In a recent announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed that visitors to Canada will no longer be able to apply for work permits while remaining in the country. This decision marks an early termination of a pandemic-era program that temporarily broadened immigration access. The policy, originally introduced four years ago, was designed to address the logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions. It permitted visitors and temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to apply for or renew work permits without having to leave Canada. Additionally, it allowed individuals who had recently shifted their immigration status to “visitor” to apply for work permits while awaiting decisions on new applications. The program, which was initially set to conclude at the end of February 2025, will be phased out ahead of schedule.
The IRCC stated that the decision to end the program early is part of an effort to “recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.” The department also noted concerns about misuse of the policy by some individuals and businesses that misled foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, addressing the press, acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the exceptional policies it necessitated. However, she emphasized the need to adjust policies in response to evolving circumstances.
Immigration has become a highly contentious issue in Canada in recent years, with debates centering around the rising numbers of non-permanent residents, international students, and temporary foreign workers. Critics argue that these trends have placed significant strain on Canada’s infrastructure.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the current immigration policy, stating, “We need to manage population growth more effectively. Historically, Canada had a multi-generational consensus on immigration, bringing in hardworking, law-abiding citizens in numbers that our housing, job market, and healthcare system could support.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at a cabinet retreat on Monday, indicated that the need for temporary foreign workers has diminished following the pandemic. He expressed concern for Canadians struggling to find stable employment and the fairness towards temporary foreign workers. Freeland supported recently announced measures to reduce non-permanent immigration, including halting TFW applications when unemployment exceeds six percent and capping the proportion of TFWs in a workplace at 10 percent. “If businesses believe they need more, there are legitimate concerns about their business models,” Freeland stated. While Freeland refrained from outlining specific new policy commitments, she underscored the importance of balancing Canada’s openness to immigration with economic realities. “We welcome new Canadians, which is beneficial,” she said. “However, we must also guard against potential abuses and ensure that business models are not dependent on low-wage, potentially exploited, temporary foreign workers.”
