How to Convert Canada Tourist Visa To Work Permit?

NOTE: This temporary measure has come to an end as of 28th August 2024. IRCC no longer allows visitor visas to convert to work permits.

What’s the difference between Canada Visitor Visa and Work Permit?

The difference between a Canada tourist visa and a work permit is like the difference between sun and moon. Okay fine, the difference might not be that much but still, the purpose of acquiring any of them are different. 

While a Canadian visitor visa lets you enter Canada and stay for a period of about 6 months or so, a Canadian work permit lets you work in the country. Depending on the type of work permit you to apply for, you may be able to work for a specific employer or be open to work for any employer in Canada until your permit expires. 

However, on a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work, study in a program that lasts for more than 6 months as well as intend to stay permanently in Canada. 

So, if you are still in the mindset to work in Canada, simply apply for a work permit from inside the country. Let’s see how you can do so.

How To Convert Visitor Visa To Work Permit In Canada

Up until 28 August 2024, if you were issued a Canadian tourist visa, you could apply for a work permit from inside Canada. This was initially announced as a temporary measure during the COVID-era but was expected to expire on 28 February 2023. However, IRCC announced that this temporary measure would end on 28 August 2024. 

To be eligible for this temporary measure, you need:

• Valid status in Canada as a visitor at the time of applying for a work permit 
• Application will be for an employer-specific work permit
• Application must be submitted before 28 Aug 2024
• Must meet the general admissibility requirements
• Have a positive LMIA job offer or get a job that doesn’t need LMIA

To convert your Canadian tourist visa to a work permit all you need to do is simply “apply” for a work permit on top of your visitor visa for this task. This will change your visitor visa into a work visa and hence you will become eligible to work in Canada.

Now that you have understood how you can change your visitor visa to a work permit, let’s see how much time it may take to do so. 

Steps to Apply

Steps to apply for a work permit from inside Canada on a tourist visa: 

1. Find a job in Canada
2. The employer must have a positive LMIA so they can hire you
3. Gather all the Canada work permit required documents that you’ll need to apply for a work permit
4. Fill out the work permit application and get to work in Canada on a visitor visa!

Processing Time

If you are applying for a work permit from inside Canada, it might take your application about 101 days or 3 months to get processed. 

Fees

You need to pay CAN$155 for a single work permit application while you have a Canada visitor visa. 

Well, you have received all this helpful information regarding how to convert a tourist visa to a work permit. Now, you might be wondering how Talent Connected Worldwide can help you. To be very frank, we are here just to help you out. 

If you are dreaming of immigrating to Canada, we are here for you. If you want to reunite with your family in Canada, we are here for you. The bottom line is we are here no matter what, and yes this does include getting you a work permit while you are in Canada on a tourist/visitor visa. 

So, don’t wait, call us today.