Canada Ends Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply for Work Permits from Within the Country
IRCC
August 28, 2024—Ottawa
The Canadian government has announced a significant policy change that affects visitors currently in the country. Effective immediately, Canada is ending the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits without leaving the country. This policy, which was initially implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is no longer in effect, as confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)(Canada.ca,Canada.ca).
Background of the Temporary Policy
The temporary public policy was introduced in August 2020 to address the challenges faced by visitors and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed visitors who were already in Canada and had a valid job offer to apply for an employer-specific work permit without having to leave the country. This policy was beneficial for both foreign nationals, who could remain legally in Canada, and Canadian employers, who faced significant labor shortages during economic uncertainty(Canada.ca,Canada.ca).
Initially set to expire earlier, the policy was extended multiple times due to ongoing pandemic-related travel restrictions and economic challenges. The last extension was set to expire on February 28, 2025, but the government decided to terminate the policy ahead of schedule(Canada.ca,Canada.ca).
Reasons for Ending the Policy
The decision to end the policy comes as part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in the country and ensure the integrity of the immigration system. The IRCC stated that the temporary measures were initially designed to provide relief during unprecedented times. Still, as the country recovers from the pandemic, it is important to return to standard immigration practices(Canada.ca, Canada.ca).
Additionally, there were concerns about potential misuse of the policy, with reports suggesting that some individuals may have exploited the system to work in Canada without proper authorization. By ending the policy, the government aims to prevent such abuses and maintain the integrity of Canada's immigration and work permit processes(Canada.ca).
Impact on Current and Future Applicants
While the immediate termination of this policy means that visitors can no longer apply for work permits from within Canada, the IRCC has stated that it will continue to process applications that were submitted before August 28, 2024. Visitors currently in Canada and seeking to apply for a work permit will now need to follow the standard procedures, which typically involve applying from outside Canada(Canada.ca,Canada.ca).
This change may impact foreign nationals currently in Canada who were planning to seek employment but do not have the option to apply for a work permit domestically. Employers, too, may face challenges in sourcing talent, especially in sectors that have traditionally relied on temporary foreign workers.
Conclusion
As Canada navigates its post-pandemic recovery, the government’s decision to end this temporary policy marks a shift towards more traditional immigration controls. While it may pose challenges for some, it reflects the government's intent to regulate immigration and employment processes more strictly. For visitors and employers, understanding these changes and complying with the revised regulations will be crucial moving forward.
For more details, you can visit the official IRCC website here.