During this time of economic growth, Canadian employers are experiencing significant labor shortages. To address this issue, they can still explore the option of hiring foreign citizens who are on visitor visas. This is possible because the temporary public policy, which allows visitors to apply for work visas within Canada during the COVID era, has been extended for two years until February 28, 2025, as announced by the IRCC.
Under this policy, foreign nationals who are currently in Canada as visitors and receive a valid job offer can apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. Moreover, visitors who have held a work permit within the last 12 months can request interim work authorization to start working for their new employer more quickly.
Previously, applicants needed to apply for their initial work permit before coming to Canada, and those who were already in Canada with visitor status when their work permit was approved needed to leave Canada to be issued their work permit. With this new policy in place, leaving Canada is no longer necessary.
To be eligible, an applicant must have valid visitor status on the day of application, a job offer supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, and submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025. Additionally, the applicant must meet all other standard admissibility criteria.
As a leading Canada immigration lawyer in India, we suggest that all Indian citizens looking to take advantage of these extended rules to conduct thorough research about the job market in different parts of Canada, identify prospective employers, and prepare a professional-looking resume in PDF format to send to companies and post on job portals in Canada. They should also be available for video conferencing for potential interviews and be prepared to travel to Canada if required.
Although our Indian Immigration law firm does not offer services in securing jobs in Canada for applicants, as a trusted Canada immigration consultant in Ahmedabad, we can assist with the job search process and legally process LMIA applications, work permit applications within or outside Canada, and visitor visa applications if necessary.
For more information and assistance in your Canada immigration matter please contact Ajmera Law Group – click here
Mr. Prashant Ajmera is an Indian immigration lawyer, Canadian citizen, and author of two books – see his video profile