R200(1)(b)Work Permit

R200(1)(b) Work Permit Refusal: What It Means

The work-permit 'will leave Canada' refusal: the officer was not satisfied you would depart at the end of your authorized period.

What R200(1)(b) means

R200(1)(b) refers to paragraph 200(1)(b) of the Regulations, which requires an officer to be satisfied that a work permit applicant will leave Canada at the end of their authorized period.

As with visitor and study refusals, this is a discretionary assessment of your overall situation rather than a finding against you.

Why officers cite R200(1)(b)

Home-country ties viewed as weak relative to the opportunity in Canada
Job offer, LMIA, or employer documentation seen as unclear or inconsistent
Qualifications that do not clearly match the offered position
Immigration or travel history that raises departure concerns
Wages or terms that appear inconsistent with the role

What it does not mean

It is not an accusation against your employer
It does not invalidate a valid LMIA or job offer
It does not bar a future work-permit application

General options after a R200(1)(b) refusal

Reapply. A fresh application with clearer employer documentation and a stronger showing of ties is the usual route.

Request your GCMS notes. GCMS notes obtained by ATIP often clarify whether the concern was ties, documentation, or qualifications.

Judicial review. Leave for judicial review at the Federal Court is available in limited circumstances within strict deadlines.

Important:

This page explains what a refusal code means and is for general information only. It is not legal advice, and it does not recommend a course of action for your specific case. Refusal decisions are discretionary and fact-specific. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a CICC-licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

Common questions

Does my employer need to do anything after an R200(1)(b) refusal?

Often the employer's documentation can be strengthened for a reapplication, but the refusal is about the officer's assessment of you, not a penalty on the employer.

Can I reapply with the same job offer?

Yes, if the offer and any LMIA remain valid. The key is addressing the specific reason the officer was not satisfied.

Related refusal codes

R179(b)The most common visitor-visa refusal: the officer was not satisfied you would leave Canada by the end of your authorized stay.

R216(1)(b)The study-permit equivalent of the 'will leave Canada' refusal: the officer was not satisfied you would depart at the end of your authorized stay.

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