Are you in Canada as a visitor, but would love to work if given the opportunity? Here's the good news: you can convert your visitor visa to a work visa from inside Canada, and you have until February 28, 2023, to do this!
The Public Policy That Allows You to Apply for a Work Permit From Inside Canada
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you couldn’t apply for a work permit in Canada if you held a temporary resident visa. Instead, you must submit your work permit application to the visa office of your home country. You will have to leave Canada if approved and enter Canada again for it to come into effect. However, with the temporary public policy issued on August 24, 2020, certain visitors in Canada can now apply for an employer-specific work permit without the need to leave the country. Therefore, this policy helps employers find workers and temporary workers to join the Canadian workforce.
Who Is Eligible to Convert Their Visitor Visa to a Work Visa?
To enable you to convert your visitor visa to a work visa from inside Canada:
- You must have a valid job offer.
- Your visitor status is valid on the day of your application. If you have an expired visitor status, you must apply for the restoration of your status before submitting a work permit application.
- You submit your application for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2023.
Can I Do It If I Already Have a Work Permit Before? (or something like that?)
Make sure to update it on November 16, 2022, so you will remain eligible for an ITA.
If you already received an ITA before this date, you should continue using the NOC 2016 for your permanent residence application.
Are you excited to get started? For more information on how to convert your visitor visa to a work visa from inside Canada, contact us today or send us an email at inquiry@sureimmigration.com.