Canada has announced the end of a policy allowing holders of visitor visas to apply for work permits within the country, effective immediately.
The decision, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Wednesday, is part of broader immigration reforms that have sparked protests, particularly among international students.
The IRCC stated that while the temporary policy was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, it is being terminated earlier to “recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.”
The policy, introduced in August 2020, was designed to assist visitors in Canada who were unable to return home due to COVID-19-related border closures. It allowed visitors to apply for a work permit without leaving the country and permitted those who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but had changed their immigration status to “visitor” to work legally while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
However, the IRCC noted that “some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.” The IRCC also clarified that it would continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the policy.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions as tens of thousands of international students have taken to the streets across Canada to protest new immigration policies introduced by the federal government. These policies could result in the deportation of about 70,000 students.
As of 2023, international students comprised 37% of study visa holders in Canada. However, a recent cap on student visas is expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35%. The government argues that this move is necessary to alleviate pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.
In June, the Canadian government further tightened regulations, announcing that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the border. This decision has raised concerns among students about their future in Canada.
Student advocacy groups, such as the Naujawan Support Network, have warned that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.
