every single day counts. ⏳ After your Panel Physician submits your medical results to IRCC, the processing time for a refugee work permit usually takes anywhere from 1 to 3 months. The biggest delay most applicants face is simply getting an appointment with a doctor. Because clinics in major cities can be fully booked, it is not uncommon to wait 3 to 4 weeks just to take your medical exam. To avoid severe financial hardship, most community groups suggest applying for provincial social assistance (welfare) while you wait for this document to arrive in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The rules around working in Canada can be confusing when you are new to the country. 💬 Below, we have answered some of the most common questions refugee claimants ask about securing their open work permit.
Can I work while waiting for my open work permit to arrive?
Generally, no. You are legally not allowed to work in Canada until you have the physical open work permit in your hands and a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Working illegally without authorization can negatively impact your refugee claim.
Will the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) pay for my medical exam?
Yes, in most cases. When you make a refugee claim, you are typically given an IFHP certificate. Most approved Panel Physicians accept this certificate to cover the complete cost of your first Immigration Medical Exam (IME) at $0 CAD. Basic healthcare (like doctor visits and hospital care) also remains free. However, starting May 1, 2026, beneficiaries are responsible for co-payments on supplemental services: a flat $4 CAD fee for each prescription filled or refilled, and 30% of the cost for supplemental health benefits such as urgent dental, vision care, and psychological counselling. If you already completed an IME in Canada within the last 5 years, you may be completely exempt from undergoing a new exam under the current temporary policy in force until October 5, 2029.
Do I need a job offer to get this work permit?
No. Because it is an open work permit, you do not need a job offer, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or a specific employer to apply. You are completely free to search for a job after you receive the permit.
What happens to my work permit if my refugee claim is rejected or found ineligible?
If the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) refuses your claim, your work permit generally remains valid until its printed expiry date or until removal. Under the new Bill C-12 rules of March 2026, if your claim is determined to be ineligible for referral to the IRB, a special Temporary Public Policy allows you to apply for or keep your open work permit while you wait for the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) process, avoiding gaps in your authorization to work.
Can I renew my work permit if it expires before my hearing?
Yes. If your hearing is delayed and your work permit is going to expire, you can generally apply to extend it. Most applicants choose to apply for a renewal at least 30 days before the current permit expires so they can maintain their legal status and keep working without interruption.
Can my children get a work permit too?
Dependent children who are 18 years of age or older can generally apply for their own open work permit under the same rules. Children under 18 usually apply for a study permit so they can attend Canadian public schools for free while waiting for the family’s refugee hearing.
Am I required to undergo a new Immigration Medical Exam (IME) if I had one before?
Not necessarily. Under IRCC’s updated policy extended on October 4, 2024, you are fully exempt from undergoing a new medical exam if you reside in Canada, have completed an IME within the last 5 years (for example, as a student or worker), and your previous results indicated a low or no risk to public health. This exemption is in force until October 5, 2029, and saves you from repeating the medical exam.
Can I get a work permit if my claim is found ineligible under Bill C-12?
Yes. Under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) enacted on March 26, 2026, claims submitted more than 1 year after entering Canada or 14 days after an irregular land border crossing are ineligible for the IRB. However, a transitional Temporary Public Policy allows you to apply for or renew an open work permit so you can continue working legally while you await the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) stage.
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