Refugee Claimants in Canada: Medical Exam, Work Permit, and SIN Step by Step

After filing a refugee claim in Canada, claimants need to complete several important steps: a medical examination, an application for a work permit, and a Social Insurance Number. This guide explains what each step involves, when to do it, and common mistakes to avoid.

This resource explains the practical post-filing steps for refugee claimants in Canada — specifically the IRCC medical examination (for health coverage and work authorization), the open work permit available to refugee claimants after claim referral, and the Social Insurance Number (SIN) application process. It covers eligibility timing, required forms, and what to do if any of these steps is delayed or incomplete.

Filing a refugee claim is only the beginning. Refugee claimants who do not complete the medical exam may lose interim health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Those who do not apply for a work permit cannot legally work in Canada while their claim is pending — a significant practical burden for claimants who are trying to support themselves. And without a SIN, many services and employment arrangements are not accessible. These steps are connected and time-sensitive.

• After a refugee claim is referred to the IRB, claimants are eligible to apply for an open work permit — this allows work for any employer in Canada while the claim is processed
• The open work permit for refugee claimants is applied for through IRCC and requires a copy of the notice of referral from the IRB — processing typically takes several weeks
• A medical examination is required for refugee claimants — it is conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician, not a personal doctor
• The medical exam is separate from any personal health issue — it checks for communicable diseases and general health conditions specified by IRCC regulations
• Health coverage under the IFHP begins when the claim is referred to the IRB and is contingent on completing the required medical examination within the specified timeframe