Automatic refunds available for refused open work permit applications
On This Page You Will Find:
- Automatic refund details for refused open work permit applications
- Which fees are refundable vs. non-refundable
- Step-by-step breakdown of IRCC's refund process
- Timeline expectations for receiving your money back
- Common mistakes that could delay your refund
Summary:
If your open work permit application gets refused, you're automatically entitled to a $100 refund—no paperwork required. However, there's a crucial catch most applicants don't realize: only the open work permit holder fee is refundable, not the standard $155 processing fee. This means you'll get back $100 but lose $155, making the total financial impact of a refusal $155 rather than $255. Understanding this distinction could save you from budget surprises and help you make more informed decisions about your application strategy.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You automatically receive a $100 refund for the open work permit holder fee if your application is refused
- The $155 work permit processing fee is NOT refundable under any circumstances
- No action is required on your part—IRCC processes refunds automatically
- This refund policy is a rare exception to Canada's standard non-refundable immigration fees
- Total loss from a refused application is $155, not the full $255 you paid
Maria Gonzalez stared at her laptop screen in disbelief. After months of preparing documents and paying $255 in fees for her open work permit application, she'd just received a refusal letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Her first thought wasn't about reapplying—it was about the money. "Am I going to lose all $255?" she wondered, already calculating how this would impact her tight budget as an international student.
If you're in Maria's situation, there's both good news and bad news about getting your money back.
Understanding the Two-Fee Structure
When you apply for an open work permit in Canada, you're actually paying two separate fees that serve different purposes:
The $155 Work Permit Processing Fee covers the administrative costs of reviewing your application, conducting background checks, and making a decision. Think of this as paying for the service itself—regardless of whether the outcome is positive or negative.
The $100 Open Work Permit Holder Fee is essentially a privilege fee that grants you the right to work for any employer in Canada once your permit is approved. Since a refused application means you won't receive this privilege, IRCC refunds this portion.
This distinction matters more than you might realize. Many applicants assume it's an all-or-nothing situation, but Canada's immigration fee structure is more nuanced.
What Happens When Your Application Is Refused
Here's exactly what unfolds after IRCC refuses your open work permit application:
Immediate Impact: You'll receive a refusal letter explaining why your application wasn't approved. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documentation, or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
Automatic Refund Process: Within 6-8 weeks of the refusal decision, IRCC automatically initiates a refund of the $100 open work permit holder fee. You don't need to fill out forms, make phone calls, or send emails requesting this refund.
Payment Method: The refund returns to whatever payment method you originally used. If you paid by credit card, expect to see the credit appear on your statement. For other payment methods, you might receive a government-issued refund check.
No Refund for Processing: The $155 processing fee is gone forever. This covers the actual work IRCC performed in reviewing your application, even though the outcome wasn't what you hoped for.
Why This Exception Exists
Canada's immigration system typically operates on a strict no-refund policy. Whether you're applying for permanent residence, visitor visas, or study permits, government processing fees are generally non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
The open work permit holder fee represents a unique exception because it's fundamentally different from a processing fee. Immigration lawyers explain it this way: you're paying for a specific privilege (working for any employer) that you simply can't receive if your application is refused.
This logic doesn't apply to processing fees because IRCC still performs the same amount of work whether they approve or refuse your application. Background checks, document reviews, and decision-making all require the same resources.
Timeline and What to Expect
Most applicants receive their $100 refund within 6-8 weeks of the refusal decision, but several factors can influence this timeline:
Peak Processing Periods: Refunds may take longer during busy seasons when IRCC handles higher application volumes, typically in spring and early fall.
Payment Method Complications: If your original credit card has expired or been cancelled, or if you've moved and haven't updated your address with IRCC, expect delays.
Banking Processing: Even after IRCC issues the refund, your bank might take 3-5 business days to process the credit or deposit.
If you haven't received your refund after 10 weeks, that's when you should contact IRCC directly through their web form or by calling their client support center.
Common Misconceptions That Cost Money
"I can get all my fees back if I withdraw my application": This isn't true. Once you submit your application and pay the fees, withdrawing it doesn't entitle you to any refunds—not even the $100 open work permit holder fee.
"Refused applications mean I wasted all my money": While losing $155 stings, getting back $100 is better than losing the full amount. Plus, you can often reapply and address the issues that led to the initial refusal.
"I need to request the refund immediately": Actually, requesting the refund too quickly might slow down the process. IRCC's automated systems handle these refunds efficiently, and unnecessary contact can create confusion.
Planning Your Finances Around Potential Refusal
Smart applicants budget for the possibility of refusal from the start. Here's how to protect yourself financially:
Budget for the Net Loss: Plan as if you'll lose $155, not $255. This way, any refund feels like a bonus rather than money you're counting on.
Strengthen Your Application: Instead of worrying about refunds, invest time in making your application as strong as possible. Common refusal reasons include insufficient proof of funds, incomplete work history, or missing documents.
Consider Professional Help: If you're unsure about your application's strength, consulting with an immigration lawyer or consultant might cost money upfront but could save you from losing the $155 processing fee.
What This Means for Your Next Steps
If your application was refused and you're planning to reapply, use the refund strategically. The $100 can partially offset the cost of your next application, reducing your out-of-pocket expense to $155 instead of $255.
Before reapplying, carefully review the refusal letter and address every concern IRCC raised. Simply resubmitting the same application will likely result in another refusal and another $155 loss.
The Bigger Picture
This refund policy reflects Canada's approach to fair immigration practices. While the system isn't perfect, automatically refunding fees for privileges you can't receive shows a level of consideration that many countries don't offer.
For applicants like Maria, understanding this policy provides both financial relief and valuable insight into how Canada's immigration system works. The $100 refund won't cover all your losses, but it's a meaningful gesture that acknowledges the difference between paying for services rendered and paying for privileges not received.
The key is managing your expectations and planning accordingly. Canada wants skilled workers and international talent, but the application process requires meeting specific criteria. Understanding the fee structure—including what you can and can't get back—helps you make informed decisions about your immigration journey.
Whether you're facing your first refusal or considering an open work permit application, remember that the refund policy is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Focus on building the strongest possible application, budget for potential setbacks, and view any refunds as a helpful bonus rather than money you're counting on to pay next month's rent.
FAQ
Q: How much money will I get back if my open work permit application is refused?
You'll automatically receive a $100 refund for the open work permit holder fee, but you'll lose the $155 processing fee permanently. This means your total financial loss is $155, not the full $255 you initially paid. The refund happens automatically within 6-8 weeks—no paperwork or requests required on your part. The $100 goes back to whatever payment method you originally used, whether that's a credit card, bank account, or other payment option. This partial refund policy is actually unique in Canada's immigration system, where most fees are completely non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Q: Why doesn't IRCC refund the full $255 when they refuse my application?
The two fees serve completely different purposes, which explains the different refund policies. The $155 processing fee covers the actual work IRCC performs—background checks, document reviews, officer time, and decision-making. This work happens whether your application succeeds or fails, so the fee covers services already rendered. The $100 open work permit holder fee, however, is essentially a privilege fee that grants you the right to work for any employer in Canada. Since a refusal means you don't receive this privilege, IRCC refunds this portion. Think of it like paying for a concert ticket versus paying a non-refundable booking fee—you can get the ticket price back if the show is cancelled, but the booking fee covers processing costs that already occurred.
Q: Do I need to contact IRCC to request my refund, or does it happen automatically?
The refund is completely automatic—in fact, contacting IRCC unnecessarily might actually slow down the process. Their automated systems detect refused open work permit applications and trigger refunds without any action from you. The $100 typically appears within 6-8 weeks of your refusal decision. However, you should contact IRCC if you haven't received your refund after 10 weeks, or if your payment information has changed since you applied (like an expired credit card or new address). When you do need to contact them, use their online web form rather than calling, as it creates a better paper trail for financial inquiries.
Q: What should I do if my refund is delayed or I never receive it?
Several factors can delay your refund beyond the typical 6-8 week timeframe. First, check if your payment information has changed—expired credit cards, closed bank accounts, or address changes can all cause delays. If you've moved, update your address with IRCC immediately through your online account. Peak processing periods (spring and early fall) can also extend timelines. If it's been more than 10 weeks, contact IRCC through their web form with your application number, UCI, and details about your original payment method. Keep records of all communication and check with your bank, as sometimes the refund is processed but takes additional time to appear on your statement due to banking procedures.
Q: Can I get any refund if I withdraw my application before IRCC makes a decision?
No, withdrawing your application doesn't entitle you to any refunds—not even the $100 open work permit holder fee that would be refunded if your application were refused. This is a crucial distinction that many applicants don't understand. Once you submit your application and pay the fees, those fees are committed regardless of whether you withdraw or let IRCC complete their review. If you're having second thoughts about your application, it's actually better financially to let IRCC process it fully, since a refusal would at least get you $100 back. Before withdrawing, consider whether you might be able to strengthen your application by submitting additional documents through IRCC's web form instead.
Q: How does this refund policy affect my budget if I'm planning to reapply after a refusal?
Smart financial planning treats the $100 refund as a bonus rather than guaranteed money for your next application. When budgeting for a reapplication, plan to pay the full $255 again, but use the refund strategically to reduce your actual out-of-pocket cost to $155. This approach prevents financial strain if the refund is delayed and helps you maintain realistic expectations. Before reapplying, carefully address every issue mentioned in your refusal letter—simply resubmitting the same application will likely result in another refusal and another $155 loss. Consider using part of your refund to consult with an immigration professional if your refusal reasons were complex, as this upfront investment could prevent future losses.
Q: Are there any other Canadian immigration applications that offer similar refunds?
The open work permit holder fee refund is extremely rare in Canada's immigration system. Most immigration fees—including those for permanent residence applications, study permits, visitor visas, and other work permits—are completely non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Even employer-specific work permits don't offer this type of refund because they don't have the same two-tier fee structure. The only similar situations involve obvious IRCC errors (like processing delays beyond their service standards) or duplicate payments, but these are exceptional circumstances requiring formal complaints. This makes the automatic $100 refund for refused open work permits a genuinely unique benefit that reflects the specific nature of the open work permit privilege fee versus standard processing fees.
