Visitors can no longer apply for a work permit from inside Canada

Visitors to Canada can now no longer apply for work permits from within the country, ending a temporary public policy allowing people to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
Although the policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended the measure to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, and decrease the overall number of temporary residents in the country. It was also ended because certain bad actors were misusing the system by misleading foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.
However, IRCC will continue to process requests to apply for a work permit from inside Canada that have been submitted before August 28, 2024.
If you wish to apply for a work permit, click here.
Why was it possible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
“IRCC introduced the policy in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions,” said the government body. “Under the policy, visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country.
“In addition, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to ‘visitor’ could apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.”
Extended work and study permit measures for Ukrainians
Meanwhile, Ukrainians and their family members can apply for a work permit from inside Canada until March 31, 2025, if they came to the country under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). They should also have arrived in the country on or before March 31, 2024.
Also read: Learning English has boosted Ukrainian Anastasiia’s confidence in Canada
“Under these extended measures, they can apply to get a new open work permit that’s valid for up to 3 years, apply to extend a current open work permit or apply for a new study permit, subject to standard fees,” said IRCC.
All Ukrainian temporary residents and their family members in Canada can also access free settlement services until March 31, 2025. Learn more about the immigration measures and support for Ukrainians and their families.
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