It is no surprise that Canada maintains a world-leading position as one of the best countries for people seeking job opportunities as it continues to meet great standards of living and good labor markets. As Canada continuously fails to meet its immigration targets, it has been modernizing its policies to deal with workforce shortages and various economic situations resulting from the current public sentiment.
For instance, the transition of a visitor from a visitor visa to a work permit has changed significantly as of the year 2025. The new developments and what prospective applicants should know will be detailed in this article.
Temporary Policy Allows Applications for Work Permit from Inside Canada.
In 2020, Canada announced a temporary policy to allow visitors to apply for a work permit from inside the country. This policy was temporary, having the initial expiration date of 2021, but the date kept being pushed, with the most recent end date being February 28, 2025.
Under this policy, valid status visitors with real employment offer were granted access to get an employer-specific work permit without leaving Canada. It was a radical change from the traditional application process to apply from outside to apply there.
Eligibility for the Temporary Policy
To qualify under this policy, applicants had to be physically present in Canada and have a visitor visa when they apply. They had to have a job offer that was LMIA-supported or LMIA-exempt. The application had to be sent in before February 28, 2025.
Besides, someone who had had a Canadian work permit in the 12 months before the application could require an interim work authorization that will allow him/her to start working while awaiting a decision.
Policy Early Cessation in 2024
Although the policy was to last until the beginning of 2025, the Canadian government announced, at the time of 28 August 2024, the premature ending of the policy.
The changes were made mainly because of a growing public outcry regarding affordability in the housing sector and overall public perception of fast-growing immigration levels. This abrupt change snuffed out opportunities for visitors to switch to a work permit from within Canada.
Current Procedure to Get a Work Permit
As of 2025, visitors in Canada must now follow the traditional process to apply for a work permit, which involves returning to their home country. The new process will now commence by first securing a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.
Most positions typically require that the employer obtain an LMIA, which proves that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the local labor market. Then, based on the job offer and LMIA obtained, the applicant must apply to a visa office outside of Canada for a work permit.
Consequences Arising from Less Immigration Numbers
Canada, in late 2024, announced a decrease in its overall immigration targets. For the year 2025, Canada plans to accept 395,000 new permanent residents, down from 485,000 in 2024. Temporary residents, including work permit, holders will also see numbers decrease by about 30,000.
These measures would relieve some pressure on housing and public services. However, these stricict quotas would now intensify chances for competition for the available work permits and assessments may be more stringent.
Recommendations for Applicants in 2025
Due to the changes in policy and lesser targets for immigration, applicants must stay informed and prepare well. Applicants should keep an eye on official government websites for updates, double-check their application documents to ensure correctness and completeness, and brainstorm other immigration avenues such as the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Programs. Such programs might provide alternatives for applicants willing to reside and work in Canada.
Conclusion
In Canada, as of 2025, it is increasingly difficult to shift from a visitor visa to a work permit. First, the temporary in-Canada application policy was terminated, meaning most applicants would have to leave Canada to obtain a work permit.
Combined with stricter immigration controls and lower approval rates, this has rendered the pathway into employment in Canada all the more competitive. Stay abreast of developments, be truly well-prepared, and fluent in toggling strategies for immigration. These have to be the three keys to success.