PUBLIC POLICY: TEMP. CHANGES FOR VISITORS TO APPLY W.P

As a result of the unprecedented upheaval caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many foreign nationals may be in Canada for the foreseeable future without the ability to seek employment as visitors. 

 

This includes former temporary foreign workers who transitioned to visitor status upon the expiry of their work permits, visitors who had their plans disrupted by COVID-19 impacts such as international border restrictions, job loss, or illness, and visitors who continue to travel to Canada for non-discretionary and/or compassionate reasons.

 

Despite increased unemployment across Canada, labour shortages persist in key areas of the Canadian economy, including in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.

 

This public policy will:

  • permit eligible foreign nationals with valid temporary resident status to apply for a job offer-supported work permit from inside Canada;
  • exempt eligible foreign nationals from the requirement that a work permit not be issued if they have not complied with certain temporary resident conditions; and
  • allow eligible former temporary foreign workers to work while a decision on their work permit application is pending.

Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other legislative obligations and admissibility and selection requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy.

This public policy takes effect on April 1, 2021 and expires on August 31, 2021.