Temporary public policy to exempt certain Visitors in Canada from immigration requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic

Date Announced:

April 1, 2021

Active Period:

April 1, 2021 until August 31, 2021.

Overview:

Despite increased unemployment across Canada, labour shortages persist in key areas of the Canadian economy, including in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. In-Canada Visitors (Foreign Nationals) may have the experience and skills needed to fill the gaps where employers may have previously sought workers from abroad. Allowing Visitors (Foreign Nationals) to apply for work permits associated with a job offer while in Canada would give foreign nationals with visitor status the ability to support themselves during their time in Canada while also addressing employer needs. This public policy will: A) permit eligible foreign nationals with valid temporary resident status to apply for a job offer-supported work permit from inside Canada; B) 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 C) allow eligible former temporary foreign workers to work while a decision on their work permit application is pending.

Departments and Agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Type of Administrative Action:

  • Programmatic Changes

    • Immigration Category:

    Temporary residents | Visitors

    Keywords:

    agriculture | health-care sector | labour shortage,

    Source Document(s):

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/public-policy-Visitors (Foreign Nationals)-exempt-updated.html

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