For you to be allowed to legally work in Canada, you must get a work permit from the federal government. This lets you work in Canada with certain conditions.
Work permits are managed by IRCC.
How to apply for a work permit
Before you receive a work permit, you must first complete your biometrics and your Immigration Medical Exam (IME).
If you are making your refugee claim through the IRCC portal, you are asked if you would like a work permit. If you do, simply select “Yes” to apply. You do not have to pay for the permit while you are waiting for your refugee claim to be decided.
Your work permit will be sent to the mailing address that you entered in the IRCC portal. The timeline to receive your work permit depends on the current processing time.
In some cases, when you start your refugee claim at a Port of Entry and complete paper forms with a CBSA Officer you can request a work permit.
If you didn’t apply for a work permit when you completed your refugee claim forms, you can apply later with a work permit application form.
Renew your work permit
Work permits are valid for two years. It is important to apply to renew your work permit before it expires. You will need to continue to renew your work permit until you become a permanent resident.
You should apply to extend your work permit at least 2-3 months before your current work permit expires.
If you have not received your new work permit by the time your old one expires, you can still work. Show your employer evidence that you have applied to renew your application.