IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Canadian government recently extended a temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits while in Canada until Feb. 28, 2025.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and receive a valid job offer can continue to apply for and receive a work permit without having to leave the country. To be eligible, an applicant must:
    • Have valid status as a visitor on the day they apply.
    • Have a job offer that is supported by a labor market impact assessment or an LMIA-exempt job offer.
    • Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit before Feb. 28, 2025.
  • Visitors applying who held a work permit within the last 12 months can also continue to request interim work authorization to begin working for their new employer immediately.
  • Previously, visitors applying to work in Canada would typically have to apply from outside the country.

BAL Analysis: Canadian authorities extended the temporary work permit application policy to further address labor market shortages and give more visitors the option of staying and working in the country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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