Canada has abruptly ended its policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within the country. The policy, introduced in August 2020, was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, and was designed to assist visitors stranded by COVID-19 travel restrictions in obtaining legal work status without leaving Canada.
Policy Termination and Its Implications
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has decided to terminate the policy early, citing concerns over an increasing number of temporary residents and the need to safeguard the immigration system’s integrity. The move comes amid reports of policy exploitation, where some individuals misled foreign nationals into working illegally in Canada.
Applications submitted before August 28, 2024, will still be processed under the old policy, according to the IRCC. This sudden policy change is expected to significantly impact many migrants, including Nigerians, who are currently navigating the ‘Japa’ wave—a trend of seeking better opportunities abroad.
Background
The policy provided a crucial avenue for foreign nationals to secure work permits without leaving Canada, which had been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to end it early reflects broader efforts to manage the number of temporary residents and maintain the system’s integrity.