Canadian Immigration News

COVID-19 Measures for Visitors in Canada Extended Till 2022

2 minute read
"The Canadian government recently announced the extension of the Covid-19 related measures introduced to allow international visitors to apply for temporary work permits till February 28, 2022. First introduced on August 24, 2020, this measure allows temporary residents in Canada with a valid Visitor Visa to apply for a closed or employer-specific work permit."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Oct 6, 2021
hand holding a canadian flag my visa source
Begin your immigration journey now
Click and fill out a free online assessment to see how we can help you. It takes less than 1 minute to fill out.
Free Assessment
Call and speak to our team, so that they can book a time with a licensed immigration professional who will answer all your questions.
Call Us Now
Author info:

The Canadian government recently announced the extension of the Covid-19 related measures introduced to allow international visitors to apply for temporary work permits till February 28, 2022. First introduced on August 24, 2020, this measure allows temporary residents in Canada with a valid Visitor Visa to apply for a closed or employer-specific work permit. 

Why Was this Measure Introduced?

This measure was a way to allow temporary residents to change their status from visitors to work without leaving the country. Also, this measure was introduced to help Canadian employers facing worker shortages and also to help visitors enter the Canadian workforce to meet this shortage. With international travel and border restrictions, the only way to meet these shortages was by allowing foreigners already in Canada to change their status. 

According to the latest labor market statistics, the job vacancies rate peaked in June with a total of 815,800 job openings. This is the highest number since Statistics Canada started collecting data in October 2020. According to the report, the labor market shortages are expected to worsen in the coming months, putting pressure on immigration to provide for the shortage.

What Is a Closed or Employer Specific Work Permit?

Unlike an open work permit, a closed or employer-specific work permit allows the holder to work for only one specific employer at one specific location in Canada. Candidates can not change their employer or their place of employment without affecting their status.

Who Is Eligible for a Temporary Work Permit Under this Measure?

Initially, visitors who were present in Canada before August 24, 2020, with valid temporary resident status were eligible for this work permit. However, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded the eligibility criteria to include all visitors in Canada regardless of when they first entered Canada.

To be eligible for a closed or employer-specific permit under these measures, you will be required to meet the following requirements:

  • Be present in Canada with a valid temporary residence permit, including maintained status
  • Apply for a closed or employer-specific work permit
  • Submit this application before February 28, 2022

Applicants with expired work permits who have applied for this work permit can obtain interim work authorization while waiting for their application to be processed. They must have temporary or maintained status and apply for a closed or employer-specific work permit.

It will be helpful to visitors who arrive in Canada despite the travel restrictions. However, since September 7, 2021, Canada has eased all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international travelers.

Questions About Immigration? My Visa Source Has Answers.
My Visa Source stays updated on all immigration news and announcements across Canada and the United States, including sudden changes in government law. Our legal solutions help individuals, families, businesses and investors from North America and around the globe.
Get The Personalized Help That You Need and Deserve!
Securing personalized legal help is quick and simple. Begin with our one-minute online immigration assessment form or call us toll-free at 1-888-509-1987. Book a personal consultation to speak with an award-winning immigration lawyer either in person, over the telephone, or through a video conference. We're open 6am-9pm PST & EST, 7 days a week and are ready for in person, phone, and video consultations.
Canadian Flag
Latest Articles from Immigration Magazine