Visitor visa holders inside Canada continues to be eligible to apply for work permit until February 28, 2025

While the process of converting a visitor visa to work permit in Canada can be complicated, it is doable with the correct knowledge and planning. 

Visitors are usually not allowed to apply for work permits from within Canada.

But there is a temporary public policy still in effect until February 28, 2025, that allows visitors to Canada to apply for work permits.

This article offers a detailed description, a list of necessary documents, processing times, and an explanation of the expenses, including the cost of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

Visitor Visa: With this visa, you can enter Canada temporarily—usually for up to six months—for things like business meetings, vacations, or family visits. 

You can extend your stay after 6 months by applying for an extension called a visitor record.

Work Permit: With this permit, you may lawfully work in Canada. Work permits can be open, enabling you to work for any Canadian employer, or employer-specific, linked to a particular job and firm.

Converting a visitor visa directly to a work permit usually requires an employer-specific or closed work permit. 

Application Requirements

You have to fulfill the following basic requirements to change your visitor visa to a work permit:

1. Obtain a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) demonstrating that hiring you won’t have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market.
2. An LMIA is not needed for occupations that are LMIA-exempt, such as caregivers. In such scenarios, only a job offer is needed.
3. Legal visitor status: Throughout the process until you receive a work permit, you must maintain your legal status as a visitor in Canada.

Visitor Visa to Work Permit Step-Wise Guide

Get a Job Offer

Find a Canadian employer that will hire you first. Utilize recruitment firms, internet job boards, and networking. 

Make sure the job offer you get is thorough and spells out the conditions of employment.

LMIA obtained by Employer

An LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is required by most of the employers. 

This entails demonstrating the lack of Canadian candidates to fill a job position after adequately advertising it in Canada.

Cost of LMIA: Each position requires a CAD 1,000 non-refundable processing fee from the employer.

Submitting work permit application

You can then apply for a work permit after getting the LMIA (or a job offer if the position is exempt from it). 

Eligible visitors can apply online via the secure IRCC account.

Documents needed:

• A job offer letter with specifics of the position and conditions of employment.
• Positive LMIA paperwork (not needed for jobs exempt from LMIA).
• Documentation of Current Status: Documentation proving your visitor status in Canada.
• Filled in the necessary forms: IMM 5710 Application Form, and, if relevant, IMM 5476 (Representative Use).
• Passport: A current passport must have one blank page at least.
• Photos that fit the requirements—passport-sized pictures.
• Proof of Funds: Bank accounts demonstrating your ability to sustain oneself.
• Medical Exam: Depending on your role or place of origin, if necessary.
• Application processing fees of CAD 155 for the work permit and CAD 85 for biometrics (if applicable).

Click here to view the full instruction guide on the IRCC website to apply online.

What is the interim work authorization?

Applying for a work visa in Canada while in visitor status will take you around 135 days to get one. You cannot, therefore, work until your work visa is granted.

However, you can request an “Interim Authorization to Work” from the IRCC that will allow you to get to work faster. 

If you have been extended a job offer from the Canadian employer, you can begin working after getting interim work authorization from IRCC.

To obtain the interim authorization to work, you need to fill out the IRCC web form requesting the same.

Do not start work until IRCC gets in touch. It can take up to 30 working days (6 weeks) to get a work authorization confirmation.

What is the processing time for work permits inside Canada?

92 days is the average processing time for work permits inside Canada, as per the most recent IRCC processing time update.