Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced a new temporary measure that will accelerate work permit issuance for asylum claimants in CanadaImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Under this measure, a work permit will be issued for individuals in Canada following their eligibility determination, and prior to the in-person interview and referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). This includes claims currently in the backlog and those submitted, going forward.

In order to receive a work permit under this accelerated process, the asylum claimant must:

• provide their biometrics (by scheduled appointment or at the Port of Entry at the time you make your claim)
• complete and submit all required information and documents, through, for example:
  • Canadian Refugee Protection Portal (CRPP), or the
  • IRCC Asylum Portal or alternate means by request Request to submit your refugee claim on paper from inside Canada – Canada.ca.)
• complete an immigration medical exam with a panel physician designated by IRCC

The application for a work permit will automatically be generated once the above noted criteria has been met and the refugee application has received a positive eligibility determination. No additional information or forms are required for this accelerated measure.

What remains the same:

• IRCC will continue to issue an Acknowledgement of Claim document after receipt of a complete online application and supporting documentation. This document provides Interim Federal Health Program coverage.
• The ineligibility grounds remain the same but the eligibility decision on claims will be made prior to the Minister’s Delegate Review/interview/referral to the IRB.
• In order for the claim to be referred to the IRB and for the claimant to receive their Refugee Protection Claimant Document, they must attend a refugee claim interview with an officer in one of our refugee intake offices in Canada at a later date.
• Work permits will be valid for two years from their issue date

How to receive work permit

The application for a work permit will automatically be generated once the above noted criteria has been met following an assessment of the refugee application. Once instructions are sent, including the Acknowledgment of Claim, an immigration medical examination with a panel physician must be completed, and/or biometrics captured, as these steps are required in order for the work permit to be issued.