Refugee Claimants and Work Permits in Canada: What Changed in 2026

For people seeking protection in Canada, the right to work is about more than income. It means dignity, independence and the ability to support a family while a claim moves through the system. In 2026, the rules around refugee claimants and work permits shifted in important ways, from new ineligibility rules under Bill C-12 to a temporary policy for some ineligible claimants and proposed regulations that would make early work permit access permanent.

This guide explains how refugee claimants can get work permits in Canada in 2026, what changed this year, what remains proposed, and practical steps to protect your ability to work.

How Refugee Claimants Get Work Permits

When you make a refugee claim in Canada, you can usually ask for a work permit as part of the claim process. In general, IRCC issues the work permit after:

• Your claim is found eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
• You complete your immigration medical exam.

Work permits for refugee claimants are fee-exempt. Once you receive your permit, you can apply for a Social Insurance Number and start working for most employers.

Early Access to Work Permits

Under the regulations, claimants were traditionally eligible for a work permit only after their claim was referred to the IRB. Since November 2022, a temporary public policy has allowed IRCC to issue work permits once a claim is found eligible, before formal referral. In June 2026, the government published proposed regulations to make this early access permanent. The public consultation ran from June 19 to July 20, 2026, and the government signalled that implementation could follow later in 2026.

Bill C-12: New Ineligibility Rules

Bill C-12 received royal assent on March 26, 2026, introducing new grounds that can make a refugee claim ineligible for referral to the IRB. These rules apply retroactively to claims made on or after June 3, 2025, and include:

• Claims made more than one year after entering Canada, for people who entered after June 24, 2020.
• Claims made by people who crossed the Canada-United States land border irregularly and claimed more than 14 days after entering.

In May 2026, the government temporarily exempted unaccompanied minors from the one-year rule, and the June 2026 proposed regulations would make that exemption permanent.

Work Permits for Ineligible Claimants

In March 2026, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy for certain people whose claims are found ineligible for referral to the IRB. Eligible people include those whose claims were found ineligible under specific provisions, who are not barred because of an extradition-related authorization, and who have applied for or already hold a work permit. The policy helps bridge the period before a pre-removal risk assessment begins. Like all temporary public policies, it can change or end, although applications received while it is in force continue to be processed under it.

Other Proposed Changes Claimants Should Know

• Claims could begin without complete documentation.
• Claimants would have 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension, to submit supporting documents after referral.
• A 365-day processing target would apply after all documents are received.

Practical Steps for Claimants

Step 1: Complete your medical exam quickly

Your work permit usually cannot be issued until IRCC receives your medical results.

Step 2: Keep your contact information current

Update your address with IRCC and the IRB so you receive every notice and deadline.

Step 3: Apply for a Social Insurance Number

Once you receive your work permit, apply for a SIN through Service Canada before starting work.

Step 4: Know your rights at work

Work permit holders in Canada are protected by employment standards, including minimum wage and workplace safety rules. If you experience abuse at work, you may be eligible for help, including an open work permit for vulnerable workers in some cases.

Step 5: Get reliable legal advice

Refugee law changed significantly in 2026. Speak with a licensed immigration consultant, a lawyer or a legal aid clinic about your specific situation.

Beware of Fraud

Some people falsely promise work permits or claim to speed up refugee decisions for a fee. Government work permits for refugee claimants are fee-exempt, and no one can guarantee the outcome of a claim. Only work with licensed representatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How This Guide Helps You

People seeking protection face enough uncertainty without confusing work permit rules. This guide explains, in clear language, how refugee claimants can work in Canada, what Bill C-12 changed, what support exists for ineligible claimants and which changes remain proposals. It helps readers protect their right to work, avoid fraud and find reliable help.