Work Permit Renewal for Refugee Claimant

[LaMer]

Hi everyone,

I have submitted a refugee claim in December of 2023. I was then issued a work permit valid until January 2026. I want to renew it, so I went to https://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/ and started following the steps. When I reach the step asking if I have done a medical exam with an IRCC doctor in the last 12 months and I answer NO, I get this message:

A medical exam is needed for foreign nationals who claim refugee protection in Canada.

Medical exam results must be received before a study or work permit application can be processed.

Based on your answers, you cannot submit an online application at this time. Help - A medical exam is needed for foreign nationals who claim refugee protection in Canada. Medical exam results must be received before a study or work permit application can be processed.


How can I resolve this? Usually they woulf refer me for a medical exam, right? Or do I have to get one done myself and then apply?


Thank you!
LaMer

 

[SAMalhi]

Hi I am also applying for renewal of my work permit, and came across same issue as LaMer. I noticed before there was an option of particular work fields where medical was necessary but now they have omitted that option and can’t proceed without taking medical exam. Can some one help us on this matter, who has applied for work permit extension recently.

 

[LaMer]

Hi I am also applying for renewal of my work permit, and came across same issue as LaMer. I noticed before there was an option of particular work fields where medical was necessary but now they have omitted that option and can’t proceed without taking medical exam. Can some one help us on this matter, who has applied for work permit extension recently.

Hi,

I spoke to my lawyer and he said that because I have provided the Medical Report – Section A: Client Identification and Summary (IMM 1017E) that was issued to me at the time I submitted my refugee claim. As such, I am exempt from completing another medical examination in accordance with the Amended temporary public policy to exempt certain foreign nationals in Canada from the immigration medical examination requirement (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...reements/publicpolicies/excempt-ime-2024.html)

Press "Yes" to move to the next step, provide the IMM1017_2-14IWHPHB pdf file from your original refugee claim (you can find it on your submitted application through https://portal-portail.apps.cic.gc.ca/)
Add a note in the ClientInfo slot which is provided to you to add any other info you think is relevant to your application.

Please note that I have done that today, still did NOT get final approval on the work permit application. Will tr to update you when I do get it. For now I am just following my lawyer's instructions.

Good luck!
LaMer

 

[SAMalhi]

Hi,

I spoke to my lawyer and he said that because I have provided the Medical Report – Section A: Client Identification and Summary (IMM 1017E) that was issued to me at the time I submitted my refugee claim. As such, I am exempt from completing another medical examination in accordance with the Amended temporary public policy to exempt certain foreign nationals in Canada from the immigration medical examination requirement (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...reements/publicpolicies/excempt-ime-2024.html)

Press "Yes" to move to the next step, provide the IMM1017_2-14IWHPHB pdf file from your original refugee claim (you can find it on your submitted application through https://portal-portail.apps.cic.gc.ca/)
Add a note in the ClientInfo slot which is provided to you to add any other info you think is relevant to your application.

Please note that I have done that today, still did NOT get final approval on the work permit application. Will tr to update you when I do get it. For now I am just following my lawyer's instructions.

Good luck!
LaMer

Thank you so much dear, this information will help a lot. Please do share once you get your initial approval.
Can you please also share your time line, as mine is over two years now and my work permit is also getting expired.

 

[LaMer]

Thank you so much dear, this information will help a lot. Please do share once you get your initial approval.
Can you please also share your time line, as mine is over two years now and my work permit is also getting expired.

Hi!

I submitted my refugee claim in December 2023, had my interview in January 2023. The background check a.k.a front-end security screening was completed in August 2025 and my case has been in the scheduling phase since then. I am waiting for my hearing to be scheduled now and hopefully it will be sometime in early 2026.

Good luck!

 

[Mancini]

For the extension of the open work permit as a refugee claimant, you do not need to do a new medical exam. I applied for extension of my work permit in July 2025. I had the same issue. I was able to proceed in the application only after I chose "Yes".. I completed the application, provided all required documents, then added an explanation letter in which I stated that I did not do a new medical exam and that I had to select "Yes" as the only possible way to proceed.

I received a confirmation communication the following day that my work permit is temporarily renewed for one year, and within almost 6 weeks I received another communication that my work permit was renewed for 2 years and after almost 10 days I received the hard copy by mail.

Select "Yes", then add a brief explanation letter.

 

[ossri]

How soon before it expires can you renew the work permit?

 

[StandFree]

How soon before it expires can you renew the work permit?

The safest approach these days is to apply for renewal 3 or 4 months before the expiry date.

 

[Mancini]

You are good as long as you submit the application for work permit extension 30 days before the expiry date of the work permit..

One more thing... After you receive the new work permit, you need to extend your temporary SIN (its expiry linked to your work permit) through Service Canada's website.

 

[Worried but hopeful]

I recently renewed my work permit but i noticed they only gave me a 1 year renewal as opposed to two, has any one experienced anything similar?

 

[theclaimer]

I recently renewed my work permit but i noticed they only gave me a 1 year renewal as opposed to two, has any one experienced anything similar?

First time, I received for 1 year, second time for 2 years.

 

[Waeln]

Hello everyone,
I am a refugee claimant and I applied to extend my WP (valid until Jan 2 , 2026) on August 18 2025. I received in the portal inbox next day a letter from IRCC with an extension to August 18 2026. The status in my IRCC portal shows that my application is under process and no decision made yet.I am still waiting the decision and the new WP by mail. I sent a webform inquiry about my application and they replied with the following:
You may work without a permit until a decision is made on the application if you have continued to comply with the conditions outlined on your expired WP R186(u).

If needed, it is recommended that you provide these documents to prove that you can work without a permit until a decision is made on the application:

• Your expired WP,
• (If the application was submitted by paper) A copy of the application to extend your WP sent to the Case Processing Centre before the expiration date of your expired WP,
• (If the application was submitted online) A copy of the Confirmation of Online Application Transmissionmessage in your online account,
• (If IRCC sent you one) The WP-EXT except PGWP letter*,
• This message,
• (If applicable) A copy of the fee payment receipt included with the application, and
• (If applicable) A delivery confirmation from the postal service provider used to send the application.

*If that letter is now expired or will expire and you haven’t left Canada, you can keep working past the expiry date on the letter until we process your application if you have continued to comply with the conditions outlined on your expired WP.

Can anyone explain to me if the letter of extension is enough to extend my SIN or the IRCC will send me new WP similar to the first one? Is it normal to wait about 5 months?
Thank you