IRCC Extends Interim Authorization to Work Policy for TRV Holder until February 2023

As per the latest announcement, Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada has extended a temporary policy for Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) holders until February 28, 2023. This measure came into effect on August 2020 due to a Pandemic and will be effective for another year for TRV holders already living in Canada.

According to the latest instructions by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), certain TRV holders in Canada with a visitor status can now apply for a work permit without leaving the country.

Additionally, under this temporary public policy, all visitors in Canada can now apply for a work permit (employer-specific). However, those who have held a work permit in the last year may request an interim authorization to work.

Temporary Public Measure Objectives

Under the temporary public policy, the IRCC will-

• Allow eligible foreign visitors with valid TRV to apply for a job offer-supported work permit without leaving Canada.
• Exempt certain foreign nationals from work permit the requirement if they have not complied with specific temporary residence conditions.
• Allow certain former temporary foreign workers to work in Canada while their application for a work permit is still pending.

Eligibility Criteria for Visitors- To Apply for an employer-specific work permit

To qualify, a foreign national must-

• Be in Canada and hold a valid TRV as a visitor, which includes status extensions as per subsection 183(5) of the IRPR, maintained status while submitting a work permit application.
• Have submitted an employer-specific application for a work permit via the Application to Change Conditions, Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] or Extend my Stay
• Be already living in Canada with status since work permit application submission.
• Have submitted the work permit application on or before 28th February 2023

Eligibility Criteria- For interim authorization to work

Apart from meeting the eligibility requirement for a Canadian work permit, a former work permit holder with visitor status can also qualify for interim authorization to work.

To qualify for interim authorization to work, an applicant must-

• Hold a valid temporary resident status during application submission and have stayed in Canada with that status.
• Have held a valid work permit in the last one year preceding the date on which they have submitted work permit application under temporary public policy
• Intend to work for in an occupation specified by the LMIA or employment offer which is LMIA-exempt included in their work permit application submitted under the public policy;
• Apply for the interim authorization using a Webform
• Have requested that the work authorization will be applicable until a final decision is taken on the work permit application

For more updates or finding a suitable Canadian immigration option, contact our team of advisors at Visas Avenue on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or drop an email at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar