Canada has always been a dream destination for travellers, but for many visitors, the trip sparks something bigger: the desire to stay and work. After all, the country’s thriving job market, multicultural cities, and fair labour laws make it an attractive place to build a career. But what if you’re already in Canada on a visitor visa and you land a job offer? Can you simply switch your status and start working? Let’s unpack what’s actually possible, what isn’t, and how you can legally make the move from visitor to worker.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the Canadian Visa and Work Permit Framework
Canada’s immigration system separates temporary resident visas (TRVs), such as visitor or tourist visas, from work permits, which are issued to those who qualify for employment under specific categories.
A visitor visa lets you enter Canada for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. It typically allows a stay of up to six months but does not authorise employment. A work permit, on the other hand, allows you to legally work for a Canadian employer, either under an employer-specific permit (tied to one employer) or an open work permit (which gives flexibility).
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The key question is whether you can move from one to the other without leaving the country, and the good news is that, under certain conditions, you can.
Is It Possible to Convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit in Canada?
Yes, it’s possible, but only under specific circumstances. Normally, visitors are not allowed to apply for a work permit from inside Canada. However, since temporary public policy changes introduced during and after COVID-19, the Canadian government has extended permissions for some visitors to apply for a work permit while staying in the country, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
This policy has been extended multiple times, with the latest extension allowing visitors to apply for employer-specific work permits without leaving Canada. It’s a major relief for foreign nationals who came as tourists but later received valid job offers.
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So, while you can’t “convert” your visa in a literal sense, you can apply for a new work permit from within Canada, and once approved, your status changes legally.
Eligibility Requirements to Apply from Within Canada
To qualify for a work permit while in Canada on a visitor visa, you must meet several important conditions:
- You must have a valid visitor status in Canada when you apply.
- You must have a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Your employer should have obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless you qualify for an LMIA-exempt category.
- You must submit your work permit application before your visitor visa expires.
- You must not have violated any conditions of your stay in Canada.
In addition, if you’ve held a valid work permit in the past 12 months, you may be eligible to request interim work authorisation, which allows you to start working while your new permit is being processed.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Work Permit from a Visitor Visa
If you meet the eligibility requirements, here’s how the process unfolds:
- Secure a Valid Job Offer
You must first receive a written offer of employment from a Canadian company. The employer must be approved through the Employer Portal and, if applicable, obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
- Gather Your Documentation
You’ll need your passport, visitor visa details, job offer letter, proof of LMIA or LMIA exemption, resume, and any educational or work credentials required for the role.
- Apply for a Work Permit Online
Submit your application via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Select “Inside Canada” as your location, and choose the work permit type (employer-specific or open).
- Include a Letter of Explanation
In your application, explain that you are applying under the temporary public policy for visitors to apply for a work permit.
- Wait for IRCC Processing
Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks or even months, depending on workload and completeness. If approved, you’ll receive your new work permit electronically or by mail.
- Begin Working (if Authorised)
If you’re eligible for interim work authorisation, you may begin working before final approval, but only after receiving explicit confirmation from IRCC.
Also Read: Can You Switch from a Tourist Visa to a Student Visa in Australia?
Challenges and Limitations
While the current policy makes the transition smoother, it’s not without complications.
One of the biggest challenges is finding a willing employer. Canadian employers must usually prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could fill the position, which is what the LMIA process ensures. This can be time-consuming and costly, and not all employers are willing to take it on.
Another common issue is timing. If your visitor visa is close to expiring, you’ll need to apply for a work permit quickly or request an extension to maintain legal status. Overstaying or working without authorisation can severely affect your immigration record.
Finally, policies can change or expire. The allowance for visitors to apply from within Canada has been extended multiple times, but it is still considered a temporary measure, not a permanent immigration pathway.
What If You’re Not Eligible to Apply from Within Canada?
If you don’t meet the criteria, for example, if you have no job offer or your visa is expiring soon, you may need to apply for a work permit from outside Canada.
This typically involves leaving the country and submitting a new application through a Canadian visa office abroad. Once approved, you can re-enter with your work permit and begin your employment legally.
Also Read: How Can You Convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Visa in Australia?
Another option for some visitors is to explore LMIA-exempt work permit categories, such as those under international agreements (like CUSMA for U.S. and Mexican citizens) or intra-company transfers. These paths are generally faster and simpler, but depend on your professional background and your employer’s eligibility.
The Legal Reality: Conversion vs. New Application
It’s worth noting that Canada doesn’t technically allow a “conversion” from visitor to worker; instead, it’s a status change through a new visa application. Your visitor visa remains valid only for entry, while your new work permit gives you legal authorization to work and stay longer.
This distinction matters because it affects your immigration status and future visa renewals. Each application is treated independently, so even if you’re already in Canada, you must meet all work permit requirements just like an offshore applicant.
Final Verdict: A Genuine Pathway, but With Conditions
So, can you convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada? The answer is yes, but only under the current temporary policy and if you meet every requirement. It’s not an automatic switch, and it comes with paperwork, employer cooperation, and timing challenges.
Still, for visitors who receive a genuine job offer while in Canada, this route offers a realistic opportunity to stay and work without the hassle of leaving the country. Just remember to stay within legal boundaries, keep your visa status valid, and prepare your documents thoroughly.
In short, Canada welcomes skilled and genuine applicants but expects them to follow the rules. If you play it right, your short visit could become the start of a long and rewarding professional journey in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/visit-to-work.html
