Canada abolishes policy permitting individuals with visitor visas to apply for work permits
Holders of Canadian visitor visas will no longer be eligible to apply for work permits while in the country. This change comes amid recent immigration reforms that have sparked significant protests, particularly among international students.
On Wednesday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it will immediately terminate the policy allowing visitors to obtain work permits. Originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, this policy is being discontinued as part of broader efforts to manage the number of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
The policy, which was introduced in August 2020, was intended to assist visitors who were stranded in Canada due to COVID-19-related border closures. It allowed them to apply for work permits without leaving the country and permitted those who had recently held work permits but changed their status to “visitor” to continue working while awaiting decisions on new work permit applications.
However, the IRCC noted that some individuals exploited this policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. As a result, the IRCC will only process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the old policy.
The move follows recent tensions as tens of thousands of international students protested new federal immigration policies that could lead to the deportation of approximately 70,000 students. As of 2023, international students represent 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada. The new cap on student visas is expected to decrease the intake of foreign students by 35 percent, a measure the government argues is necessary to address issues related to housing, unemployment, and public services.
Additionally, in June, the Canadian government further restricted regulations by prohibiting foreign nationals from applying for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) at the border. This has raised concerns among students about their future prospects in Canada.
Student advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, have warned that many international graduates may face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.
