Canada, with its immigration policies for temporary visitor visas, allows immigrants to enter Canada before searching for jobs. This has been the practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, things are reverting to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era.
According to the latest update from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), from August 28, 2024, no person holding a temporary visitor visa in Canada can apply for a work permit. Starting from August 28, 2024, visitors in Canada holding a temporary visitor visa can no longer apply for a work permit from inside the country.
What this means is that you must have a valid work permit to travel to Canada as a temporary visitor visa holder.
The rules that made it easy for people to migrate to Canada before seeking work permits were introduced in August 2020.
Questions and Answers to Explain the New Details Canada Visitor Work Permits
Why Was the Policy Introduced?
The introduction of travel restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for visitors already in Canada to migrate to their home countries. This meant that such persons had to stay longer beyond their visas. It made such persons stranded as well without funds to survive. This situation led to the introduction of new policies that allowed such stranded temporary visitors to secure work permits so that they could get employed and make some income to take care of their basic needs while in Canada.
This policy became a gold mine and provided hundreds of thousands of people in Canada who were allowed to work legally in Canada.
Why Has the Policy Been Ended?
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had planned to bring the policy to an end on February 28, 2025. Sadly, the end has been moved further forward to August 2024. The change of date has been necessitated by the huge number of temporary residents in Canada who seek jobs. The government also believes that the policy has outlived its usefulness because of the restrictions put in place.
The termination of the policy earlier than planned is also to help stop the misuse of the policy by travel agencies and individuals. Information available to IRCC shows that some
Some individuals and organisations were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. Such immigrants were promised jobs upon arrival in Canada when there were no such jobs. Bringing the policy to an end also means preventing such organizations and persons from taking undue advantage of people with genuine intention to travel to Canada.
READ: Canada Dream Work Permit and Study Visa Updates 2024 Out
In 2023, for instance, 700 Indian students were found in Canada with fraudulent letters of acceptance from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). They were some of the victims of organisations that misinformed migrants and were taken to Canada.
Can You Still Apply for a Work Permit from Inside Canada?
Even though the visitor work permit policy has been terminated, some workers may be offered job permits in certain situations. Students with valid study or work permits can still apply for one while in Canada.
Family members of individuals who hold valid study or work permits may also be eligible to apply for a work permit. This includes spouses, common-law partners, and parents.
In addition, if you are eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid, you can apply for a work permit from inside Canada. Individuals holding temporary resident permits valid for six months or more may also be eligible.
READ: Canada Dream Work Permit and Study Visa Updates 2024 Out
Permanent residence applicants who are waiting for a decision under specific classes, such as the spouse and common-law partner in Canada class, may apply for a work permit. Refugee claimants who have made or are making a claim for protection or who have been recognized as Convention refugees are also eligible.
Finally, professionals covered under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) can apply for a work permit under certain conditions.
Final Advise To You
If you are currently processing your documents through an individual or an organization for you to migrate to Canada. This is the time to ask questions. Make sure that your ask whether the organization will secure a job and a work permit for you before you leave your home country or they will process your job upon your arrival. If they are going to get you a job after you arrive, do not accept that offer. Also led the person or organization read this post. Share with them to ensure, they do not create problems for you with their service.
We hope this post on the New Canada Visitor Work Permits Sept 2024 Updates for Visitor Visa Work Permit has enlightened you.
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