Policy permitting certain visitors to apply for a work visa in Canada: Program delivery for COVID-19

A temporary public policy has been implemented that allows certain temporary residents in Canada with visitor status to apply for a work visa from within the country. While all visitors in Canada are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit under the public policy, only those who have previously held a work permit are eligible to apply for interim authority to work.

The public policy took effect on August 24, 2020, and the eligibility conditions were expanded to allow any visitors in Canada with valid temporary residence status, regardless of when they arrived, to apply onshore for an employer-specific work visa. The government policy will be extended until February 28, 2023.

To apply for an employer-specific work permit, visitors must meet certain criteria.

The foreign visitor

• at the time of work permit application submission is in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor, including status extensions under paragraph 183(5) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), that is, maintained status.
• has used the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] to submit an employer-specific work permit application.
• Since his application, he has remained in Canada with status.
• submitted the application on or before February 28, 2023