Canada has introduced a temporary public policy that allows eligible visitors already in the country to apply for a work permit without leaving Canada. This policy is designed to support employers facing labor shortages while giving foreign nationals a smoother pathway to employment.
It is especially useful for visitors who secure a valid job offer during their stay.
Eligibility Requirements:
To get the benefits of this special policy, a person must:
- A person who wants to apply must have a valid temporary visitor visa from Canada.
- As a tourist, you must be able to stay in Canada until the day you apply.
- Have a job offer backed by a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) or an offer of work that doesn’t need an LMIA.
- By February 2026, you must have applied for an employer-specific work pass.
- Follow all the other rules for getting a work pass.
Benefits of this Temporary Policy:
- Seamless Transition: This makes it easy to switch from a visitor visa to a work pass without having to leave Canada. This makes the process of traveling and entering the country from another country easier and cheaper.
- Continuity of Stay: People can stay in Canada while their application for a work permit is being handled. This gives continuity and security in terms of where you live and your job.
- Job Search Flexibility: People with a visitor visa can look for work in Canada while they are there. This makes it easier to find work before they apply for a work permit. This flexibility can improve job opportunities and make it easier to find a good job.
- Time Savings: People can save time by asking for a work permit in Canada instead of starting the process in their home country. This can speed up the whole process of getting legal permission to work in Canada.
- Cost Savings: If you don’t have to journey abroad to get your visa processed, you can save money on things like lodging, transportation, and visa application fees.
- Opportunities for Integration: Staying in Canada during the application process gives people the chance to become part of Canadian culture, learn about the local job market, and make connections in their field of work.
- Speeded Up Process: The temporary policy speeds up the process of switching from a visitor visa to a work pass, making it easier for people looking for work in Canada.
Read Also: Apply for Free Work Visa & Permit to Work in Luxembourg
How to Apply for the Canada Work Permit?
Based on your situation, you need to apply for the work permit online.
- Applying from outside Canada?
How to Apply for the Canadian Visit Visa?
You can apply for a Canada Visit Visa online. If you want to get a Visitor Visa, please follow these steps.
How to Convert Canada Visit Visa into Work Permit?
For people who are already in Canada on a guest visa or who are looking for work from outside of Canada. I am going to tell you about the best website for foreigners looking for work in Canada.
Job Bank Website:
- The Job Bank website (jobbank.gc.ca) is the main place where people can look for jobs. One of the best services run by the Canadian government is this one.
- If you are not in Canada or are not a Canadian citizen, click on “LMIA.”
- An LMIA-approved job means that the company can hire a foreign worker with or without a work permit.
Can You convert my visitor visa to a work permit in Canada?
Under a short-term plan You can change your travel visa to a work permit in Canada without leaving the country. The end date for this strategy is February 28, 2026.
Can You apply for a work permit while on a visitor visa in Canada?
When you find an LMIA-approved job in Canada while on a visitor visa, you can apply for a work permit. As long as your tourist visa is still valid.
For the most up-to-date information and directions on how to apply, it’s always best to check with the official Canadian government source. This is because the government can always change the facts. Feel free to click on this link for official sources.
Conclsuion:
The Canada visitor to work permit policy gives eligible visitors a rare chance to secure legal employment without leaving the country. With a valid job offer and active visitor status applicants can save time costs and avoid travel disruptions. This temporary pathway remains a valuable option for foreign workers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I convert my visitor visa to a work permit in Canada?
Yes, under the temporary policy, you can change your visitor visa to a work permit in Canada without leaving the country.
How can I apply for a work permit while on a visitor visa in Canada?
If you find an LMIA-approved job in Canada while on a visitor visa, you can apply for a work permit as long as your tourist visa is still valid.
