On August 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the end of a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada. This policy, introduced in August 2020 amid COVID-19 travel restrictions, provided a lifeline for visitors unable to leave the country by allowing them to apply for work permits without needing to depart.
The policy also permitted foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but had since changed their status to “visitor” to apply for a new work permit while remaining in Canada. However, the IRCC decided to end the policy earlier than its planned expiration date of February 28, 2025. This decision aims to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and uphold the integrity of the immigration system.
The IRCC also noted that the policy was being exploited by some to mislead foreign nationals into working without proper authorization. Although the policy has ended, IRCC will continue processing applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the old rules.
For those looking to work in Canada, it’s important to stay informed about the latest regulations and visit the IRCC website for guidance on applying for a work permit.
For more information, visit www.visaserve.com or call 201-670-0006 (x104). Stay connected with VISASERVE to stay informed about your immigration options and receive expert support tailored to your needs.