Canada Ends Temporary Public Policy
Ottawa, August 28, 2024—In a recent announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) declared the end of the temporary public policy that permitted visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada. This policy change is effective immediately.
Background of the Policy
IRCC initially introduced the temporary public policy in August 2020, responding to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and other pandemic-related complications left many visitors stranded in Canada, unable to return to their home countries. To address this unique situation, IRCC allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within the country, providing them with a legal avenue to work while remaining in Canada.
The policy also benefited foreign nationals who had previously held a work permit but had changed their status to “visitor.” These individuals were permitted to work legally in Canada while their new work permit applications were being processed, ensuring continuity of employment for those affected by the pandemic.
Reasons for Ending the Policy
Although the policy was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC has decided to terminate it earlier. The decision aligns with the broader objective of managing the number of temporary residents in Canada and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.
The IRCC noted that some individuals exploited the policy, misleading foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. Ending the policy is part of IRCC’s effort to address these issues and ensure that immigration policies are not misused.
Implications for Current and Future Applicants
IRCC assured that applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the temporary policy, would still be processed according to the guidelines in place at the time of submission. This ensures that those who acted within the policy’s timeframe will not be adversely affected by the sudden policy change.
For future applicants, the termination of this policy means that visitors in Canada will once again need to leave the country to apply for work permits. This reversion to pre-pandemic procedures underscores the IRCC’s commitment to regularizing immigration processes and preventing potential abuses of the system.
Conclusion
The end of the temporary public policy signifies a step towards recalibrating Canada’s approach to temporary residents and reinforcing the country’s immigration framework. While the policy served its purpose during an unprecedented global crisis, its termination aims to uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and address any potential misuse. Visitors and foreign nationals must now adhere to the standard processes for obtaining work permits, ensuring compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.