Tourists and Visitors in Canada Eligible to Apply for Work Permits Until 2025

November 27, 2023

SPS Canada

Foreign nationals who are in Canada on a tourist or visitor visa maintain their eligibility to seek work permits until February 28, 2025.

For individuals inquiring about this matter, it’s important to understand that while it is possible to apply for a work permit from within Canada, meeting the necessary requirements to substantiate the work permit application is imperative.

Being in possession of a visitor visa and currently residing in Canada does not automatically grant the privilege to apply for a work permit by simply submitting any application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Individuals with a visitor visa who are interested in pursuing a work permit must fulfill all the stipulated work permit criteria. This includes meeting requirements such as providing a supporting Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or presenting a valid job offer. In cases where a job offer is extended, it is essential to verify whether the job falls under the LMIA exemption as per Canadian regulations. Satisfaction of these criteria is essential for a successful work permit application.

Why was the policy introduced?

A New Policy Eases the Work Visa Process for All Visitors in Canada:

By keeping this temporary policy, Canadian businesses have another option to deal with worker shortages during economic growth. Before, people had to apply for a work visa from outside Canada. If they were already in the country as visitors and got a work permit, they had to leave before it could be issued.

Now, with this policy, leaving Canada is no longer required. Initially, it was for visitors before August 24, 2020, with a job offer. But later, it was expanded to all visitor visa holders entering Canada, regardless of when they arrived. Subscribe to Immigration News Canada for updates.

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Public Policy Work Permits in Canada

To benefit from this temporary public policy, applicants must:

1. Have valid visitor status in Canada on the day of application.
2. Possess a job offer supported by a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment.
3. Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit before February 28, 2025.
4. Fulfill all other standard admissibility requirements.

Candidates with visitor status who have held a work permit in the last 12 months under this temporary policy are also eligible if they meet the following criteria:

1. Must be physically present in Canada at the time of application.
2. Must remain in the country during the application processing period.
3. Ineligible if departing while the application is under review.
4. Must be a visitor with valid status when applying for a work permit.
5. If visitor status has expired, it must be restored before applying for a work permit.
6. I applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025.
7. Held a valid work permit in the 12 months preceding the application for a new work permit.

As you navigate Canada’s temporary work permit policy, consider partnering with SPS Canada for expert guidance. Our specialized services streamline the application process, ensuring eligibility criteria are met and increasing your chances of success. With SPS Canada, seize the opportunity to not only benefit from the promising public policy but also receive personalized support tailored to your immigration needs.

Comments