The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the immediate termination of a temporary public policy that permitted certain visitors in Canada to apply for a work permit from within the country. This policy, originally implemented in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to assist visitors who were unable to leave Canada due to travel restrictions.
The policy allowed eligible visitors to bypass the usual process of applying for a work permit at a consular post or port of entry, instead submitting their applications from within Canada. Furthermore, those applying for employer-specific work permits, who had held a work permit in the last 12 months, could request interim authorization to work while their applications were being processed. This concession was particularly valuable for individuals who needed to maintain their employment status without facing prolonged gaps during the processing period.
Initially, this policy was set to expire in February 2025. However, IRCC has chosen to end the policy ahead of schedule as part of the government's broader strategy to manage the number of temporary residents in the country. The IRCC stated that any applications received before August 28, 2024, will still be processed under the previous guidelines, ensuring that those who applied before the deadline will not be adversely affected by the sudden change.
The early conclusion of this policy reflects Canada's shifting priorities as the country moves away from pandemic-related measures. While it provided much-needed flexibility for visitors during an unprecedented global crisis, the policy's termination signals a return to more stringent immigration processes as the country recalibrates its approach to managing temporary residents.
Pros and Cons Summary:
Pros:
The policy allowed eligible visitors to bypass the usual process of applying for a work permit at a consular post or port of entry, instead submitting their applications from within Canada. Furthermore, those applying for employer-specific work permits, who had held a work permit in the last 12 months, could request interim authorization to work while their applications were being processed. This concession was particularly valuable for individuals who needed to maintain their employment status without facing prolonged gaps during the processing period.
Initially, this policy was set to expire in February 2025. However, IRCC has chosen to end the policy ahead of schedule as part of the government's broader strategy to manage the number of temporary residents in the country. The IRCC stated that any applications received before August 28, 2024, will still be processed under the previous guidelines, ensuring that those who applied before the deadline will not be adversely affected by the sudden change.
The early conclusion of this policy reflects Canada's shifting priorities as the country moves away from pandemic-related measures. While it provided much-needed flexibility for visitors during an unprecedented global crisis, the policy's termination signals a return to more stringent immigration processes as the country recalibrates its approach to managing temporary residents.
Pros and Cons Summary:
Pros:
- Flexibility for Applicants: The policy offered significant flexibility for visitors in Canada during the pandemic, allowing them to apply for work permits without leaving the country.
- Interim Work Authorization: Eligible individuals could continue working while their applications were being processed, minimizing employment gaps.
- Pandemic Support: The policy was a vital support mechanism for those stranded in Canada due to travel restrictions, helping them maintain their livelihood.
- Early Termination: The policy's unexpected early end may disrupt plans for individuals who intended to apply under the previous guidelines, reducing the time available for such applications.
- Stricter Immigration Controls: The policy's termination signals a return to more rigid immigration processes, potentially complicating the application process for future visitors.
- Reduced Options: Visitors now have fewer options to apply for work permits from within Canada, reverting to the more traditional and potentially time-consuming methods.