While you wait for a decision on your claim

While you wait for the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) to schedule your hearing and make a decision on your refugee (asylum) claim, you can work, study, and access support services.

On this page:

• If your claim is eligible
• Work while you wait
• Study while you wait

If your claim is eligible

If your claim is eligible to be referred, we’ll give you a confirmation of referral letter that confirms we referred your claim to the IRB. We’ll also give you a refugee protection identity document (RPID), which confirms who you are and that you made a refugee claim.

These documents will help you

• prove you made a refugee claim in Canada
• access the Interim Federal Health Program

Lost refugee protection identity document

If you lose your RPID while waiting for a decision on your claim, you can apply to replace it.

Work while you wait for a decision on your claim

If you’re making a refugee (asylum) claim, you may be eligible for an open work permit so you can look for a job to support your needs (food, clothing, and shelter).

If your family members are also in Canada with you, are part of your refugee (asylum) claim, and plan to work, they may also be eligible for an open work permit.

When you answer the questions in your online application, choose “Yes” when asked if you would like to request a work permit. There is no separate application or extra fees to apply.

You will only be issued a work permit if:

• your claim was found eligible to be referred to the IRB
• you have passed your medical exam

As soon as you receive your work permit, you should apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) (required by employers to pay employees). Once you have your SIN, you can look for a job locally and register for Job Bank.

Keep your information up to date

To avoid delays, make sure we always have your current address and contact information. If needed, you can update your information online.

• If you didn’t apply for a work permit when you started your refugee claim

  If you already completed your refugee (asylum) claim but didn’t apply for a permit at the same time, you can submit a work permit application separately.

  With your application, you need to include the following:

  • a copy of your refugee protection identity document or refugee protection claimant document
  • proof that you passed your immigration medical examination
  • proof that you need a job to pay for your basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)
  • proof that the family members you’re requesting permits for are with you in Canada and also applying for refugee protection

  There are no fees for these permits while you wait for a decision on your refugee (asylum) claim.

• Extend your work permit

  You must apply to extend your work permit before it expires. You will be able to continue working while you wait for a decision on your extension.

  To prove that you can still work, you can show your

  • expired work permit
  • proof of your application for an extension, including
    • a copy of your application
    • confirmation that it was sent and delivered before your permit expired

  If you let your work permit expire before you apply to extend it, you have to submit a new application and stop working while you wait for a decision.

Study while you wait for a decision on your claim

Minor children don’t need a study permit to go to kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school. Their refugee protection identity document or refugee protection claimant document can be used for school registration.

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 (asylum) claim may be eligible for study permits.

How to apply for a study permit

If you or any of your family members 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 as part of your refugee (asylum) claim. You must apply for a study permit and pay the fees.

• Extend your study permit

  You must apply to extend your study permit before it expires. You will be able to continue studying while you wait for a decision on your extension.

  To prove that you can still study, you can show your

  • expired study permit
  • proof of your application for an extension, including
    • a copy of your application
    • confirmation that it was sent and delivered before your permit expired

  If you let your study permit expire before you apply to extend it, you have to submit a new application and stop studying while you wait for a decision.