Canada has ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within the country.
Through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the policy, which was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been terminated effective immediately, marking a significant shift in Canada’s approach to managing work permits for foreign nationals.
What was the temporary public policy?
Implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this temporary measure was designed to provide flexibility to visitors who found themselves unable to return home due to travel restrictions and other pandemic-related disruptions. It allowed eligible visitors to apply for work permits without leaving Canada, a departure from the usual requirement that work permits be applied for before entering the country.
In addition, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.
While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy early as part of its “overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system”.
“IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization,” a statement said.
Implications for future applicants
With the conclusion of this policy, visitors currently in Canada who wish to apply for a work permit will now need to follow the standard procedure, which typically requires them to apply from outside the country. This change is expected to affect a considerable number of foreign nationals who were relying on this policy as a pathway to employment in Canada.
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