Can a Canada visit visa be changed to study/work?

Yes, it is possible to switch from a visitor visa to a study permit or work permit in Canada, but there are specific conditions and processes you need to follow. Here's an outline of the possibilities and how you can go about it:

1. Switching from Visitor Visa to Study Permit

If you're in Canada on a visitor visa and wish to apply for a study permit, here are the steps and conditions:

Eligibility for Study Permit from Visitor Visa

• Full-time study: To apply for a study permit, you need to be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and plan to study full-time.

• Application Process: You cannot apply for a study permit directly from within Canada if you're on a visitor visa, but in some cases, you can apply to change your status from visitor to student without leaving Canada.

Steps for Switching from Visitor Visa to Study Permit

• Apply from within Canada: If you are already in Canada on a visitor visa, you can apply for a study permit within Canada, provided you meet all eligibility criteria for the study permit.

o You will need to provide:

 Proof of acceptance from a DLI.

 Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your studies.

 Proof of no criminal record (e.g., police certificate).

 Proof of sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living expenses.

• Processing Time: It may take a few weeks or months to process your study permit application, so it is essential to apply as early as possible. You should also be aware that you cannot start studying until your study permit is approved.

Important Considerations

• Visitor Visa Validity: If your visitor visa is close to expiring, you might need to extend your visitor status while waiting for your study permit application to be processed.

• Maintaining Legal Status: Ensure that you maintain your legal status in Canada (as a visitor) while your study permit application is pending. If your visitor visa expires before the study permit is approved, you may have to leave Canada and apply from abroad.

2. Switching from Visitor Visa to Work Permit

It is also possible to apply for a work permit while in Canada on a visitor visa, but this typically requires that you meet certain criteria:

Eligibility for Work Permit from Visitor Visa

• You cannot work on a visitor visa in Canada unless you apply for a work permit.

• You need a job offer from a Canadian employer and may have to go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process if required by the type of work permit you're applying for.

Types of Work Permits

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit. In some cases, your employer will need to obtain a positive LMIA (unless you're applying under an exempt category, such as for intra-company transferees).

• Open Work Permit: If you're eligible (for example, if you’re a spouse of a study permit holder or have a specific exemption), you might be able to apply for an open work permit.

Steps for Switching from Visitor Visa to Work Permit

• Apply from within Canada: You can apply for a work permit from within Canada if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you already have a job offer, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit.

o You will need to submit documents such as:

 A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

 Proof of your qualifications and experience for the role.

 Depending on your job and employer, an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) might be required.

• Processing Time: Work permit processing times vary, and you should apply as early as possible before your visitor visa expires.

• Visitor Visa Conditions: You cannot start working until your work permit is approved.

3. General Process for Changing Status

• Apply Online: You can apply to change your status from a visitor to a student or worker through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The application for a study or work permit is usually done online, but paper applications are also an option in some cases.

• Wait for a Decision: While your application is being processed, you must wait for approval before starting any work or study.

• Maintain Legal Status: If your visitor visa is about to expire and you are waiting for a decision on your study or work permit, you must apply for an extension of your visitor visa to ensure you remain in Canada legally while your new permit is being processed.

4. Important Considerations

• Cannot Work on Visitor Visa: If you are on a visitor visa, you cannot work unless you have applied for and received a work permit. Working without authorization can lead to deportation or other legal consequences.

• Study Permit Validity: You can only start studying in Canada once your study permit has been approved. You cannot begin full-time studies on a visitor visa.

• Visitor Visa Limitations: While you can apply to change your status from visitor to student or worker, applying for a study or work permit does not automatically extend your visitor visa. You may need to extend your visitor visa separately while waiting for your new permit.

Summary

It is possible to switch from a visitor visa to a study or work permit in Canada, but the process involves applying for a study permit or work permit while you are in Canada. The key steps are:

1. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements for the type of visa you want to switch to (study or work).

2. Apply for the relevant permit through IRCC.

3. Maintain legal status by applying for an extension of your visitor visa if needed.

4. Wait for approval before starting work or study.

Keep in mind that you cannot work or study until the new permit is approved.