Visitors looking to work in Canada have been impacted by recent changes to the immigration laws in the nation. Visitors will no longer be able to apply for work permits from within Canada as of August 28, 2024. Many people are unsure of their alternatives as a result of the interim measure implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak being reversed.
The prior rule assisted in addressing the severe labor shortage by allowing stranded travelers to work while they awaited their return home. Visitors will now need to look into other routes to employment in Canada as a result of the move.
Canada’s economy has recovered well from the pandemic, with job losses largely offset and unemployment at a record low of 6%. Many of the short-term solutions put in place during the pandemic have so been gradually removed.
The recent cancellation of work permit applications for tourists who were already in Canada is one significant change. There are still legitimate ways to remain in the nation, even though it might be harder to get a work permit as a result.
It’s crucial to comprehend the present immigration environment and consider your options if you’re a visitor to Canada.
Tourists in Canada
You are not allowed to work or study in Canada while you are a visitor, and you must depart the nation by the time your visitor record expires.
IRCC is responsible for issuing visitor visas. Some foreign nationals, however, could be able to enter Canada using an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in place of a visa. Visitor visas are usually good for 10 years and permit multiple entry into Canada, though there are certain exceptions.
No matter what kind of entry authorization they have, guests must follow the conditions of their visit and are not allowed to work or study without the necessary license.
Record of visitor
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the port of entry may, but is not required to, provide a visitor record to a foreign citizen upon their arrival as a visitor.
Generally, a visitor record, which is different from your passport, enables you to enter Canada lawfully for a maximum of 183 days. If a border official requests a shorter stay, your visitor record will have an expiration date on it that indicates when you have to depart Canada.
You can request to extend your visitor record if you want to remain in Canada after your present status expires. Before your existing status document expires, you must submit a separate application package to IRCC in order to maintain your visitor status.
It is advised that you apply at least 30 days in advance of the expiration of your current status if you want to extend your temporary visiting status in Canada.
What to Do If Your Temporary Resident Status Has Expired in Canada
IRCC states that you cannot seek for an extension if your temporary resident status has ended, regardless of whether it was obtained through a work permit, visitor visa, or study permit. If you file your application within ninety days of your status expiring, you might be able to apply for a restoration of status. Under some circumstances, restoration enables you to recover your status as a temporary resident.
You have to leave Canada right away if your status has expired and it has been more than ninety days since then. You are not eligible for restoration. To avoid having to leave the country, it’s crucial to make sure your application is submitted within the allotted period.
Steps to Take When Your Work or Study Permit Is About to Expire
As long as they fulfill the prerequisites for their specific permits, Canadian workers and students may request an extension of their status to allow them to carry on working or studying there.
If you stay in Canada, you will have “maintained status” from the time IRCC receives your application for an extension until they make a decision. With this status, you can keep working or going to school in the same circumstances as your application is being processed.
You can present evidence of your application for a permit extension as proof that you have maintained status.