You need a work permit

You need a work permit if you’re appealing a decision from the Immigration Refugee Board or you’re under a removal order and cannot be removed from Canada.

You may be eligible for an open work permit if either

• the Immigration Refugee Board of Canada has rejected your refugee claim and you’re appealing the decision, or

• you’re under a removal order but cannot be removed from Canada for reasons beyond your control

and you meet these 2 requirements

• you cannot pay for your basic needs without working
• you meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit.

How to pay your fee

You’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100). Don’t pay this fee.

You must pay the work permit processing fee (CAN$155).

Because you’re exempt from paying one of the fees (open work permit holder fee), you need to pay your fees before you apply online.

• Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
• Scroll down to the row for workers.
• Select “Work permit (including extensions) – per person”.
  • Enter the number of applications you’re paying for.
    • If you’re applying for just your own work permit, enter “1”.

The system will calculate the total amount you need to pay when you click “Submit”. 

Keep your receipt

After you pay your fee, keep a copy of the receipt. You’ll need to upload it under “Proof of Fee Exemption” when you apply online for your work permit.

If you apply online

You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist. Make sure you answer the questions correctly.

Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” to the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee-exempt?”

You’re exempt from paying only the open work permit holder fee. 

Family members

Your family members are not eligible for an open work permit unless one of the following applies:

• they have also made a claim that was rejected
• they’re under a removal order and cannot be removed

They may qualify for another type of work permit.

When you apply

You can apply online (recommended) or on paper.

When you fill out your work permit application form,

• Select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section.
• Leave the employer section of the application blank.
• If you don’t have a passport, add a series of 0 for the passport number.
  • Provide a letter of explanation as to why you do not have a passport.

How to apply for a work permit