The COVID-era temporary public policy that allows foreign nationals visiting Canada to apply for work permits without leaving the country has been extended for an additional 2 years until February 28, 2025.
This policy also enables visitors who have held work permits in the past 12 months to request interim work authorization, allowing them to begin working for their new employer more quickly.
The extension of this policy provides relief for employers facing labor shortages during the current economic expansion by maintaining visitors as a viable option.
Prior to this temporary policy, applicants were required to apply for their initial work permit before arriving in Canada, and if they were already in the country on visitor status when approved, they would need to leave to obtain their work permit. However, with this policy’s continuation, leaving Canada is no longer a requirement.
“Leaving this temporary policy in place makes visitors an option for employers in Canada, as many are facing significant labour shortages during this period of economic expansion,” the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said.
To be eligible to apply, an applicant looking to benefit from this temporary public policy must
- Have valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply;
- Have a job offer that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment;
- Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than Feb. 28, 2025, and;
- Meet all other standard admissibility criteria.
Individuals who currently hold visitor status but have had a valid work permit in the past 12 months can adhere to specific guidelines to obtain provisional work authorization, allowing them to commence work for their new employer before their work permit application is fully processed.
