Temporary public policy to exempt certain out-of-status foreign nationals in Canada from immigration requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic

Date Announced:

December 20, 2020

Active Period:

December 20, 2021 until August 31, 2021.

Overview:

This public policy will: 1) provide eligible foreign nationals (visitors, temporary workers and international students) who have fallen out of status during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., between January 30, 2020 and May 31, 2021) with more time to restore their temporary resident status; 2) exempt eligible foreign nationals from the requirement that a work or study permit not be issued if they have not complied with certain temporary resident conditions; and 3) allow eligible temporary workers applying for a work permit supported by a job offer, to work while a decision on their restoration application is pending. This includes former workers who have applied, or will apply, within 90 days of losing their temporary resident status, and those availing themselves of the public policy exemption to apply after 90 days have past.

Departments and Agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Type of Administrative Action:

  • Programmatic Changes

    • Immigration Category:

    Economic migrants | International students | Temporary foreign workers | Temporary residents | Visitors

    Keywords:

    out-of-status | study permit | temporary resident status | work permit

    Source Document(s):

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/out-of-status-covid-19-updated.html

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