• Posted 08-Apr-2021

Visitors in Canada can apply for work permits - a blessing in disguise

A temporary policy shift will allow the visitors to now apply for a work permit. If you are a visitor in Canada right now, you can get your stay extended till 31st August 2021 without having to leave Canada. The visitors with a valid job offer can also apply for an employer-specific work permit, regardless of when they entered Canada.

This policy shift has come into effect from 1st April 2021 and the applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
•    have a valid visitor visa
•    have a job offer
•    submit an in-Canada application for an employer-specific work permit supported by Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, no later than 31st August 2021
•    fulfill all other mandatory norms

An exemption has also been made for all those with a valid work permit in the last 12 months to start working for their new employer till their application is being processed. The applicants must adhere to the formalities required to be fulfilled to gain authorisation to work till the approval.
This policy shift was first announced in August 2020 and since then, more than 1,000 people with visitor visas have applied.

Since March 2020, starting with the first lockdown, the Government of Canada has not allowed visitors inside except for the ones exempted for reasons like reuniting with family.

If you are in Canada on a visitor visa and wish to know more about this program, contact us right away.