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Ottawa, August 28, 2024 — In a notable policy change, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has suddenly terminated the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits while in Canada.
This policy takes effect today, August 28. Originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC has unexpectedly decided to terminate it early, with immediate effect as of August 28, 2024. However, IRCC has clarified that applications submitted before this date will still be processed under the now-defunct policy.
The policy, originally introduced in August 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a lifeline for many foreign nationals to transition to worker status. However, its termination marks a new phase in Canada’s immigration landscape, closing the backdoor for ingenuine visitors to exploit the policy.
Background: The Impactful Policy
The temporary policy was introduced during a time when the world faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures left many visitors stranded in Canada without a clear path forward.
In response, IRCC implemented a policy that allowed visitors already in the country to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada. This was especially beneficial for those who had previously held work permits but were forced to change their status to “visitor” due to job losses or other disruptions caused by the pandemic. The policy also enabled these individuals to begin working while their new work permit applications were processed, providing much-needed economic relief.
Reasons for the Termination
The decision to end the policy earlier than planned is part of IRCC’s broader efforts to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada and ensure the integrity of the immigration system.
According to the official press release, there were concerns that some might exploit the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working without proper authorization. IRCC has stressed the importance of recalibrating the temporary resident population in Canada, which has significantly increased since the pandemic began.
The government is now focused on maintaining a balanced and fair immigration system that aligns with Canada’s long-term economic and social objectives.
What Does This Mean for Visitors in Canada?
For visitors currently in Canada who were planning to apply for a work permit under this policy, the sudden termination is likely to cause significant disruption. Those who did not apply before the cut-off date will now need to explore other options if they wish to work in Canada. This might involve leaving the country and reapplying from abroad or considering other immigration pathways that provide work authorization.
A Look at the Numbers: Temporary Residents in Canada
The termination of this policy comes at a time when Canada is experiencing an unprecedented number of temporary residents. Recent data shows that the number of temporary foreign workers and international students has surged in recent years, contributing to a significant increase in the temporary resident population.
As of 2023, Canada hosted over 800,000 international students and more than 400,000 temporary foreign workers, with these numbers continuing to rise. This influx has raised concerns about the country’s capacity to manage such a large temporary population, particularly regarding housing, social services, and labour market integration.
IRCC’s decision to end the policy can be seen as part of a broader strategy to address these challenges by tightening regulations for temporary residents and ensuring that those who stay in Canada do so through appropriate and regulated channels.
What Visitors Need to Know
For visitors currently in Canada, the termination of this policy means that applying for a work permit from within the country is no longer an option. Those on a visitor visa who wish to work will need to consider other immigration pathways, such as:
- Applying for a Work Permit from Outside Canada: Visitors can leave Canada and apply for a work permit from their home country or another country where they have legal status. This process typically requires securing a job offer from a Canadian employer and, in most cases, obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces offer immigration programs that allow temporary residents to apply for permanent residency and, in some cases, work permits. Visitors can explore the options available through various PNPs to see if they qualify.
- International Mobility Program (IMP): This program allows certain foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and not all visitors will qualify.
- Studying in Canada: Enrolling in a Canadian educational institution can provide a pathway to a study permit, which may include work authorization. However, this option involves significant financial and time commitments.
- Visitor to Permanent Resident (PR) Pathways: While rare, some immigration pathways allow visitors to transition to permanent residency, particularly if they have close family ties in Canada or meet specific humanitarian criteria.
Conclusion
The sudden termination of the temporary public policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. While the policy provided much-needed flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, its end reflects IRCC’s commitment to recalibrating the temporary resident population and preserving the integrity of the immigration system.
Visitors in Canada will need to quickly adapt to this new reality and explore alternative pathways if they wish to work or stay in the country long-term. The immigration community will be closely watching how this decision impacts the broader landscape of temporary residency in Canada and what it means for the future of immigration policy in the country.
As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic immigration, one thing remains clear: the country is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and balanced immigration system that serves the best interests of all Canadians.