On August 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada.
The policy, introduced in August 2020, aimed to assist visitors who were unable to leave Canada due to COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions.
Under the policy, visitors could apply for a work permit without leaving the country. Additionally, foreign nationals who had held a work permit within the past 12 months and changed their status to “visitor” could legally work in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
Although the policy was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC ended it early to recalibrate the number of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
The decision was also influenced by concerns over some bad actors exploiting the policy to mislead foreign nationals into unauthorized work.
IRCC will continue processing applications submitted under the policy before August 28, 2024.
Canada Ends Temporary Work Permit Policy for Visitors
- Policy Termination: As of August 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.
- Policy Background: Originally introduced in August 2020, the policy aimed to assist visitors who were unable to leave Canada due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. It allowed them to apply for a work permit without leaving the country.
- Special Provision: The policy also permitted foreign nationals who had held a work permit within the previous 12 months and had changed their status to “visitor” to work legally in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
- Reason for Early Termination: Although the policy was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending it early to better manage the number of temporary residents in Canada and safeguard the immigration system’s integrity.
- Concerns Addressed: IRCC has noted that some individuals were exploiting the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization.
- Processing Applications: Applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under this policy, will still be processed.