Public Policy allowing visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada has been extended until February 28, 2022.
The original public policy that came into effect on August 24, 2020 was set to end on March 31, 2021 was extended on April 1 until August 31, and has now been extended again to February 28, 2022.
Besides allowing foreign nationals with visitor status applying for a work permit, the policy also allows former foreign workers in Canada to work while a decision on their work permit application is pending.
In both cases, the work permit needs to be supported by a LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment.
To be eligible, the foreign national needs to be in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor, including status extensions, and has remained in Canada with status since application submission.
Former temporary worker who converted to visitor status may also be eligible for interim authorization to work if they meet the requirements above and held a valid work permit in the 12 months preceding the date on which they submitted their application for a work permit under the public policy, even though they are now only a visitor. They need to apply separately using IRCC Web form and request that the authorization to work be applicable until a decision is made on their work permit application.
Contact us if you need assistance to apply for your work permit via this public policy.
