OTTAWA, Canada – The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on Wednesday the immediate discontinuation of a policy that allowed holders of Canadian visitor visas to apply for work permits within the country. This decision comes amidst a series of immigration reforms that have sparked widespread protests, particularly among international students.
The policy, initially introduced in August 2020 as a response to COVID-19 travel restrictions, permitted visitors to apply for work permits without leaving Canada. It also allowed individuals who had held a work permit within the previous 12 months and changed their status to “visitor” to work legally while awaiting decisions on new work permit applications.
In its statement, the IRCC explained, “While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.” The agency also cited concerns that “some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.”
This policy change is part of a broader series of immigration reforms that have caused significant unrest among international students in Canada. Earlier this week, tens of thousands of international students took to the streets across the country to protest new policies that could potentially lead to the deportation of about 70,000 students.
As of 2023, international students comprised 37% of study visa holders in Canada. However, recent government measures aim to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35%, a move authorities argue is necessary to alleviate pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.
In June, the Canadian government further tightened regulations by announcing that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the border. This decision has intensified fears among students about their future prospects in Canada.
Student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network, have warned that many international graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year. These concerns highlight the broader implications of Canada’s evolving immigration policies on its international student population and the country’s reputation as a destination for global talent.
The IRCC has stated that it will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the now-discontinued policy. However, this offers little comfort to those affected by the broader changes in Canada’s immigration landscape.
