Foreign nationals currently in Canada as visitors who receive a valid job offer can continue to apply for and obtain a work permit without needing to leave the country. Under this public policy, visitors who held a work permit within the past 12 months can also request interim work authorization, allowing them to start working for their new employer more quickly. Originally set to expire February 28, 2023, this COVID-era temporary public policy has been extended by two years, now valid until February 28, 2025. This extension provides employers in Canada, who are currently facing significant labor shortages during this economic expansion, with a broader pool of candidates.


Before this temporary policy was implemented, individuals seeking to work in Canada typically needed to apply for their initial work permit before arriving in the country. If they were already in Canada on visitor status when approved for a work permit, they would have to leave Canada to have it issued. With this policy in effect, that step is no longer necessary.


To qualify under this temporary public policy, applicants must:


 

Hold valid visitor status in Canada on the day they apply
Have a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment
Submit an application for an employer-specific work permit by February 28, 2025
Meet all other standard admissibility requirements

Applicants with visitor status who held a valid work permit within the past 12 months can follow special instructions to obtain interim work authorization, allowing them to begin working for their new employer before their work permit application is fully processed.