Work Permit & Job Search Toolkit

Work Permit and Job Search Toolkit

Welcome to the Work Permit & Job Search Toolkit. This resource is designed for frontline workers to better understand the work permit process and effectively support their refugee claimant clients who are searching for employment. The toolkit is divided into two sections on work permits and job search programs available to refugee claimants in British Columbia.

The BC Refugee Hub has developed this Toolkit in partnership with MAP-BC as part of the BC Safe Haven Resource Network, led by AMSSA, funded by the Province of British Columbia.

Work Permits for Refugee Claimants

The following provides detailed guidance on how refugee claimants in Canada can apply for and renew work permits. It is specifically designed for settlement workers who assist refugee claimants. The information is accurate as of February 2025 and applies only to refugee claimants, not other immigration categories. Please note: Immigration policies may shift quickly and the accuracy of the information is not guaranteed after the published date.

Not all individuals seeking refugee status in Canada are found eligible to make a claim. If a person is found ineligible, CBSA may offer them a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) application. Several factors can make a person ineligible for refugee status, including:

  • The person has made a previous refugee claim in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand.
  • The person has obtained protected person status in another country.
  • The person has a history of criminality.

Unlike refugee claimants, individuals in the PRRA process must pay a fee for work permit applications.

If you are unsure of whether the person is a refugee claimant or a PRRA applicant, please check the client’s Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD). The highlighted section indicates whether the client is a PRRA applicant or not.

Initial work permits for refugee claimants are are requested through the IRCC refugee claim portal. This means that during the claim submission process, applicants will be asked whether they would like to request a work permit. If they check "yes," the work permit will be processed automatically once they have:

  1. Completed biometrics.
  2. Attended an eligibility interview.
  3. Completed the immigration medical exam (IME)

Work permits are mailed out without prior notice, so it is critical for claimants to keep their mailing address up to date with IRCC. If a work permit is sent to the wrong address, it cannot be redirected. The only option is to reapply, which can cause delays. The address can be updated by sending a message via the IRCC web form, by calling the IRCC call centre at 1-888-242-2100, or with their lawyer’s help.

More information on refugee claimants and applying for a work permit can be found here:

  1. Information for refugee claimants - here
  2. Refugee claimants: Know your rights - Canada.ca - here
  3. Guide 5553: Applying for Work Permit within Canada - here

Work permits are usually issued for one to two years. Claimants must apply for a renewal before the permit expires to maintain their ability to work legally. As long as a renewal application has been submitted before the expiry date, the claimant is allowed to continue working until the new work permit is received. This is called “maintained status.” However, if the work permit expires before an application for renewal is sent, the claimant must stop working until a new permit is issued.

Further information on applying inside Canada to extend work permit can be found in IRCC IMM Guide 5553: Guide 5553 - Applying for a work permit inside Canada – extend, change conditions, initial and open work permits - online application - Canada.ca

To apply for a work permit, refugee claimants must have the following documents:

  • Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD)
  • Immigration Medical Exam Form (IME): Confirms that the claimant has completed the required immigration medical exam.

 

Example document - Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD):

 

Example document - Immigration Medical Exam (IME)

 

It is essential that the Work Permit application include all completed forms and supporting documents stated in the Inside Canada Work Permit application checklist (IMM 5556). This application checklist can be found here.

  1. Review the Inside Canada Work Permit application Guide (Guide 5553 - Applying for a work permit inside Canada – extend, change conditions, initial and open work permits - online application - Canada.ca) and Application Checklist (Document Checklist: Worker (in Canada Applicant) [IMM 5556] - Canada.ca), to ensure that all necessary completed forms and supporting documents are included. For instance the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM5409) form is mandatory if the principal applicant is in common-law relationship.
  2. Fill out Form IMM 5710 (Application for Work Permit). - The PDF form must be downloaded and saved to the computer, it cannot be opened from a browser. The form can only be opened using the latest version of Adobe Reader. No other programs will be able to open the form.
  3. Create a GCKey account on the IRCC website.
  4. Upload the required documents, including:
      • A photo or scanned copy of the passport (expired or valid) or a copy of the person's national ID.
      • The Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD).
      • Proof of the immigration medical exam.
  5. Submit the application and receive a confirmation letter.
      • Pay the work permit renewal fee if applicable.
      • Check the status of the application through GCKey or the IRCC web form.

Payment for a work permit application is needed if:

  • The person is a PRRA applicant.
  • The person has received a negative notice decision from the IRB after their refugee hearing and is appealing this decision.

In some cases, a refugee claimant may need to renew their work permit by sending their application by mail.

  1. Fill out, validate and sign Form IMM 5710 (Application for Work Permit).
  2. Fill out and sign the family information application form if applicable (IMM5707).
  3. Create an IRCC payment account and pay the work permit fee.
  4. Along with the signed application forms, the package must include photocopies of:
    1. RPCD
    2. passport or other photo ID
    3. Work permit fee payment receipt
    4. Latest work permit (if they have one).
    5. The document checklist showing the applicable items checked off. Please note that the information required for refugee claimants is on page 3.
  5. To mail the application, scroll down to “submitting your application” to find the correct address to send the application package. We suggest mailing the application package as “Registered mail” to ensure the package is received.

Many refugee claimants experience challenges when applying for or renewing their work permits. Some of the most common issues include:

  • Opening the IMM5710 form - The PDF form must be downloaded and saved to the computer, it cannot be opened from a browser. The form can only be opened using the latest version of Adobe Reader. No other programs will be able to open this document. 
  • Expired Passports: Refugee claimants cannot renew passports from their home countries while their claim is being processed. If a passport is expired, the application form will not allow an expired date to be entered. Any future date can be entered instead to fix this issue.
  • Unstable Address: Many refugee claimants move frequently or stay in shelters. If a person does not have a permanent address, they should consider using their lawyer’s address or a trusted family member’s address as their mailing address to ensure they receive their work permit.
  • GCKey Account Issues: Claimants should be advised to write down their security questions and answers when creating an account. If an account is locked and cannot be recovered, the claimant will have to create a new one.
  • Incorrect Information in Applications: The online application system cross-checks all entered details. If any mismatched information is detected, the system will flag an error and prevent submission.
  • Refunds for Overcharged Fees: Refugee claimants are exempt from paying the $100 open work permit holder fee, but the online system often charges it automatically. If this happens, the claimant should request a refund through the IRCC web form.
  • Needing to change mailing and/or residential address on Work Permit applications in process. To do this, follow the instructions provided by IRCC: Change my address – Immigration and citizenship - Canada.ca 

Some nationalities require additional documentation when applying for a work permit. For example, Mexican nationals must submit IMM 5707 (Family Information Form). This form must be printed, signed, and scanned before uploading it to the online system.

Additionally, if a claimant has a past criminal record or immigration violations, they may need to provide an explanation letter when submitting their work permit application. This letter should be a simple document outlining the details of the situation, confirming that IRCC already has this information.

Settlement workers play a crucial role in guiding refugee claimants through the work permit application process. Under Safe Haven, settlement workers may provide the following support under Settlement: Claim submission process support and immigration information or application & assistance to completing non-immigration related forms:

  • Assistance to navigate the refugee claim or appeal process including paperwork, referral to legal aid and hearing preparation.
  • Immigration application information services may include guiding the client to where they can find accurate information about immigration pathways, translating the meaning of a question on an immigration form and transcribing responses and information provided by an applicant into an immigration form, or providing safety information about avoiding immigration fraud.
  • Service Providers must not provide immigration advice or guide clients on how to answer questions when assisting in completing immigration forms unless legally authorized to do so under Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). A similar approach is expected for interpretation of immigration documents (e.g. Section 12 of the Basis of Claim). Service Providers must provide staff with guidance, seeking legal advice where needed, as to whether staff should be completing and signing an interpreter declaration.

For more information on the difference between Immigration Information vs. Immigration Advice, please see AMSSA’s webinar on the topic (https://www.amssa.org/resource/bcsis-virtual-information-session-immigration-information-versus-immigration-advice/).

For non-immigration related forms, Service Providers may assist in filling out forms that are necessary to access government or community services or programs (e.g. MSP enrolment), or to address an emergency/crisis (e.g. filing an employment standards complaint, ending a fixed-term tenancy to escape family violence, applying for arbitration to dispute an eviction notice, etc.).

Job Search and Employment Support for Refugee Claimants

BC NSP and Safe Haven Programs

The BC NSP and Safe Haven programs provide supports and services for refugee claimants’ job search. This includes:

  • Under BCNSP and Safe Haven Refugee Claimants are eligible for the following types of labour market service:
    • Information, orientation and networking
    • Information on workplace rights and responsibilities & supports in the event of a workplace safety or employment standards violation
    • Employment Counselling
  • Under BCNSP, Claimants are not eligible for short-term pre-employment training & access to provincial and federal employment programs. Only Safe Haven offers this service for Claimants.

AMSSA has created an information sheet on supports for refugee claimants with more detailed information. Access this information sheet by clicking here.

The BC Refugee Hub has created a Service Directory with program information and direct contacts for referrals. Access this service directory by clicking here.

The following organizations provide job search support in each BC region.

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society

Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS)

Options Community Services

Muslim Food Bank

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)

MOSAIC

ISSofBC

Chimo Community Services

Impact North Shore

Journey Home Community

Kinbrace Community Society

Muslim Food Bank

Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)

Salvation Army

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

YWCA

KCR Community Resources (KCR)

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)

Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society (VDICSS)

South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services Society (SOICS)

Shuswap Immigrant Services Society (SISS)

Kamloops Immigrant Services (KIS)

Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS)

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA)

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS)

Cowichan Intercultural Society