Can visitors get a job in Canada?

The IRCC had announced a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to take up employment in Canada. Recently, IRCC has discontinued that public policy and visitors are not eligible to work on a visitor visa in Canada. The expiry date for the policy was February 28, 2025, but it has been discontinued to maintain the integrity of the Canadian Immigration system. However, you can convert your visitor visa to a Canadian work permit if you have a valid job offer in Canada. With a valid Canadian work permit, you can migrate, work, and stay as a temporary legal resident. You can even apply for Canada PR and citizenship later upon eligibility.

*Looking for jobs in Canada? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services for complete assistance!

How to convert a Canada Visit visa to a Canadian work permit?

Following the termination of the public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within the country, Canada visit visa holders must go through the flag poling process to apply for a Canadian work permit. Immigrants with a valid job offer in Canada now have to exit and re-enter the country after applying for a Canadian work permit. 

How to apply for a Canadian work permit?

Once you get a valid job offer in Canada, you can apply for a Canadian work permit by following the steps listed below:

Step 1: Determine the type of work permit you want to apply for

Step 2: Gather all the documents required

Step 3: Fill out the application form

Step 4: Complete the fee payment

Step 5: Fly to Canada upon approval

*Want to work in Canada? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!

Canada work permit processing time and fees

The average processing time for a Canadian work permit is around 3 to 4 months, depending on the type of work permit you have chosen and the country you are applying from. However, you might be eligible for a faster processing if:

• You are hired under the Innovation Stream
• Your job role falls under the NOC TEER Category 0 or 1
• You do not require an LMIA

Note: You can qualify for 2-week processing if you have a positive LMIA via the Global Talent Stream under the Global Skills Strategy.

The table below has the complete breakdown of costs for a Canadian work permit:

 *Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canada immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s no.1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!