The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced an extension to a COVID-era temporary public policy, enabling foreign nationals who secure a job offer
Converting Visitor Visa to Work Permit/ Study Permit
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced an extension to a COVID-era temporary public policy, enabling foreign nationals who secure a job offer while in Canada to apply for a work permit.
IRCC announced the extension of this policy, granting foreign nationals visiting Canada the opportunity to apply for a work permit while still within the country, provided they receive a valid job offer. A valid job offer must be a written offer for full-time work lasting one year or more, supported by either a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment. Originally set to expire on February 28, 2023, this policy has now been extended for an additional two years, until February 28, 2025.
To be eligible for this temporary policy, applicants must:
- Have valid status in Canada as a visitor at the time of application.
- Possess a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment.
- Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025.
- Meet all other standard admissibility criteria.
Applicants with a valid work permit in the past 12 months and current visitor status can also request interim work authorization to commence working for their new employer before their work permit application is finalized. This change in policy eliminates the need for visitors to leave Canada while applying for a work permit, streamlining the process for employers to find workers within the country.
