New Rule: No Work Permits for Visitors in Canada

The original plan was for the policy to remain in effect until February 28, 2025, but IRCC has decided to end it ahead of schedule. According to IRCC, this decision is part of broader efforts to manage temporary resident levels and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

The department has also noted concerns about the misuse of this policy by “bad actors” who allegedly misled foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. Ending the policy is one step in Canada’s larger strategy to combat immigration fraud and ensure that temporary residents follow legal immigration pathways.

If you submitted an application under the temporary policy before August 28, 2024, rest assured that your application will still be processed. However, new applications under this policy will no longer be accepted.

Although the job-supported work permit policy for visitors has ended, some visitors may still apply for other types of work permits from within Canada. For example, individuals applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which is designed for those transitioning from a temporary to a permanent resident status, must apply from within the country.

One of the main reasons for the early termination of this policy is to address immigration fraud. In recent years, IRCC has become aware of fraudulent activities, including cases where foreign nationals were deceived into working illegally in Canada.

A notable example occurred last year when 700 Indian international students were found to be in Canada with false acceptance letters from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Many of these students were unaware that their letters were fraudulent, highlighting the need for stronger verification processes.

To address this, IRCC now requires DLIs to verify all letters of acceptance within 10 days of receiving an application. Additionally, Canada has implemented a cap on the number of international students it will accept over the next two years to ensure better oversight and management of the system.

The end of this visitor work permit policy coincides with broader changes aimed at reducing temporary foreign worker levels in Canada. On August 26, 2024, IRCC announced several new restrictions:

• A pause on Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for certain low-wage stream workers in areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, effective by September 26, 2024.
• Employers will now face a limit, as they can only hire 10% of their workforce through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
• The maximum term of employment for workers in the Low-Wage stream has been reduced to one year from two years.

These changes mark a rollback of pandemic-era policies that were originally implemented to allow Canadian businesses to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the Low-Wage stream. IRCC and Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC) have been working together to gradually repeal these measures.

Immigration has been a major focus in Canada throughout 2024. These recent announcements signal the government’s intent to reduce temporary resident levels, while also managing permanent residency levels. Minister of Immigration Marc Miller has hinted at potential changes to permanent residence targets in the future, ensuring that Canada remains flexible in addressing its economic and labor needs.

The end of the visitor visa work permit policy is just one part of a larger shift in Canada’s approach to managing its temporary foreign workforce. While the pandemic-era flexibility is being rolled back, Canada continues to prioritize maintaining the integrity of its immigration system while meeting its labor market needs.

If you’re unsure of how these changes may impact your immigration or work permit status, it’s essential to stay informed and seek professional advice to navigate the evolving landscape.