Ottawa,
August 28, 2024—The
Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
(IRCC), has officially ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors
to apply for work permits from within the country. This policy, which was
initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been terminated
effective immediately, marking a significant shift in Canada’s approach to
managing work permits for foreign nationals.
Background
of the Temporary Public Policy
Implemented during the height of the
COVID-19 pandemic, this temporary measure was designed to provide flexibility
to visitors who found themselves unable to return home due to travel
restrictions and other pandemic-related disruptions. It allowed eligible
visitors to apply for work permits without leaving Canada, a departure from the
usual requirement that work permits be applied for before entering the country.
As of today, IRCC has announced the
conclusion of this temporary policy, signaling a return to more conventional
immigration procedures.
Insights
from the Immigration Community
To gain insights into the
implications of this policy change, we reached out to Luai Walid El Haj, Senior
Immigration Consultant at Get
in Canada, a leading
firm with offices in Montreal and Brampton, specializing in immigration
services for clients from Arab countries.
"The
termination of this policy was expected as the pandemic subsided," said Luai Walid El Haj. "Canada
has been progressively winding down temporary measures that were introduced
during the pandemic. The return to pre-pandemic norms is part of a broader
effort to stabilize and streamline Canada’s immigration processes."
El Haj further elaborated on the
potential reasons behind this decision: "The policy served its purpose
during a time of global uncertainty, providing much-needed flexibility for
visitors who were caught in an unprecedented situation. However, as travel and
economic conditions have improved, the government likely saw the need to revert
to the original framework to ensure a more structured and predictable
immigration system."
Implications
for Future Applicants
With the conclusion of this policy,
visitors currently in Canada who wish to apply for a work permit will now need
to follow the standard procedure, which typically requires them to apply from
outside the country. This change is expected to affect a considerable number of
foreign nationals who were relying on this policy as a pathway to employment in
Canada.
For those impacted by this policy
change, Get in Canada offers a range of services to help navigate the
complexities of Canada’s immigration system. The firm’s team of experts, led by
Luai Walid El Haj, is well-equipped to provide guidance on alternative pathways
and ensure that clients are fully informed of their options.
"We
understand that this change may be challenging for some visitors," El Haj commented. "Our team
is ready to assist those affected, whether it’s through exploring alternative
visa options or providing detailed advice on how to comply with Canada’s
immigration regulations."