Canada is moving to make a temporary measure permanent: faster access to work permits for people who have made an asylum claim in Canada. On June 19, 2026, the federal government published draft changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations in the Canada Gazette. If the changes are finalized, refugee claimants would be able to start working sooner while their claim moves through the system.
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Book Your ConsultationUnder the current rules, an asylum seeker can only qualify for a work permit after their claim has been referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). That referral can take time, which leaves many claimants unable to work and support themselves in the meantime. The proposed changes would allow a work permit to be issued earlier, as soon as a claim has been found eligible for referral, before it actually reaches the RPD. In practice, eligible claimants could start working weeks or even months sooner than they can today.
Earlier work authorization gives refugee claimants a way to earn an income, pay rent, and support their families while they wait for a hearing, rather than relying on social assistance or going without. It also helps fill labour gaps across the country. This earlier access is not brand new. It has existed since November 2022 through a temporary public policy. The problem with a temporary public policy is that it can be revoked at any time, without notice. Moving the measure into the Regulations would make it a stable, permanent part of Canada's asylum system.
The draft amendments were published for a 30 day public consultation period that runs until July 20, 2026. During this window, the public and stakeholders can submit comments. After the consultation closes, the government may revise the proposed text. Once a finalized version is published in the Canada Gazette, the changes will come into force on the date specified in that publication. Until then, the temporary public policy remains in effect, so eligible claimants can still access work permits early under the existing measure.
If you or someone you know has made or is considering an asylum claim in Canada, it is worth understanding how work permit timing could affect you. Immigration rules change often, and the difference between a temporary policy and a permanent regulation can matter a great deal for planning. A licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can review your situation, explain your options, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Booking a consultation is the simplest way to get clear, personalized answers instead of guessing from headlines.
The draft rules would let asylum claimants apply for a work permit once their claim has been found eligible for referral, instead of waiting until the claim is formally referred to the Refugee Protection Division. Eligibility still depends on meeting the other requirements for an open work permit.
Not yet. The changes are in draft form and open for public comment until July 20, 2026. However, early access to work permits already exists through a temporary public policy that has been in place since November 2022, so eligible claimants can still apply early under that measure for now.
A temporary public policy can be cancelled at any time without notice. Writing the measure into the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations would make it a permanent, predictable part of the law that cannot be removed as easily.
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