Canada ends policy on work permits for visitors

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended the temporary public policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.

Concerns were also raised on how the policy could have been used to allow people to work without proper authorization. IRCC further stresses on the need to adjust the number of temporary residents in Canada, which increased since the start of the pandemic. “The government is now focusing on maintaining a balanced and fair immigration system that aligns with the country’s long-term economic and social goals,” further reports supply. 

What This Means For Current Visitors

According to Immigration News Canada, visitors in Canada who planned to use this policy to apply for work permits will now need to source for other options as suggested:

Applying from Outside Canada:

One could leave Canada to apply for a work permit from their home country or another location with legal status; and this usually involves securing a job offer and possibly obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).  However, that should not take first place in consideration, as Canada plans to freeze processing of LMIAs, effective September 26, 2024.

Backstory:

Nairametrics had reported some of the programmes available in Canada for temporary visitors.

Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): 

Some provinces have programs that let temporary residents apply for permanent residency or work permits. Visitors can check these programs to see if they qualify.

International Mobility Program (IMP):

This program lets some foreign nationals work in Canada without an LMIA. However, not all visitors will meet the eligibility criteria.

Studying in Canada: 

Gaining admission in a Canadian educational institution can lead to a study permit, which might include work authorization.  

Although this option, though popular, requires a level of financial capacity to succeed. 

What You Should Know:
Further reports given on the temporary residents’ statistics, suggest that the policy’s abrupt end coincides with a rise in temporary residents in Canada. 

Data shows that Canada had over 800,000 international students and more than 400,000 temporary foreign workers last year. 

The increased numbers, as reported, have raised concerns about managing housing, social services, and labour market integration; ultimately causing a stir among the locals. 

Now in light of this change, visitors will need to find other ways to work or stay in Canada.

Source – Nairametrics