Visitors in Canada Can Now Apply for a Work Permit Until February 2023

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is extending the public policy that allows certain visitors in Canada to apply for a work permit.

The original public policy came into effect on August 24, 2020, as a temporary measure due to COVID-19. Its objective was to allow eligible foreign nationals with valid temporary resident status (visitors) to apply inland for an employer-specific work permit, regardless of when they arrived in Canada. The policy also allowed these people to work while a decision on their work permit application was pending.

Now the public policy is being extended until February 28, 2023.  Let’s explore who can apply for this temporary measure.

Who can apply?

According to IRCC, all visitors in Canada can apply for an employer-specific work permit under the public policy. However, only those who held a work permit in the last 12 months may request an interim authorization to work.

Requirements to apply for an employer-specific work permit

In order to apply for an employer-specific work permit, you must:

• be in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor
• has submitted an employer-specific work permit application using the Application to Change Conditions, ‘Extend my Stay’ or ‘Remain in Canada as a Worker’
• has remained in Canada with status since application submission
• submitted the application on or before February 28, 2023

If an officer approves the request, you will have a new status and period of stay. However, if the application is refused (under subsection R183-5) the expiration date becomes the decision date on the submitted application.

Requirements for work permit holders: interim authorization to work

If you have held a valid work permit in the past 12 months, you could change your employer. However, you must meet all the following requirements:

• You have a valid temporary resident status at the time of work permit application submission and have remained in Canada with status since;
• you held a valid work permit in the past 12 months;
• your new employer has received a positive LMIA, or the position is exempt from an LMIA.;
• you have applied to IRCC for the interim authorization to work as per this public policy using the IRCC Web form, and
• have requested that the authorization to work be applicable until a decision is made on their work permit application.

These are just some of the requirements, of course, you need to carefully read all the procedures and eligibility requirements for this policy. You can also receive formal advice from a licenced practitioner.

Related Articles

If you are not familiar with the concepts mentioned in this update, consider visiting the following links:

• LMIA Process and Types
• Work in Canada without an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
• Video: Apply for Work Permit Inside Canada
• Three Steps to Work in Canada
• Who is a Temporary Foreign Worker?
• Temporary Resident Canada: Opportunities and Restrictions
• Apply for work permit inside Canada for visitors | A temporary measure due to COVID-19

Let us Help!

If you have a general question about extending your work permit, please fill out the following form. However, if the question is case-specific and you are interested in applying with the help of professionals, we’ll advise you to book a consultation session. You may alternatively fill out our assessment form.

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