Foreign nationals who are currently in Canada as visitors will be able to apply for and receive a work permit without having to leave the country if they receive a valid job offer. This policy, which was set to expire on February 28,2023, has been extended by two years until February 28, 2025, due to ongoing labour shortages during the economic expansion.

Applicants who have held a work permit within the last 12 months will be able to request interim work authorization to start working for their new employer more quickly. Previously, applicants had to apply for their initial work permit before coming to Canada, and those who were already in Canada with visitor status when approved for a work permit had to leave Canada to receive it. This policy change eliminates the need for applicants to leave Canada.

To be eligible, applicants must have valid visitor status, a job offer supported by a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, and meet all other standard admissibility criteria. Applicants must submit their application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025. Applicants who currently have visitor status and have held a valid work permit in the past 12 months can follow special instructions to obtain interim work authorization to begin working for their new employer before their work permit application is finalized.

Are you interested in going to Canada? Email us at info@bisonimmigration.com