Following the significant changes happening to Canadian visitors, as of August 28, anyone in Canada on a visitor visa will no longer be able to apply for a work permit from within the country. This change rolls back a temporary measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The temporary measure was a lifeline for both employers and visitors during the pandemic. Visitors stuck in Canada due to border closures and met specific conditions could apply for work permits without leaving the country. The plan made it easier for them to contribute to the workforce and provided much-needed support to industries facing staffing issues. However, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, the Canadian government has decided to end this policy earlier than planned.
Why Was the Policy Introduced in the First Place?
The primary purpose was to help visitors stuck in Canada due to travel restrictions. Additionally, the Canadian authorities aimed to fill labor gaps in Canada, especially when so many organizations struggled to find talented employees, so this temporary measure came in handy.
The policy was supposed to remain in effect until February 28, 2025, but Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now rolled it back. They say the early end is part of their broader efforts to manage temporary resident levels and preserve the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. While the pandemic necessitated some flexibility, the government is now shifting its focus back to stricter immigration control.
Who Is Affected?
The changes mainly affected Canadian visitors planning to apply for work permits without returning to their countries. However, not all hope is one for them as it allows some work permits to be applied within Canada. An example is the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) application, which requires applicants to submit it from inside the country. This specific permit allows individuals transitioning from temporary to permanent residence to remain employed while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Also, if you submitted your work permit application before the August 28 deadline, your application will still be processed according to the old rules. The change only affects new applications going forward.
