In a significant policy shift, Canada has ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within the country. This policy, introduced in August 2020 to assist visitors stranded due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, was initially set to expire in February 2025.

However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its early termination on August 28, 2024.

The decision aims to recalibrate the number of temporary residents and preserve the integrity of the immigration system. The IRCC cited concerns over misuse of the policy by bad actors misleading foreign nationals into unauthorized work.

Applications submitted before the policy’s end will still be processed. This change comes amidst broader efforts to combat immigration fraud and manage temporary foreign worker levels in Canada.