Canada Ends Visitor Work Permit Applications: Key Changes and Implications
As of August 28, 2023, Canada has officially ended a temporary policy that allowed visitors on a visitor visa to apply for job-supported work permits from within the country. This significant policy shift, announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), marks a move away from pandemic-era measures introduced in August 2020 to address labor shortages exacerbated by COVID-19 border closures.
Background: Temporary Policy Introduction
The temporary policy was initially established to help those visitors who were unable to return home due to international travel restrictions. It allowed certain eligible visitors to apply for work permits to support themselves while also helping Canadian employers fill critical labor gaps. The policy was set to expire in February 2025 but has been curtailed earlier as part of a broader strategy to manage and recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada.
Reasons for the Change
IRCC cited several reasons for this abrupt policy rollback:
- Preserving Immigration System Integrity: The Canadian government aims to maintain the integrity of its immigration system amidst rising concerns about immigration fraud.
- Combatting Abuse of the System: Reports indicated that some individuals were exploiting the policy, misleading foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization. This includes cases where individuals presented false job offers or acceptance letters from educational institutions.
- Adjustment to Temporary Resident Levels: The recent changes are part of a broader initiative to reduce temporary foreign worker levels in Canada. The government is keen to address the influx of temporary residents and ensure that the immigration framework serves its intended purpose.
Ongoing Applications and Other Work Permits
While the policy has been repealed, applications submitted before the cut-off date will still be processed. Furthermore, visitors may still apply for certain types of work permits from within Canada, such as Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs), which facilitate transitions to permanent residency.
Recent Policy Trends in Immigration
The decision to end the visitor work permit application policy aligns with a series of other changes targeting temporary foreign workers. Recent announcements included:
- Restrictions on Low-Wage Stream Applications: The processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage workers has been paused in areas with high unemployment rates.
- Caps on Foreign Worker Hiring: Employers will now be limited to hiring only 10% of their workforce from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- Shortened Employment Terms: The maximum duration for low-wage stream workers’ employment has been reduced from two years to one year.
These measures signal a tightening of immigration policies, moving away from the flexibility afforded during the pandemic.
Future Outlook for Canadian Immigration
Minister of Immigration Marc Miller has emphasized that immigration will remain a cornerstone of Canada’s strategy for economic growth and labor market needs. However, he has also indicated a willingness to reevaluate permanent residence levels in the coming years to ensure a balanced approach to immigration.
As Canada adjusts its policies post-pandemic, the emphasis appears to be on refining the immigration system to enhance its integrity and effectiveness. The elimination of the visitor work permit application option underscores the government’s commitment to managing temporary resident levels while continuing to meet labor market demands.