September 14th, 2024 at 06:19 am

Canada Ends Visitor-to-Work Permit Policy | What It Means for Future Applicants

The Canadian government has recently made a notable policy change by announcing the termination of a special public policy that permitted specific visitors to apply for employer-specific work permits while remaining in Canada. This policy, initially implemented in August 2020, aimed to tackle the labour shortages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As of September 9, 2024, the program has officially concluded, requiring visitors to revert to the standard procedures once more.

What was the policy regarding visitor work permits?

Established on August 24, 2020, this temporary policy offered a distinctive chance for eligible visitors to enter the workforce while remaining in Canada. The policy’s primary features encompassed:

• Visitors with valid job offers can apply for an employer-specific work permit while in Canada.
• Exempting these applicants from specific temporary residence requirements.
• Allowing former temporary workers to maintain their employment during the processing of their application.

This policy was instrumental in assisting Canada to recover from labour shortages caused by the pandemic by allowing visitors to address urgent job vacancies. It offered essential adaptability for both employers and prospective employees.

What Led Canada to Discontinue This Policy?

The visitor work permit policy was intended as a short-term measure from the outset. As the recovery from the pandemic progresses, the Canadian government has decided to return to the standard work permit procedures. The policy’s end date is established as August 28, 2024, after which any applications submitted under this public policy will cease to be processed.

This policy’s revocation signifies a shift back to the immigration norms that existed in Canada before the pandemic. Going forward, individuals seeking to visit will be required to obtain work permits through conventional methods, which necessitate applying from outside Canada and fulfilling all current eligibility criteria.

What Are the Current Standard Procedures for Work Permits?

As this temporary public policy comes to a close, all visitors to Canada seeking employment will now be required to adhere to the standard work permit application process. Here is a brief overview of how this functions:

Refer to Ottawa’s New Initiative to Enhance Working Conditions for Migrant Farm Workers. Job Offer Requirement: Visitors are required to possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Visitors from outside Canada generally must apply for a work permit prior to their arrival in the country. They are unable to change their visitor status to worker status while remaining in the country.

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial requirement for most employer-specific work permits. It serves to demonstrate that the employment of a foreign worker will not adversely affect the Canadian job market.

The processing times for standard work permit applications differ based on the country of origin.

The Effects of This Policy Change on Employers and Employees

This policy change signifies that employers will need to revert to the conventional hiring process for foreign workers, potentially leading to extended processing times. Canadian businesses that have depended on visitors for swift staffing solutions during the pandemic must prepare in advance and guarantee adherence to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements.

For visitors who intended to apply for a work permit under the previous public policy, the end of this program signifies that they can no longer move into the Canadian workforce without first departing from the country. Visitors are now required to adhere to the standard procedures to obtain a job offer and apply for a work permit from their home country.

What Lies Ahead for Visitors and Temporary Workers?

This conclusion to the public policy signifies a reversion to conventional immigration routes in Canada. Starting August 28, 2024, visitors will lose the ability to apply for employer-specific work permits from within the country. This change might introduce some complexities for certain individuals, yet it represents a move towards normalcy as Canada works to manage its labour force and recover economically in the aftermath of the pandemic.

For individuals seeking employment in Canada, it is essential to grasp the existing regulations and procedures to prevent any misunderstandings or setbacks. Employers must also adapt to the revised system and strategize their hiring processes accordingly.

Conclusion

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has discontinued a temporary public policy that permitted visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada, effective immediately.

In August 2020, IRCC implemented the policy to assist visitors who could not depart the country because of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without needing to leave the country under the policy. Furthermore, foreign nationals who held a work permit within the last 12 months and subsequently changed their status in Canada to “visitor” may apply to work legally in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.

The temporary policy, originally scheduled to expire on February 28, 2025, is being concluded by IRCC as part of broader initiatives to adjust the number of temporary residents in Canada and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. The IRCC recognizes that certain individuals have exploited the policy to deceive foreign nationals into unauthorized employment in Canada.

IRCC will keep processing applications that were submitted before August 28, 2024, in accordance with the policy.

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