On August 28, 2024, IRCC has announced the immediate termination of its temporary public policy that allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits from within the country. This policy, initially introduced in August 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was aimed at assisting travellers who were unable to leave Canada due to travel restrictions. However, IRCC has now decided to end the policy early, citing concerns about its misuse by scammers and a growing influx of temporary residents.
Why Was the Policy Terminated Early?
Originally scheduled to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC decided to cut the policy short to better regulate the number of temporary workers in Canada and address cases where the policy was exploited by individuals seeking employment without following proper legal procedures. The department noted that some individuals had used the policy to obtain work permits illegally, which contributed to the decision to end it ahead of schedule.
While applications submitted before August 28, 2024, will still be processed under the previous rules, no new applications will be accepted under this policy moving forward.
Impact on Start-Up Visa (SUV) Applicants
The termination of this policy could have specific implications for entrepreneurs participating in the SUV program, especially those who are already in Canada as visitors.
1. Work Permit Considerations for SUV Participants
SUV applicants who are in Canada on a visitor visa and hoping to apply for a work permit while in-country will no longer be able to take advantage of the now-defunct public policy. This means that applicants may face delays in obtaining work permits, making it more challenging to actively engage in their Canadian business ventures while awaiting permanent residency approval.
2. Changes for Dependents
Additionally, it’s important to consider how this policy change might affect dependents of SUV applicants. Although the change doesn’t explicitly mention dependents, the termination of this policy may also impact those seeking visitor visas or study permits for their families accompanying the main applicants who could previously apply for the Work Permit within Canada.
Eterna International’s Advice
In light of this development, Eterna International advises SUV applicants currently residing in Canada to avoid applying for work permits at this time, as it could introduce complications into the overall application process for permanent residency. Refraining from filing work permit applications during this transition period may help avoid delays and ensure smoother processing for the SUV program.
Instead, applicants may need to explore alternative pathways or plan for applying for work permits from outside Canada, in line with existing immigration laws.
Eterna International is committed to staying informed on any further updates related to temporary public policies and their potential impact on the SUV application process. We will continue to provide accurate and timely advice to our clients to help navigate these changes and ensure their applications proceed smoothly.
Contact us for accurate and up-to-date information for your clients!
