During the Covid-pandemic, Canada introduced a new measure allowing foreign visitors to apply for a work visa while they were staying in the country. This was a temporary rule which was planned to expire in February 2025. However, the Canadian government suspended the measure on 28 August 2024 with immediate effect.
Visit Canada on a visa or an eTA
Most people need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada. Travellers from the UK, Ireland and most other European countries may use the eTA, allowing them to travel visa-free. Applying for an eTA is much easier than applying for a visa. Travellers who do not meet the eTA requirements may apply for a visitor visa instead. Individuals who stay in Canada on an eTA or a visitor visa officially have the status of a visitor.
Permitted activities as a visitor in Canada
Visitors may stay and travel through Canada legally for a limited amount of time. Visitors are allowed to visit family, participate in business meetings or conferences and to study for up to 6 months. In most cases, travellers holding an eTA or a visitor visa are not permitted to work for an employer situated in Canada, however. That is only allowed on a work visa.
Visitors were allowed to apply for a work visa
The Canadian immigration service introduced a measure in August 2020, allowing visitors to apply for a work visa while staying in Canada. This happened during the Covid-pandemic. The objective was to help people who got stuck in Canada due to the travel restrictions that were introduced by many countries at that time. The measure allowed visitors to stay in Canada legally for a longer period of time, and to work for a Canadian company. In 2023, this rule was extended until February 2025.
Temporary visa rule is suspended with immediate effect
The Canadian immigration service announced on 28 August 2024 that the temporary measure allowing visitors to apply for a work visa from within Canada would be suspended with immediate effect. The immigration service will continue to process applications which were submitted before 28 August, but they will not process applications that are submitted after this date. Therefore, visitors can no longer get a work visa while they are staying in Canada. The rule was suspended because the Canadian authorities are looking to increase their control over the number of immigrants and temporary residents in the country.
How can visitors get a work visa now?
You can no longer apply for a work visa while staying in Canada on a visitor visa or an eTA. If you want to work in Canada regardless, you have to leave the country first, after which you may apply for a work visa from another country. Once the application is accepted, you may re-enter Canada and work according to the rules of your visa.
How can visitors extend their stay in Canada?
Visitors may no longer extend their stay in Canada through a work visa application. Applying for a student visa is usually also not possible. To extend your stay as a visitor in Canada, you may, however, apply for a so-called ‘visitor record’. A visitor record extends the duration you are allowed to stay in Canada. Please keep in mind that holders of a visitor record are still regarded as visitors. Therefore, you are not allowed to become employed by a Canadian organisation or to study in the country for more than 6 months.