Today IRCC announced that the COVID-19 public policy allowing visitors in Canada with a valid visitor visa to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada has been extended for two years, until February 2025. This is welcome news given the severe labour shortages the country is experiencing. Below is IRCC’s news release: “Foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and who receive a valid job offer will continue to be able to apply for and receive a work permit without having to leave the country. Visitors applying under this public policy who held a work permit within the last 12 months will also continue to be able to request interim work authorization to begin working for their new employer more quickly. Set to expire on February 28, 2023, this COVID-era temporary public policy has been extended by 2 years, until February 28, 2025. Leaving this temporary policy in place makes visitors an option for employers in Canada, as many are facing significant labour shortages during this period of economic expansion. Prior to this temporary policy change, those applying to work in Canada would typically need to apply for their initial work permit before they came to Canada. If they were already in Canada with visitor status when they were approved for a work permit, they would need to leave Canada to be issued their work permit. With this policy in place, leaving Canada isn’t necessary. To be eligible to apply, an applicant looking to benefit from this temporary public policy must have valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply have a job offer that is supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025 meet all other standard admissibility criteria Applicants who currently have visitor status but who have held a valid work permit in the past 12 months can follow special instructions to get interim work authorization to start working for their new employer before their work permit application is finalized.” If you require advice on how to convert your visitor visa into a work permit, please book a consultation with one of our lawyers. Back to all posts Share this post: Facebook-Logo Twitter-Logo Linkedin pinterest Mail-Logo
Param Tooray Me and my wife turned to Borders Law Firm when I was trying to migrate to Canada as I am a UK citizen and my wife was born in Canada. They made the process really easy for us guiding us all the way. I am now a permanent resident in Canada thanks to Jenny and Devika. We would definitely recommend this firm to anyone looking to move to Canada you will not be disappointed!!
Teresa F. Borders Law Firm is my far the best experience I have had. After consulting and meeting with other immigration lawyers, I really felt confident with this firm. I have worked with Jenny Mao over the past year and I am happy to say that she has helped me out immensely and I am extreme grateful for not only her professionalism, but for her hard work and determination. I highly reccomend Borders Law Firm. From my experience, they are the best in the GTA.
Amit Pandey We wanted to write sincere thanks to John, Devika and Borders Law firm for the help throughout the process. John was extremely kind and thorough and he counselled with suitable options available for me on migration to Canada, documentation submissions, query resolutions, visa processing and continued personal support and follow up until the last step I am beyond grateful for their kindness and service. I will be using them for any changes to our companies immigration needs going forward. Would recommend this firm for anybody blindly looking for immigration help. They would guide you with complete transparency and professionalism. Thank you once again.
Chenia Lobo Highly recommend Borders Law firm. Their service was great, extremely professional and always timely. I never had any problem throughout my whole process. So pleased with Jenny & devika and all the work they did.