The Canadian government has officially ended a temporary public policy that allowed visitors in the country to apply for work permits without leaving Canada. This policy, which was first introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in August 2020, was designed to address challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 28, 2024, this policy is no longer in effect.
Background of the Temporary Public Policy
The temporary public policy was implemented during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when international travel was severely restricted. Many foreign nationals who were in Canada on visitor visas found themselves unable to return to their home countries due to these restrictions. In response, IRCC introduced this policy to provide these visitors with a way to remain in Canada and work legally without the need to exit the country to apply for a work permit.
Under the policy, visitors who were already in Canada were allowed to apply for a work permit from within the country, rather than having to apply from outside. This was a significant deviation from the usual process, which requires applicants to leave Canada to submit their work permit applications. Additionally, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but had changed their status to “visitor” were allowed to apply to work legally while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.
Reasons for Ending the Policy
Although the temporary public policy was originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC decided to terminate it earlier, citing several key reasons:
- Recalibration of Temporary Resident Numbers: Canada has been experiencing a significant influx of temporary residents in recent years, leading to increased pressure on the country’s immigration system and labor market. By ending this policy, IRCC aims to better manage the number of temporary residents in the country and ensure that the immigration system remains balanced and sustainable.
- Preserving the Integrity of the Immigration System: The integrity of Canada’s immigration system is a top priority for IRCC. The agency identified that the continuation of the policy could undermine this integrity, as it was increasingly being exploited by bad actors. Some individuals and organizations were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization, which posed a risk to the legal and ethical standards of the immigration system.
- Post-Pandemic Recovery: With the easing of global travel restrictions and the stabilization of international mobility, the rationale for the policy has diminished. IRCC believes that the original conditions that necessitated the policy no longer exist, making it an appropriate time to conclude this temporary measure.
Impact on Applicants
IRCC has assured that it will continue to process all applications submitted before the policy’s termination on August 28, 2024. This means that those who applied under the temporary policy before the deadline will still have their applications reviewed and processed according to the terms of the policy. However, any new applications submitted after this date will need to follow the standard procedures for work permit applications, which typically require applicants to submit their applications from outside of Canada.
What’s Next for Visitors in Canada?
For visitors currently in Canada who are interested in applying for a work permit, the end of this temporary policy means that they must now adhere to the standard immigration rules. This typically involves leaving Canada and applying for a work permit from their home country or another country where they have legal status.
Visitors should also be cautious of any misleading information or offers that suggest they can bypass the standard procedures. IRCC is vigilant in monitoring compliance with immigration laws and will take action against those who attempt to exploit the system.
Conclusion
The termination of the temporary public policy marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to managing its temporary resident population post-pandemic. While the policy provided much-needed flexibility during an unprecedented global crisis, the return to standard procedures reflects Canada’s commitment to maintaining a fair and orderly immigration system.
For more information on how to apply for a work permit and to stay updated on immigration policies, visitors and potential applicants are encouraged to visit the official IRCC website.
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