How to Convert Canada Visitor Visa to Work Permit in 2026?
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After the policy update in September 2024, though not directly, explore how you can convert Canada visitor visa to work permit in 2026, along with Canada work permit process and requirements for Indians
Your Complete Canada PR Roadmap- From Eligibility to Visa
Table of Contents
- Latest Update: Policy of Converting Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada Has Been Officially Cancelled
- Steps by Step Process to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada
- Interim Authorization to Work
- Documents Needed to Apply for Work Permit in Canada
- Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada without LMIA
- Processing Fees for Work Permit in Canada
- Processing Time for Work Permit Canada
- Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada: How Can Visitors Work In Canada?
- Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada: Streamline Your Path from India to Canada
Are you also wondering is it possible to convert a Visitor visa into a Work Permit in Canada? If yes then what is the process to convert? A lot more such questions trail behind.
Latest Update: Policy of Converting Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada Has Been Officially CancelledImmigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially ended a temporary public policy that allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits from within the country as of August 28, 2024.This policy, initially introduced in August 2020, was designed to support visitors who were unable to leave Canada due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. It enabled visitors to apply for a work permit without leaving the country and permitted foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months—subsequently changing their status to "visitor"—to work legally in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application. Although the policy was originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, the IRCC has decided to end it earlier as part of broader efforts to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada and uphold the integrity of the immigration system. However, applications submitted under this policy before August 28, 2024, will still be processed. |
Steps by Step Process to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada
The process to convert a tourist visa to work permit in Canada needs you to adhere to a few set criteria or requirements by IRCC. The standard steps with which you can convert your tourist visa into a work permit include:
Step 1: Submit an Application for a Job in Canada
First, you must make sure that you have a job for which you require a work permit. To apply for a job in Canada, you can look for jobs on Indeed, LinkedIn, or the individual company's website.
However, keep in mind that your CV should adhere to Canadian standards to be considered.
Step 2: Get an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) Approved Offer Letter
Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA Canada approved are companies that are allowed to hire foreign workers. Make sure you have applied to a company that has been LMIA-approved.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You must gather the visitor to work Permit in Canada documents mentioned below and make sure these are certified and legitimate.
Step 4: Apply for the Employer Specific Work Permit
Once you've got the job and gathered the required documents, you can apply for the work permit.
The application process can be done online through the IRCC website or by submitting a paper application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Step 5: Start Working Without Leaving Canada
While you await your work visa acceptance, Canada approves you to work in the country with an Interim Authorization for Work, an initiative that will authorize foreigners to start working in Canada immediately.
Interim Authorization to Work
After discussing how to convert a Canada Visit visa to Work permit, let’s understand the Interim Authorization to Work, which is really important in practical exposure.
Now, the law of Canada states that If you have applied for a work permit in Canada under visitor status, you must wait about 132 days to receive it. It means you can’t work until the work permit is approved.
However, the exception to that law is Interim Authorization to Work.
This authorization states that you can start working immediately if you have received an employer-specific job offer. It is introduced to address the labor shortages. However, it must be noted that it is not automatic and to gain the benefit of this authorization, you must fill out a form at the IRCC Website.
Why move to Canada? Read to find out what are the 10 Major Benefits of Working in Canada
Documents Needed to Apply for Work Permit in Canada
The list of documents required to apply for a work permit in Canada can vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for, your nationality, and other factors. The following are the generic requirements for visitor visa convert to work permit in Canada:
- Job Offer
- LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
- Work Permit Exemptions (If needed)
- Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)
- Passport
- Application Fees Receipt
- Proof of Sufficient Funds for Canada
- Letter of Introduction Canada
Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada without LMIA
If you are not able to get an LMIA Approved job offer, you don't need to worry. If you fulfill any of the below requirements, you will be able to get a work permit easily.
- If your spouse / common-law partner has a study permit and is studying in a Designated Learning Institution, you can apply for an open work permit as a temporary visitor.
- If your spouse / common-law partner has a work permit and is working in occupations specified in NOC 0, A, and B, you can apply for a work permit as a visitor visa holder.
- If your spouse / common-law partner is waiting for PR and has “approval in principal” status, you may apply for a work permit as a visitor.
- If you have applied for PR under Spousal Sponsorship, then you can apply for a work permit while you’re waiting for the decision.
Going to Canada for studies? Read: Does backlog affect Canada Visa for Studies?
Processing Fees for Work Permit in Canada
The details about Canada Visitor visa convert to Work Permit fees are mentioned below:
| Particulars | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| Work Permit (including extension) | 155 |
| Work Permit for Group (3 or more performing artists) applying together | 465 |
| Open Work Permit | 100 |
| Restoring Work Permit | 384 |
Processing Time for Work Permit Canada
Canada Work Permit processing time varies from 5 - 6 months for overseas applicants. It highly depends on the type of work permit you choose to apply for and the factors surrounding it.
1. From Outside Canada
Suppose you are outside Canada while applying for a work permit. In that case, you will have to submit your biometrics and be physically present for an interview scheduled by the Canadian Officials for you in your home country.
Adhering with the UTC Timeline is a must and according to the UTC timeline, the processing takes approximately 152 days.
2. Inside Canada
If you are inside Canada while applying for the work permit, you must stay in Canada while your application is being processed. If you leave while your application is being processed, you won’t be eligible under this public policy.
The processing time can take up to 130 days normally in this case.
Also, if your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a work permit.
Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada: How Can Visitors Work In Canada?
Visitors, in usual cases, cannot work in Canada. However, there are certain visas and permits under which a visitor can be allowed to work in Canada. We have curated a list of those permits and visas for you.
1. Work Permit
With a work permit in your hand as a foreign national, you can be allowed to work for specific jobs. However, there are certain restrictions on the salary, duration and location of the employment.
Many work permits fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which includes various streams for skilled and low-skilled workers.
2. Visitor Visa with Work Authorization
In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a visitor visa with work authorization, such as a Temporary Resident Visa with an open work permit.
This allows you to work in Canada while you are visiting. Eligibility for such permits can vary based on factors like your relationship to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your status in Canada, or other factors.
3. Working Holiday Visas
Canada offers Working Holiday Visas which are also known as International Experience Canada. These are offered to young adults from several countries, allowing them to work and travel in Canada for a specified period.
The Working Holiday Visa is a great opportunity for individuals looking to gain international work experience while exploring Canada.
Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada: Streamline Your Path from India to Canada
The ease of obtaining a work visa for Indian citizens varies greatly depending on the country. Some nations have more relaxed immigration policies and are therefore more accessible to foreign workers, while others have more stringent requirements and processes.
Canada has a strong demand for skilled foreign workers, making their work visa processes relatively straightforward for individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria.
GetGIS is a leading Immigration consultancy service. We offer end-to-end assistance and help you choose the right work visa that can open the door to a world of new opportunities, experiences, and growth.
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