Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada 2025 - Apply Now

By Vipul Jain

04 Dec, 2024

Scholarship

Are you interested in working in Canada? You may be wondering about the process of transitioning from a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada. In 2023, there are some changes to the process that you should be aware of. The Canadian government has extended a temporary policy that allows foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors to apply for and receive a work permit without leaving the country.

This public policy has been extended by 2 years, until February 28, 2025. This makes it easier for visitors to get a job in Canada and helps employers fill their job vacancies.

What is the Visitor Visa to Work Permit Policy?

The temporary public policy allows foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and who have a valid job offer to apply for and receive a work permit without leaving the country. This policy was set to expire on February 28, 2023, but has been extended until February 28, 2025. This policy helps visitors get a job in Canada while on a visitor visa, and not have to leave.

Why has the Policy Been Extended?

Employers in Canada are facing significant labour shortages during this period of economic expansion. According to Statistics Canada’s most recent job vacancies report, there are more than 800,000 job vacancies in Canada. The highest vacancy rates are in the accommodation and food services, as well as the healthcare sectors. By leaving this policy in place, foreign nationals can get a job in Canada while on a visitor visa, and not have to leave. This not only supports newcomers who may want to work and eventually immigrate to Canada, but it also eases the burden on employers who have job vacancies.

Jobs in Canada:

Canada has a strong economy and many job opportunities in various sectors. The highest job vacancy rates are in the accommodation and food services, as well as the healthcare sectors. However, there are job opportunities in many other sectors as well. If you are interested in working in Canada, research the job market and find fully funded opportunities that match your skills and qualifications.

Why Canada?

Canada is a welcoming country that offers many benefits to immigrants, including access to healthcare, free public education, and a high standard of living. The Canadian government also values diversity and inclusion, making it a great place to live and work. Additionally, Canada has a strong economy and many job opportunities in various sectors, making it an attractive destination for those looking to work and build a career.

Required Documents:

When applying for a work permit in Canada, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. A valid passport or travel document.
2. A job offer from a Canadian employer that is supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment.
3. A completed application for an employer-specific work permit.
4. Payment of the application fee.
5. Proof of financial support (if required).
6. Police certificate (if required).
7. Medical exam results (if required).

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit Under the Policy?

According to IRCC, all visitors in Canada can apply for an employer-specific work permit under the public policy. However, only those who held a work permit in the last 12 months may request an interim authorization to work.

How to Apply for a Work Permit under the Policy?

To apply for a work permit under the temporary public policy, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply.
2. Have a job offer that is supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment.
3. Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025.
4. Meet all other standard admissibility criteria (i.e., criminal and medical admissibility).
5. Applicants who currently have visitor status but who have held a valid work permit in the past 12 months can follow special instructions on the IRCC website to get interim work authorization to start working for their new employer before their work permit application is finalized.

Guidelines and Tips for Applying for Visitor Visa to Work Permit Visa:

• Ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application.
• Submit your application as early as possible to allow enough time for processing.
• Make sure all required documents are included with your application.
• Keep track of the status of your application through the IRCC website.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact IRCC for assistance.

Other Types of Visa:

In addition to the visitor visa to work permit policy, there are other types of visas that you may be eligible for when visiting or immigrating to Canada, including:

1. Student visa
2. Express Entry visa
3. Family sponsorship visa
4. Business visa
5. Provincial nominee program (PNP) visa

Conclusion:

If you are interested in working in Canada, the visitor visa to work permit policy may be a great option for you. This policy allows foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and who have a valid job offer to apply for and receive a work permit without leaving the country. To apply, ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria, gather all required documents, and submit your application as early as possible.

Canada offers many benefits to immigrants, including a strong economy, job opportunities, and a high standard of living. Consider exploring your options and taking advantage of the opportunities that Canada has to offer.