IRCC Ends Temporary Policy - Visitors Can no Longer Apply for Work Permits from Within Canada
On August 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.
The policy, introduced in August 2020, was initially designed to assist visitors who found themselves stranded in Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. Under this policy, visitors could apply for a work permit without needing to leave the country. Additionally, foreign nationals who had held a work permit within the previous 12 months and had switched their status to “visitor” were permitted to apply to work legally in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
Although the temporary policy was originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC has decided to end it earlier as part of broader efforts to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada. IRCC has confirmed that it will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the policy.
This development marks a significant shift in Canada's immigration landscape, particularly for those who have been navigating their status in the country during challenging times. Moving forward, visitors in Canada will need to adhere to the standard processes for obtaining work permits, which typically require them to apply from outside the country. Visitors and foreign nationals currently in Canada should be aware of these changes and plan accordingly for any future work permit applications.
This change is in line with other recent adjustments, reflecting a broader shift in immigration policies that the Government of Canada introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to address the urgent labor needs during that time.
To learn more information or seek legal advice, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced law firm at rharding@hardingimmigrationlaw.com or book a consultation here.
