Visitors in Canada can now apply for a work permit from within the country

Canada has issued a temporary public policy that allows temporary residents of certain categories with a visitor status to apply for a work permit from within Canada. Though all visitors to Canada may apply for an employer-specific work permit, only those who held a work permit in the 12 months prior to the submission of application are eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

The policy originally came into effect on August 24, 2020. It is now being expanded to include all  visitors who are in Canada with a valid temporary resident status. They can now apply for an employer-specific work permit, regardless of when they arrived in Canada. This public policy will remain in effect till February 28, 2022.

During the pandemic period, temporary residents in Canada were encouraged to maintain a valid legal status. As travel restrictions were imposed by countries across the world, it became difficult for certain temporary residents to leave the country. So temporary residents were compelled to change their status to visitors and they were unable to apply for a new work permit. The policy aims to help these visitors.

Eligibility criteria for work permit

In order to apply for an employer-specific work permit from within Canada, a candidate must meet the following requirements:

• They must have a valid temporary resident status as a visitor.
• The candidate must have remained in Canada on visitor status since the submission of application.
• The candidate must have submitted the application on or before February 28, 2022.

Interim authorization to work: Eligibility criteria

A former temporary worker, who converted to visitor status will also be eligible for the interim authorization to work, provided:

• They have a valid temporary resident status while applying for work permit and have remained in Canada with the same status.
• The candidate must have held a valid work permit in the 12 months preceding the date of submitting the application, even though they are currently a visitor.
• The candidate must intend to work for the employer and occupation which are specified by the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer, included in their application.
• The candidate must have submitted the application using the IRCC web form
• The candidate must have requested to make the authorization to work applicable until a decision is made on their work permit application.

Generally, it takes 30 days to process the application. Once the application is approved, the work permit will be mailed to the applicant’s address in Canada.

Do you wish to know more about applying for a temporary work permit from within Canada? Connect with CanApprove and find your options to live and work in Canada.