Visitors Can Apply Work Permit Without Leaving Canada/Border

[Onkar]

My cousin is a visitor in Canada since the first week of January 2020. He could not go back because of covid-19 and non-availability of the flights. We got his status extended. Today I heard a news on the radio that people who are visitors in Canada can apply for a work permit without leaving Canada. Is this true?

[Rajpal (Admin)]

Due to the pandemic, visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country.

However, the applicant must

• have valid status in Canada as a visitor on August 24, 2020 and remain in Canada
• have a job offer
• submit an application for an employer-specific work permit that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, no later than March 31, 2021
• meet all other standard admissibility criteria

For more details, check the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/08/new-temporary-public-policy-will-allow-visitors-to-apply-for-a-work-permit-without-having-to-leave-canada.html