On August 28, 2024, the Government of Canada officially terminated the temporary public policy that allowed foreign nationals holding visitor status to apply for work permits from within Canada, without the requirement to leave the country.
This policy was originally introduced in August 2020 as a response to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. It was designed to support visitors who, while legally present in Canada, obtained valid job offers but were unable to leave the country due to global mobility constraints.
Although this temporary measure was initially set to remain in effect until at least February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made the decision to end the program earlier than expected as part of broader efforts to manage temporary resident volumes and preserve the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Summary of Changes
- Effective August 28, 2024, new applications for work permits from within Canada by individuals holding visitor status will no longer be accepted.
- Applications submitted prior to August 28, 2024, under the temporary public policy will continue to be processed.
- In accordance with standard immigration procedures, foreign nationals present in Canada as visitors must now leave the country to submit a work permit application through appropriate channels abroad.
Reasons for Early Termination of the Policy
According to official IRCC statements, the early withdrawal of the temporary measure is justified by the following factors:
- Canada’s national strategy to reduce the number of temporary residents, aimed at managing migration volumes more effectively.
- Safeguarding the integrity of the Canadian immigration system, particularly to prevent misuse and misinterpretation of policies that may lead to unauthorized employment.
- The conclusion of pandemic-related restrictions, which eliminates the original rationale for the special temporary measure.
Legal and Practical Implications for Applicants
- Foreign nationals intending to work in Canada must:
- Obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in advance;
- Leave Canada and apply for a work permit from abroad, either through a Canadian visa office or via IRCC’s online application platform.
- Departure from Canada is now a mandatory requirement for legal work permit processing under standard immigration procedures.
Important Information for Individuals with Pending Applications
- Applications submitted before August 28, 2024, in accordance with the temporary policy, will be processed under the existing framework.
- Individuals who did not apply by the specified deadline are no longer eligible to submit new work permit applications from within Canada while holding visitor status.
Official Source and Verification
The official announcement from IRCC confirming the termination of this temporary measure is available at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/ends-tpp-allowing-visitors-apply-work-permits-within-country.html
Conclusion
The early termination of the policy that permitted visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada is part of Canada’s broader regulatory efforts to control temporary resident levels and prevent abuses of the immigration system.
Individuals intending to work in Canada must plan accordingly, ensuring that their applications are submitted from outside Canada in compliance with the standard legal framework. Failure to adhere to these updated requirements may result in refusal of the application or other legal complications.
