Major Shift in Canadian Immigration Policy: Visitor Work Permit Applications No Longer Accepted In-Country
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the immediate termination of a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits while in Canada. This policy, introduced in August 2020 as a response to COVID-19 travel restrictions, has been discontinued earlier than its original expiration date of February 28, 2025.
Key Points of the Announcement
Policy Termination
The policy that permitted visitors to apply for work permits without leaving Canada has been ended effective August 28, 2024.
Original Purpose
This temporary measure was implemented to assist visitors who were unable to depart Canada due to pandemic-related travel restrictions.
Scope of the Policy
Under this policy, visitors in Canada could apply for work permits domestically. It also allowed foreign nationals who had held a work permit within the previous 12 months and changed their status to “visitor” to apply for legal work authorization while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
Reasons for Early Termination
IRCC cited two main reasons for ending the policy:
- To recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada
- To preserve the integrity of the immigration system
Misuse Concerns
IRCC noted that some individuals were exploiting the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization.
Processing of Existing Applications
IRCC will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the terms of the now-terminated policy.
Implications for Visitors and Potential Workers
This change significantly impacts visitors currently in Canada who may have been considering applying for a work permit. They will now need to follow the standard procedures for work permit applications, which typically involve applying from outside Canada. Individuals planning to work in Canada should consult the IRCC website for up-to-date information on how to apply for a work permit under current regulations.
For the most accurate and current information, interested parties should visit the official IRCC website or consult with qualified immigration professionals.
