Maple News reports that Canada has released further details outlining who can benefit from a new temporary immigration policy allowing certain temporary residents to apply for employer-specific work permits without leaving the country.
Announced last month, the policy enables foreign nationals holding valid temporary resident status—specifically visitors—to submit their work permit applications from within Canada. Previously, many had to exit and re-enter the country to activate their permits, a step now considered non-essential due to ongoing pandemic-related travel restrictions.
To be eligible, applicants must have had legal visitor status and been physically present in Canada on August 24, 2020. Importantly, they must not have left the country since that date. These individuals can apply only for an employer-specific work permit supported by a valid job offer.
The policy also offers an interim work authorization for individuals who converted to visitor status after their work permits expired. To qualify, they must have held a valid work permit within the 12 months before applying and must now submit a new application under this temporary public policy.
Additional requirements include having a valid job offer that aligns with either a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt occupation. Applicants must submit a request to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the official web form, explicitly asking for authorization to work while their new permit is being processed.
IRCC officers will treat the date of decision on the application as the expiration date of the applicant’s authorized stay. This approach ensures legal status until a verdict is rendered, enabling continuity for both foreign workers and Canadian employers.
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino emphasized that this policy adjustment supports Canada’s economic recovery by simplifying processes for employers and retaining skilled labor already present in the country.
This measure remains temporary but is a significant step toward adapting immigration policy to current global conditions. It reflects Canada’s continued commitment to balancing health safeguards with labor market needs during the COVID-19 era.