Canada Ends Work Permit Applications for Visitors: New Rules Explained

In a move aimed at streamlining immigration processes and addressing concerns about unauthorized work, Canada has announced a significant change in immigration policy.

Temporary residents on visitor visas can no longer apply for work permits from within the country. This new rule takes effect immediately, ending a policy that began in August 2020 to help visitors stranded due to COVID-19.

What Was the Previous Policy?

This reversal marks the early termination of a policy implemented in 2020 to assist visitors stranded in Canada due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Previously, visitors could submit work permit applications without leaving the country.

Under the earlier policy:

• Visitors could apply for a work permit without leaving Canada.
• Those who had held a work permit in the last 12 months but had changed their status to “visitor” could work while waiting for a new work permit decision.

This policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, but has now been terminated ahead of schedule.

Reasons for the Policy Change

The early termination of the policy reflects Canada’s broader strategy to regulate temporary residents and uphold the integrity of its immigration system. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this decision is intended to prevent misuse of the system and unauthorized work by foreign nationals.

Managing Temporary Residents: The government of Canada aims to regulate the number of temporary residents in Canada.

Preventing Unauthorized Work: The policy change seeks to address concerns about individuals working in Canada without proper authorization.

Upholding Immigration System Integrity: The Canadian government also aims to maintain the fairness and efficiency of its immigration processes.

What Happens to Applications Already Submitted?

Work Permit applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the previous policy, will still be processed. However, no new applications will be accepted from visitors looking to obtain work permits from within Canada.

Impact of the Decision

The new rule will impact both employers and foreign nationals:

• For Employers: Companies may face challenges filling low-wage positions, especially in sectors heavily reliant on foreign workers.
• For Foreign Nationals: Those on visitor visas will no longer have a direct pathway to work permits, which could reduce their chances of gaining employment in Canada.

Additional Changes to Immigration Policy

In addition to the changes to the visitor visa policy, Canada has also implemented new restrictions on its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These changes include:

1. Pause on LMIA Processing: The government has temporarily paused processing certain Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage stream applicants.

2. Reduction in Maximum Employment Term: The maximum employment term for workers in the low-wage stream has been reduced from two years to one.

Canada to Reduce TFW

Canada is set to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers by 65,000, reversing its 2022 expansions of the program. New rules include a 10% cap on the workforce hired through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and a temporary freeze in Montreal. These measures aim to address concerns over labour market impacts and immigration levels.

Conclusion

Canada’s decision to end work permit applications for visitors aims to safeguard its immigration system and labour market. The new rules will likely impact both employers and foreign nationals, emphasizing the importance of regulated entry and employment practices.