Best Jobs for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Canada (2026 Guide)

For Refugee Claimants and Asylum Seekers, the priority is survival. You need income immediately to support your family while you wait for your hearing.

The good news is that once you receive your Work Permit (usually issued after your medical exam), you have the same rights as any other worker in Canada. You are legally allowed to work for any employer (except strip clubs/escort services).

However, many employers are confused by the "Refugee Claimant" document (which is a simple paper, not a card). They might be afraid to hire you because they think your status will expire.

In 2026, you need to target employers who know the system and are famous for hiring newcomers. Here are the best safe-haven jobs.

1. Food Processing & Manufacturing (The #1 Sector)

Factories are the biggest employers of refugees in Canada.

• The Job: Packaging meat (Maple Leaf Foods), baking bread, or assembling car parts.
• Why it fits: These companies have "Newcomer Programs." They have HR teams who know exactly what a Refugee Work Permit looks like. They don't ask awkward questions.
• The Pay: $18 – $24 per hour.
• Top Companies: Maple Leaf Foods, Olymel, Magna International.

2. Commercial Cleaning (Night Shift)

• The Job: Cleaning office towers or malls after hours.
• Why it fits: It requires very little English. If you are still learning the language, this allows you to earn money without the stress of customer service.
• The Pay: $17 – $22 per hour.
• Top Companies: Bee-Clean, GDI Integrated Facility Services.

3. Construction Labour (The "Cash" Alternative)

• The Job: Moving drywall, painting, or demolition.
• Why it fits: Construction sites are less bureaucratic. As long as you have your SIN (Social Insurance Number) and boots, they will hire you.
• The Pay: $20 – $28 per hour.
• Related: Use our Home Depot Hack to find work tomorrow.

4. Caregiving (The "Future PR" Path)

• The Job: Helping the elderly in nursing homes or private homes.
• Why it fits: Canada recently launched a dedicated pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for refugee claimants who work in healthcare. If you work as a "Nurse Aide" or "Patient Service Associate," you might get your PR faster.
• The Pay: $19 – $25 per hour.

5. Hospitality (Back of House)

• The Job: Dishwasher or Prep Cook.
• Why it fits: Restaurants are desperate. They offer free meals (which saves you grocery money). Kitchens are often multicultural, so you will likely find someone who speaks your language.
• The Pay: $16 – $20 per hour + Tips.

Comparison Table: Hiring Speed vs. Requirements

Practical Questions Answered

"Will working hurt my refugee claim?"

NO.

• The Reality: The Refugee Board (IRB) looks favorably on people who work. It shows you are "established" and contributing to Canada. It does NOT hurt your case. Sitting at home on welfare is generally looked down upon if you are able-bodied.

"What if my Work Permit expires?"

Renew it early.

• The Danger: Refugee work permits are often valid for only 1 or 2 years. You MUST apply to renew it 3-4 months before it expires. If it expires, you must stop working immediately, or you will be deported.

"My employer is paying me less than minimum wage."

That is illegal.

• The Law: Even as a refugee claimant, you are protected by Canadian Labour Law. You are entitled to Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Vacation Pay. If an employer abuses you because of your status, report them to the Ministry of Labour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a bank account?

Yes.

You have the right to open a bank account with your Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD). Major banks like RBC and TD have specific "Newcomer" packages with no fees for the first year.

Do I need a SIN?

YES.

You cannot work legally without a Social Insurance Number (SIN) that starts with a "9". You get this from Service Canada once your work permit is approved.

Can I study?

Only with a Study Permit.

Your work permit does NOT allow you to go to college or university. You must apply for a separate Study Permit if you want to take courses longer than 6 months.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Government of Canada (Refugee Work Permits): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/claim-protection-inside-canada/work-study.html
• Tent Partnership for Refugees (Hiring Map): https://www.tent.org/
• Settlement.org (Rights at Work): https://settlement.org/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.