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Last verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to Law Explorer
IRPRPART 11 WorkersDIVISION 3 Issuance of Work Permits
r.208

Humanitarian reasons

Work Permits
🍁 In Simple Terms

A work permit for people who would otherwise go broke. Two situations qualify: you hold a study permit and became temporarily destitute through something outside your control and outside the control of whoever was funding your studies, or you hold a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more. It is a safety valve, not a route.

Affects: International students and study permit holders
Legal Text: IRPR Regulation 208

208 A work permit may be issued under section 200 to a foreign national in Canada who cannot support themself without working, if the foreign national (a)holds a study permit and has become temporarily destitute through circumstances beyond their control and beyond the control of any person on whom that person is dependent for the financial support to complete their term of study; or (b)holds a temporary resident permit issued under subsection 24(1) of the Act that is valid for at least six months.

Cross-References
IRPA Authority
In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada: IRPR r. 208 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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