By Samuel Timothy
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially terminated a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada. This policy was initially introduced in August 2020 to assist visitors stranded by COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Under the policy, visitors in Canada could apply for work permits without having to leave the country. Additionally, foreign nationals who had previously held work permits but changed their status to “visitor” within Canada could apply to work legally while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
In a statement released on its website on Wednesday, the Canadian government explained, “While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, we are ending it as part of our efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.”
The IRCC also acknowledged that some individuals were misusing the policy to deceive foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization. However, the IRCC will continue processing applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the expired policy.
This policy shift is expected to significantly impact prospective migrants, including many Nigerians who have sought to explore opportunities in Canada. The timing of this decision coincides with recent protests by tens of thousands of international students across Canada, who are rallying against new immigration policies that could lead to the deportation of approximately 70,000 students.
Canada remains a popular destination for Nigerians seeking better opportunities and education, particularly amid the widespread ‘Japa’ movement.
