Canada extended the temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits on February 28, 2023, the Government of Canada extended the temporary policy allowing visitors to Canada to apply for a work permit. Having a valid job offer, foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors can apply for a work permit without leaving the country.
Visitors with a work permit within the last 12 months can also apply for an interim work authorization to continue working in Canada. This temporary public policy has been extended by an additional two years and will remain in effect until February 28, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements for the temporary policy for Visitors in Canada
Eligibility requirements for visitors to apply for an employer-specific work permit are:
- have a valid visitor status in Canada at the time of submitting the application;
- intend to work for the employer and occupation specified by the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment included in their work permit application submitted under the public policy;
- submit an application for an employer-specific work permit before February 28, 2025;
- has remained status since submitting their application and intends to maintain it for the duration of the time that their work permit application is being processed in Canada.
A former holder of a work permit who converted to visitor status may also be eligible for temporary work authorization if they meet the following requirements in addition to meeting the requirements for the work permit:
- have maintained a valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time of submitting their work permit application;
- held a valid work permit for the 12 months prior to the date on which they submitted their application for a work permit under this public policy, even though they are only visiting at the time;
- intend to apply for a work permit under the public policy and to work for the employer and in the occupation specified in the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment;
- have used the IRCC Web form to apply to IRCC for the interim authorization to work in accordance with this public policy; and
- have requested that the authorization to work be applicable while their application for a work permit is being processed.
Objectives of the Temporary Policy
This temporary policy will
- allow eligible foreign individuals who hold valid temporary resident status as visitors to apply from inside Canada for a work permit that is supported by a job offer
- exempt eligible foreign nationals from the requirement that a work visa won’t be granted if they don’t meet certain temporary residence criteria.
- While a decision on their work permit application is pending, allow eligible former temporary foreign workers to work.
Open Job positions in Canada
Canada is facing a severe labor shortage even as the economy is expanding. By continuing this policy, foreign nationals who are in Canada on a visitor visa can work there without having to leave.
This helps newcomers who might want to work and eventually move to Canada, as well as employers who have open positions.
The most recent report on job openings from Statistics Canada reveals that there are currently more than 800,000 open positions in the country. The sectors with the highest vacancy rates include those supplying accommodation and food as well as healthcare.
Want to know more details about “Canada extended the temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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