IRCC: Temporary Policy to Exempt Refugee Claimants from Certain Requirements for Open Work Permits

Temporary public policy to exempt refugee claimants, in Canada, from certain requirements for open work permit issuance

Background

Canada’s asylum system has been under considerable strain due to sustained high levels of asylum claimants seeking Canada’s protection. More recently, the lifting of COVID-19 pandemic-related border restrictions led to a renewed surge in refugee claims in Canada, resulting in critical delays in the early stages of refugee claim processing.

This bottleneck is preventing timely access to work permits for asylum claimants, leaving many without the opportunity to access employment and support themselves financially or contribute to the Canadian economy, and placing additional pressure on provincial and territorial social assistance and other critical supports.