Can a refugee legally work in Canada?

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Actually, some of the concerns that refugees may need protection for in Canada are whether they can work legally while their claim is being processed. Well, the good news is that refugees are allowed to work legally in Canada and thereby support themselves and their families during their stay and contribute to local economies. However, these refugees must fulfill certain requirements to work legally, meaning they have to apply for a work permit before they can work.

We are going to discuss whether refugees can lawfully work in Canada, how a work visa is accessed, and how CITRN can assist refugees in navigating the maze of legal problems associated with the search for work.

 

Can Refugees Work in Canada?

Yes, refugees are legally allowed to work in Canada if a work permit is applied for in advance. After all, the processing of refugees' claims should not result in their starving to death awaiting the judgment. So, this country's immigration system does extend work permits to refugees who qualify.

There are two primary groups of refugees who may be eligible for a work permit:

1. Refugee Claimants
A refugee claimant is someone who has applied for refugee status in Canada and is awaiting a decision on their claim. If your refugee claim is found eligible for review, you may apply for a work permit while you wait for the final decision.

2. Protected Persons
A protected person is someone who has successfully been granted refugee status in Canada. Once you are recognized as a refugee, you have the right to apply for a work permit and start working legally in the country. Protected persons may also apply for Permanent Residence, which allows them to settle permanently in Canada and continue working.

 

DIRECT APPLICATION FOR A WORK PERMIT BY A REFUGEE

All refugees or asylum seekers who wish to work in Canada must apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) online application portal. The steps involved in the process of obtaining a work permit include submitting all necessary documents and waiting for the granting of permission. Below is an outline of the process:

Submit Your Refugee Claim
However, before you apply for a work permit, you should first have filed a refugee claim. You can file the claim at a port of entry, or also from within Canada. It is only after receiving confirmation that the refugee claim has been submitted that you apply for a work permit.

Apply for a Work Permit
You may apply for a work permit if your Eligibility Interview concludes that your application has the possibility of meeting review requirements. You will have to fill in the work permit application form and provide other supporting documents, such as proof of your refugee claim and identification.

Wait for Approval
Upon receipt of your application, IRCC will vet your application and check if you are eligible for a work permit. A processing time of the work permit varies, but it should take approximately 2 to 3 months for any decision regarding your work permit. During this period, it's essential to keep all your documents in order and follow up on them if necessary.

Start Working Legally
After you obtain an approved work permit, you can then begin working freely in Canada. However, it will state how long you are allowed to work and if there are employer-specific or occupation-specific restrictions on your status.

 

Challenges of Refugees in the Labor Force of Canada

Even though Canada leads through programs allowing legal employment for refugees, the process is very challenging to face. Refugees have special barriers when they try to find employment in that country, such as:

Language Barriers
Many refugees come from non-English or non-French-speaking countries, which can make it difficult to communicate effectively in the workplace. Improving language skills through language programs is often a critical first step. .

Lack of Recognized Credentials
Many refugees possess qualifications or degrees from their home countries, but these credentials may not always be recognized by Canadian employers. Refugees often need to go through credential recognition programs or pursue additional training to meet Canadian standards.

Lack of Canadian Work Experience
Employers in Canada may prefer candidates with Canadian work experience. Refugees who are new to the country may struggle to find work opportunities because they do not have this experience. Volunteering or internships can sometimes help refugees gain this valuable experience.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges
Being displaced from one’s home country due to conflict or persecution can be emotionally taxing. Refugees may face mental health challenges, such as stress, trauma, or anxiety, which can impact their ability to focus on finding and keeping a job.

 

How CITRN Can Support Refugees in Finding Employment in Canada

CITRN realizes that a major obstacle for refugees is attempting to work legally in Canada. Since our association's launch in the early 1980s, we have provided 27 years of full-time commitment to issues in the field of immigration. Based on this level of experience, we are in a perfect position to help you overcome the problems and establish your life in Canada. The ways through which we might be able to help you include:

Work Permits Application Help
Our staff at CITRN are also well equipped with experience in filing work permits for refugees. We can assist you in filling out the paperwork so that your application is thoroughly done and all required supporting documents are attached. This helps avoid delays in processing or denial and thus gets the work permit to you in the shortest time possible.

Individualized Employment Counselling
CITRN can assist you with: providing one-on-one counseling on finding suitable employment in line with your experience and training. We help you get connected with local job programs, language training, and credential recognition services that will make you a more valuable member of the Canadian workforce.

Legal Representation and Support
Even the law aspect of applying for refugee status and work permits can sometimes be quite complex. Our lawyer would take care of all your needs to ensure that your rights are protected and handled professionally in the course of the application process. We represent you during dealings with the IRCC to get you the work authorization you need.

Connecting Refugees with Employers
We help bridge the gap between refugees and potential employers by assisting you in getting connected to networks of Canadian businesses that need skilled workers. We offer preparation for job interviews, best ways to write a resume, and how to adjust your work culture in a new country.

Ongoing Support Throughout Your Claim
You could just have submitted your refugee claim or be preparing for renewing your work permit. CITRN supports you at every step of the process and ensures that you're up to date about the progress of your application and have everything you need to thrive in Canada.