The Canadian government has terminated its policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.
In a statement, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed that the termination takes effect immediately. However, the application period ended before it expired on February 28, 2025.
Chronicle NG reports that “bad actors” mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization, according to IRCC, which prompted the end of policy and to preserve the integrity of the immigration system.
“IRCC introduced the policy in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions.”
“Under the policy, visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. In addition, foreign nationals who had held a permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.”
According to the policy, IRCC stated that applications submitted before August 28, 2024, will go through processing.
It urged visitors to check their website for information on how to apply for a work permit.
