New Public Policy: Canada Exempts Certain Visitors in Canada From Requirements

It was on August 24, 2020, when a public policy came into effect. The eligibility criteria were expanded and allowed all visitors who were already in Canada; provided that they have a valid temporary resident status to be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit within Canada, regardless of when they have arrived in Canada.

The objective of this policy is to allow eligibility for foreign nationals holding a valid temporary resident status as visitors to be able to apply for a job offer supported work permit from inside Canada. Through this policy foreign nationals will be exempted from the requirements that a work permit not be issued if they failed to comply with a certain temporary residence condition. In addition to this, through this work permit, eligible temporary foreign workers will be allowed to work while they are waiting for the decision with regards to the application of their work permit.

Recently, a temporary public policy was issued by the immigration department that allows certain temporary residents in Canada that holds a visitor status to be able to apply for a work permit from within Canada. In connection to this, under the public policy, visitors who are in Canada may also apply for an employer-specific permit. However, only those who have already held a work permit in the last 12 months.