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 asylum claim, you can work, study and access support services.

On this page

• Work while you wait
• Study while you wait
• If you want to withdraw your claim

If you need to replace your refugee protection identity document (RPID)

If you’re waiting for a decision on your claim and your RPID (formerly the RPCD) is lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply to replace it.

Work while you wait for a decision on your claim

If you’re making an 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). You need a valid work permit to legally work in Canada.

If your family members are also in Canada with you, are part of your 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.

Who can get a work permit

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.

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

  If you already completed your 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 RPID or RPCD
  • 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 an open work permit if your claim is eligible and you are waiting for a decision on your asylum claim.

• If your claim is ineligible

  You might still be eligible to get a work permit. You will have to apply for a new open work permit and pay the non-refundable application fee.

• 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.

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.

Study while you wait for a decision on your claim

A study permit lets you go to school while you’re waiting for a decision on your claim. You and any of your family members who also made an asylum claim may be eligible for study permits.

Minor children don’t need a study permit to go to kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school. Their RPID or RPCD can be used for school registration.

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 asylum claim. You must apply for a study permit.

• 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.

If you want to withdraw your claim

You can withdraw your asylum claim at any point until a decision is made.

You need to complete the Notice of Withdrawal of a Claim for Refugee Protection(opens in a new tab)  form and send it to the IRB.

If you withdraw your claim, you will not be able to claim asylum in Canada in the future.