Canada Ends Work Permit Applications for Temporary Visitors

The Canadian government has abruptly ended a policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within the country. This policy, initially introduced in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was intended to assist individuals stranded by travel restrictions. It was originally slated to continue until 2025 but has been terminated early due to concerns about its misuse.

The decision reflects a shift in priorities as the government responds to exploitation issues linked to the policy. Immigration experts have raised alarms about how the policy was exploited by some individuals who misled foreign nationals into entering Canada as visitors with the intention of applying for work permits.

This misuse was particularly prevalent among individuals from countries like India and the Philippines. The government’s early termination of the policy aims to close these loopholes and prevent further abuse of the immigration system.

In light of these changes, Canada is adjusting its immigration framework to address the challenges exposed by the now-ended policy. Despite the termination, the government will continue to process work permit applications that were submitted before the policy’s closure. This approach allows for a transition period while ensuring that applications already in the system are not adversely affected by the policy shift.

The policy change is part of a broader trend of tightening restrictions on temporary foreign worker programs in Canada. These developments come as the country prepares for an upcoming federal election, where immigration policies are likely to be a key issue. The reforms reflect ongoing debates about balancing immigration control with the need to manage foreign worker programs effectively.