On August 24, 2020, the then Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada (IRCC), Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, announced a temporary
public policy to allow visitors in Canada who have a valid job offer to apply for an
employer-specific work permit once approved and you can receive a permit
without first having to leave the country.
The news release read: “This temporary policy change takes effect immediately
and will benefit employers in Canada who continue to face difficulties finding the workers they need, as well as temporary residents who would like to contribute their labour and skills to Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Visiting foreign nationals who landed in Canada after August 24, 2020, are
ineligible to apply for work permit under the public policy. The good news is that
deadline was initially extended to expire on February 28, 2023, and further
extended for another 2 years – February 28, 2025. Before the commencement
of the temporary public policy, an applicant would first have to apply for a work permit before landing in Canada. If they have already landed in Canada, they
would be required to leave Canada before being issued a work permit. However, with the new policy, one is not required to leave Canada.
The IRCC February 28, 2023, news release stated: “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.”
Do you need assistance with your work permit application? Or are you experiencing employer-related challenges with your current work permit? Contact us at info@canadavigenis.ca for professional advice and assistance by booking for a consultation.
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