Canada Visitors can now Apply for Canada Work Permit while in Canada

With the temporary policy extended by two years, visitors are able to continue to apply for work permits inside Canada.

Foreign nationals who are visiting Canada and obtain a legitimate employment offer can still apply for and get a work visa without having to leave the country. The ability for visitors applying under this public policy who had a work permit within the previous year to get temporary work permits so they can start working for their new employer more rapidly.

This COVID-era temporary public policy, which was due to expire on February 28, 2023, has been postponed until February 28, 2025, by two years. Employers in Canada now have a choice if they want to continue with this interim policy because many of them are experiencing severe labour shortages at this time of economic development.

Before this temporary policy change, those who wanted to work in Canada had to apply for their initial work permit before they arrived. They would need to depart Canada in order to receive their work permit if they were already there with visitor status when their application for one was accepted. This policy makes it unnecessary to leave Canada.

A candidate seeking to gain access to this temporary public policy must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible:

• On the day of application, have valid visitor status in Canada
• A job offer that has been supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an offer that is exempt from a LMIA
• The deadline for submitting employer-specific work permits is February 28, 2025.
• The applicant must also meet all other criteria for admissibility

Visitors who have held a valid work permit within the last year can follow special guidelines to obtain temporary work authorization so they can begin working for their new employer before their work permit application is approved.

Who is Eligible to apply?

You must:

• Be physically present in Canada at the time of application. You are required to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your application. This governmental regulation prevents you from being eligible if you depart while your application is still being processed.
• Be an authorized visitor at the time you apply for a work permit. Before submitting an application for a work permit, you must renew your tourist status if it has already expired.
• Made a work permit application between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025.
• Had a work permit that was in effect for the full year prior to your application for a new work permit.

How to get a Work Permit while you wait?

Step 1: Contact IRCC

Once you’ve applied, you have to complete the Online form. You must copy the text below and paste it into the “Your inquiry” area of the form.

Make sure you fill out the sections in square brackets, including the

• Date
• Work permit number (begins with a “U”)
• Name of your employer
• Title of your job

Step 2: A call from their representative will come soon.

You have to wait till they email you to tell you that you may begin working. It could require up to 30 business days (6 weeks).

Submitting a Question?

• Even if you haven’t heard from the Canadian Immigration authorities, your application is still being processed. Nothing further needs to be done.
• They will get in touch with you if they require more details.
• Your case’s status and processing time are both available online, and their representatives do not have access to any further information. Before contacting them, you can:
• Check the status of your application online, look up information in their Help Centre, and visit the website for more general details.