Can a Canadian Visitor Visa Be Converted to a Student or Work Permit?

As of August 28, 2024, the temporary public policy that allowed visitors in Canada to apply for a work permit from within the country has been terminated. This policy, introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to assist those stranded in Canada due to travel restrictions. While the option to apply for a work permit from within Canada is no longer available, other avenues still exist for converting a visitor visa to either a student or work permit. Let's explore the journey and the regulations in detail.

Converting a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit

With the end of the temporary policy, visitors can no longer apply for a work permit from inside Canada under regular circumstances. Instead, there are a few key steps and requirements to follow:

Leave Canada to Apply: You must leave Canada to apply for a work permit in your home country or another eligible country. A job offer from a Canadian employer is required. Additionally, you might need to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the necessity of hiring a foreign worker. LMIA-Exempt Options: In some circumstances, you may be eligible for a work permit without an LMIA if your job falls under LMIA-exempt categories. Examples include international agreements like CUSMA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or intra-company transfers. However, even in these cases, you will generally still need to apply for the work permit from outside Canada. Exceptions: Certain visitors can apply for a work permit from within Canada under limited exceptions. These include: Spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers or students Certain international agreements or programs like youth mobility agreements

Converting a Visitor Visa to a Study Permit

Converting a visitor visa to a study permit remains possible, albeit with certain conditions:

Get Accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): The first step is to apply to and get accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Once you receive your acceptance letter, you can proceed with the study permit application. Apply for a Study Permit from Within Canada: In certain cases, you may apply for a study permit from within Canada. These situations include: Minor children of foreign workers or international students Visitors who are already in Canada and have taken a short course (less than six months) and wish to continue studying

To get a study permit, you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and transportation costs. Additionally, you need to provide a valid passport and demonstrate ties to your home country.

Conclusion

With the termination of the temporary public policy on August 28, 2024, visitors in Canada no longer have the option to apply for a work permit from within the country. However, it is still possible to apply for a study permit under certain conditions. If you plan to work in Canada, you will likely need to leave the country and apply for a work permit from abroad. For professional guidance, consulting an immigration expert can help you navigate the new regulations.