The Canadian government has extended a temporary policy that allows visitors to apply for a work permit inside Canada. The policy has been extended by two years, until February 28, 2025. This means that foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and who receive a valid job offer will continue to be able to apply for and receive a work permit without having to leave the country.
To be eligible for this policy, you must have valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day you apply, have a job offer that is supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, and meet all other standard admissibility criteria. You must submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025.
If you have held a valid work permit in the past 12 months, you may follow special instructions to get an interim work authorization to start working for your new employer before your work permit application is finalized.
If you are currently in Canada on a visitor visa and wish to apply for a work permit, here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Check your eligibility: You must be eligible for a work permit in Canada.
2. Apply for a work permit: You can apply for a work permit online or by mail. You will need to provide all the required documents and pay the application fee.
3. Obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if required): Depending on the type of job you have been offered, you may need an LMIA. An LMIA is a document that confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that there are no Canadians available for the job.
4. Apply for a change of status: If you are currently in Canada as a visitor, you may need to apply for a change of status to a worker. This can be done online or by mail.
Once you have applied for a work permit, it’s important to wait for a decision from the government. IRCC will review your application and may request additional documents or information. You must wait for a positive decision before starting to work in Canada.
With this measure, the Canadian government has shown its commitment to making it easier for visitors to apply for a work permit from within the country. This is great news for both employers and foreign nationals who want to work in Canada. For those with an ultimate goal of settling in Canada permanently, gaining Canadian work experience can help you qualify for a number of immigration programs.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or need assistance in applying for your work permit, Godmer Immigration Consultant can help.
We can help you turn your visitor visa into a work permit and potentially start your Canadian work experience without leaving the country. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.