A temporary public policy was introduced that allows certain temporary residents in Canada with visitor status to apply for a work visa from within the country.
Public policy by IRCC allows to convert visitor visa to Work Permit
A temporary public policy was introduced by IRCC that allows certain temporary residents in Canada to change visitor visa to work visa from within the country. While all visitors to Canada are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit under public policy, only those who have previously held a work permit are eligible to apply for interim authorization to work.
Change visitor visa to work permit in Canada 2022
IRCC extends the deadline for a visitor visa to apply for a Work Permit inside Canada 2022
IRCC extended the previous deadline of February 28, 2022, to change visitor visa to work permit inside Canada to February 28, 2023. The policy first took effect on August 24, 2020. Currently, the eligibility conditions were broadened to allow any visitors in Canada with valid temporary residence status, regardless of when they arrived, to apply within country for an employer-specific work visa.
1. Public policy objectives by IRCC to change visitor visa to work permit inside Canada
- Allows eligible foreign nationals with visitor visa to apply for a job offer-supported work permit inside Canada.
- Whilst the decision on work permit application is pending for approval eligible former temporary workers are allowed to work.
- Exempt eligible foreign nationals from the requirement that a work permit not be issued if they have not complied with certain temporary residence conditions
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2. Public policy eligibility by IRCC for visitors to apply for work-permit inside Canada
The foreign national
- is in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor, including status extensions under subsection 183(5) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), that is, maintained status, at the time of work permit application submission.
- has submitted an employer-specific work permit application using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710].
- has remained in Canada with visitor status since application submission.
- submitted the application on or before February 28, 2023.
3. Public policy eligibility by IRCC for interim authorization to work after changing visitor visa to work permit
A former work permit holder who changed visitor visa to work permit may be eligible for interim authorization to work provided they match all of the following conditions in addition to the work permit eligibility criteria:
- have valid temporary resident status at the time of work permit application submission and have remained in Canada with status since.
- held a valid work permit in the 12 months preceding the date on which they submitted their application for a work permit under this public policy, even though they are now only a visitor.
- intend to work for the employer and occupation specified by the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment included in their work permit application submitted under the public policy.
- have applied to IRCC for the interim authorization to work as per this public policy using the IRCC Web form.
- have requested that the authorization to work be applicable until a decision is made on their work permit application.
Immigrate into Canada as a visitor
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