Starting from August 28, 2024, visitors in Canada holding a temporary visitor visa can no longer apply for a work permit from inside the country. This marks the end of a special policy that was introduced in August 2020 to assist those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made the announcement in a public statement.
Why Was the Policy Introduced?
The policy was first implemented during the pandemic when global travel restrictions made it difficult for many visitors in Canada to return to their home countries. These restrictions left many individuals stranded in Canada. In response, the government introduced this policy to allow visitors to apply for a work permit without the need to leave the country. This helped many people who were stuck in Canada find temporary work to support themselves during uncertain times.
In addition, the policy benefited those who had previously held a work permit within the last 12 months but had changed their immigration status to “visitor.” Under the policy, these individuals were allowed to continue working legally in Canada while waiting for their new work permit applications to be processed. This measure provided a lifeline for many foreign workers who faced unemployment and financial instability due to the pandemic.
Why Has the Policy Been Ended?
Initially, the visitor work permit policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025. However, IRCC decided to end the policy earlier, as part of a broader plan to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada and maintain the overall integrity of its immigration system. The government explained that the conditions that led to the introduction of this policy, such as travel restrictions and border closures, have now changed. As global travel has resumed and the pandemic situation has improved, the government believes that the policy is no longer necessary.
Moreover, the early termination of the policy is aimed at addressing growing concerns about the misuse of the system. There have been reports that some individuals and organizations were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. These “bad actors” exploited the policy to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, promising them easy access to work permits and jobs without following the proper legal processes.
By ending the policy early, the Canadian government aims to prevent further misuse and strengthen the country’s immigration system. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to preventing fraud and ensuring that all foreign nationals who come to work in Canada do so legally and with the correct authorization.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
For those who submitted applications under the visitor work permit policy before August 28, 2024, there is no need to worry. IRCC has confirmed that these applications will still be processed as usual. Individuals who applied before the policy was terminated will continue to have their cases reviewed, and if their applications are approved, they may be granted work permits. However, for anyone who has not applied before the deadline, the option to apply for a work permit from within Canada is no longer available.
Concerns About Misuse of the Policy
One of the key reasons for ending the policy early is the growing concern about its misuse by certain individuals and groups. IRCC has reported that some “bad actors” were taking advantage of the policy to deceive foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. In many cases, foreign nationals were being promised work permits and jobs, only to find out later that they had been misled and were working in Canada illegally.
A notable example of this occurred last year when 700 Indian students were found in Canada with fraudulent letters of acceptance from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Many of these students were unaware that their letters were fake and believed they were following the correct process. In response to such incidents, IRCC has introduced stricter measures to combat fraud, including requiring DLIs to verify all letters of acceptance within 10 days of receiving an international student application. This new verification process is intended to protect genuine applicants and prevent further exploitation of foreign nationals.
Canada’s Efforts to Combat Immigration Fraud
To further strengthen the immigration system and combat fraud, the Canadian government has taken additional steps to reduce the potential for abuse. One of the key measures introduced by IRCC is a cap on the number of international students that Canada will accept over the next two years. This cap is designed to ensure that the immigration system remains fair and transparent, and that genuine applicants have a better chance of being accepted.
The cap is also part of the government’s broader efforts to maintain the credibility of Canada’s immigration system. By limiting the number of international students and ensuring that all applicants are properly vetted, the government aims to protect the integrity of the system and prevent “bad actors” from exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Broader Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Levels
The end of the visitor work permit policy is just one of several recent changes aimed at managing the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada. On August 26, 2024, IRCC announced a pause on processing certain Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the Low-Wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This pause is scheduled to take effect by September 26, 2024, and will affect applicants in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.
This move is intended to prioritize Canadian citizens and permanent residents for low-wage jobs in areas where unemployment is already a significant issue. By pausing LMIA applications in these regions, the government hopes to create more job opportunities for Canadians and reduce the country’s reliance on temporary foreign workers for low-wage positions.
New Restrictions for Employers Hiring Foreign Workers
In addition to pausing certain LMIA applications, the Canadian government has introduced new restrictions on the number of foreign workers that Canadian employers can hire under the TFWP. Going forward, employers will only be allowed to hire foreign workers for up to 10% of their total workforce. This represents a significant reduction from previous limits and reflects the government’s goal of encouraging employers to hire more Canadian workers for low-wage positions.
The maximum term of employment for foreign workers in the Low-Wage stream has also been reduced from two years to one year. This change is aimed at creating shorter-term opportunities for foreign workers, while also encouraging employers to focus on training and hiring Canadian workers.
Rollback of Pandemic-Era Policies
These recent changes are part of a broader rollback of policies that were introduced during the pandemic to help employers and foreign workers. During the pandemic, the IRCC and Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC) allowed Canadian employers to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the Low-Wage stream of the TFWP. The validity period of an LMIA was also extended to 12 months to accommodate the challenges of hiring during the pandemic. However, these temporary measures began to be repealed in May 2024, as the government shifted its focus back to supporting the domestic workforce and reducing the reliance on temporary foreign labor.
Can You Still Apply for a Work Permit from Inside Canada?
Although the visitor work permit policy has been terminated, there are still certain situations where individuals can apply for a work permit from within Canada. For example, if you already hold a valid study or work permit, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit without leaving the country.
Family members of individuals who hold valid study or work permits may also be eligible to apply for a work permit. This includes spouses, common-law partners, and parents.
In addition, if you are eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid, you can apply for a work permit from inside Canada. Individuals holding temporary resident permits valid for six months or more may also be eligible.
Permanent residence applicants who are waiting for a decision under specific classes, such as the spouse and common-law partner in Canada class, may apply for a work permit. Refugee claimants who have made or are making a claim for protection, or who have been recognized as Convention refugees, are also eligible.
Finally, professionals covered under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) can apply for a work permit under certain conditions.
Conclusion
The abrupt end of Canada’s visitor work permit policy reflects the government’s commitment to managing temporary resident levels and preventing fraud. While the policy helped many during the pandemic, concerns about misuse have led to its early termination. The changes are part of broader efforts to strengthen the immigration system and ensure that foreign workers in Canada are authorized to work legally.