The recent update from the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada brings great news for holders of valid Canadian Visitor visas.
 |
| How to Change a Visitor Visa for Canada into a Work Permit (2024–25) |
Effective February 28, 2023, a new policy allows visa holders to seamlessly transition their status to a work permit while staying within Canada's borders. This extension spans two years, concluding on February 28, 2025, offering a valuable opportunity for those seeking employment prospects in Canada. Converting a Canada Visit Visa into a Work Permit has become more accessible thanks to this temporary policy.
Previously, individuals in Canada under visitor status who secured approval for a work permit were obliged to exit the country to finalize the process. However, with this updated policy, the requirement to leave Canada has been waived.
Under this temporary arrangement, foreign nationals currently on visitor status, along with those who receive legitimate job offers, can apply for and obtain a work permit without the need for departure from the country. This significant change facilitates a smoother transition for those looking to work and contribute within the Canadian workforce.
Qualifying Criteria for Converting a Canadian Visit Visa into a Work Permit
To take advantage of this temporary Policy, an individual must:
- Possess a Valid Temporary Visit Visa issued by Canada.
- Maintain a valid visitor status within Canada at the time of application.
- Hold a job offer backed by a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt employment offer.
- Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit by February 28, 2025, at the latest.
- Fulfill all other standard admissibility requirements.
For further insights into converting a Canadian Visitor Visa into a Work Permit, refer to this link.
Advantages of this Temporary Policy
- An opportunity to transition from a visitor visa to a work permit.
- No requirement to leave Canada—applications can be made from within the country.
How to Proceed with the Canada Work Permit Application?
The application process for the work permit varies depending on your situation.
- Applying from Outside Canada?
- Applying from Inside Canada?
- Link: Apply online for Work Permit
How to Find Jobs in Canada?
If you are searching for work opportunities from outside of Canada or if you are currently in the country on a visitor's visa. I'm going to tell you the greatest website for foreign applicants to find job opportunities in Canada.
Job Bank Website:
The main job gateway for job seekers is the Job Bank website, located at (jobbank.gc.ca) This is among the greatest websites run by the Canadian government.
If you are not a citizen of Canada or are not present in Canada, click "LMIA."
If a job is approved by the LMIA, the company may engage a foreign national with or without a work permit.
Also Check: Discover the Top Job Sites in Canada for 2023-2024
In Canada, is it possible to change my visitor visa to a work permit?
As per a provisional policy, You can convert your visiting visa to a work permit in Canada without having to leave the country. The date of expiration of this policy is February 28, 2025.
Can someone visiting Canada on a visitor's visa apply for a work permit?
If you discover a job that has been approved by the LMIA and you have a valid visitor visa, you can apply for a work permit in Canada while you are on a visitation visa.