Can an individual on a visitor visa to Canada apply for a work permit in Canada?

It is daunting to navigate through the complexities of Canadian immigration, but visitors can change their visa status to a work permit under certain conditions. This is made possible by a temporary public policy that was extended until February 28, 2025. Below, we will go over some key information that you may like to know if you are thinking about this kind of status change.

 1. Is It Possible to Convert a Visitor Visa into a Work Permit?

In Canada, it is possible to change a visitor visa into a work permit. Visitors on visitor visas in Canada may apply for a work permit without leaving the country as a result of the extension of the temporary policy. The policy was originally intended to alleviate labour shortages, and such visitors will find it especially useful if they get a job offer during their stay.

 2. Eligibility Criteria

Applying for a work permit while on visitor visa status: To apply, you will need the following: You must be in valid visitor status when you apply for a work permit, and you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is typically supported by an LMIA or may be LMIA exempt.

- Employer-Specific Work Permit: The application should be made for an employer-specific work permit; it means that the work permit is connected to the job and the employer that extended the offer of employment to you.

 3. How to convert a Canada Visitor Visa to a Canada Work Permit?

Conversion of a visitor visa to a work permit involves the following key steps:

1. Get a Job Offer: Get a valid job offer from an employer in Canada, which should either be supported by an LMIA or exempt from LMIA requirements.

2. Application for the Work Permit: Apply for an employer-specific work permit in Canada before the temporary policy expires on February 28, 2025.

3. Temporary Work Authorization: If you are awaiting a work permit, you can apply for interim authorization to start working without waiting.

4. What Happens After the Temporary Policy Expires?

The temporary policy of allowing visitors to apply for a work permit from Canada will no longer be in effect after February 28, 2025. In that case, candidates would typically go through the "flag poling" process. They would have to leave Canada, and then re-enter to apply for the work permit. This is a technical process, however, and it is very strongly advisable to proceed with extreme caution.

 5. Key Considerations

LMIA requirement: Getting a job offer with LMIA is not easy because it needs an employer to prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the particular job. However, a certain job might be LMIA-exempt, hence one will more easily get a work permit.

Interim Authorization: If an interim authorization is granted, one has the opportunity to start working immediately after qualifying on all other counts while the work permit application is being processed.

6. Take Professional Help     

The change of a visitor visa into a work permit faces so many rules and exceptions that this complicates the process. It would be a lot easier to seek the services of licensed immigration consultants who can keep an applicant informed regarding his/ her eligibility criteria.

It's now much easier to change a visitor visa to a work permit for candidates who are eligible and get a valid job offer. Therefore, changing a Canada visitor visa to a work permit is possible for candidates who are eligible and obtain a valid job offer. It is, however, very important that one acts within the policy timeframe and consults immigration experts for easy processing. You can thus avail the opportunity of living and working in Canada with a privilege not necessarily to leave the country.

For more queries and concerns you can refer to https://www.aptechvisa.com/canada-tourist-visa-from-india  you can also give us a call at 7503832132, can also write us at info@aptechvisa.com