Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit Canada in 2024-2025

The first logical step to convert visitor visa to work permit in Canada is to become a Canadian visitor. You need to understand the following requirements before applying for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) for Canada.

• The application fee for a visitor visa is $100 CAD (~ 5,200 INR), while the biometrics charge is $85 CAD (~ 4,400 INR).
• A cost of $100 CAD per person is required to extend your visitor visa.
• You must pay a visa cost of $200 CAD (About 11065.45 INR) to regain your tourist status.
• Prove that you will leave the country after your visit.
• Prove that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself and any accompanying family members while in Canada.
• Be in good health and be willing to conduct a medical exam if required.
• Not have any criminal record; be willing to get a police verification done.
• Be able to provide all supporting documents at the request of the visa officer.

Canada Visitor Visa Processing Times

TRV applications are generally processed within 30 days. However, this can vary based on factors like application type, applicant’s country, and application backlog. Always check the latest processing times on the official IRCC website. Remember, complete and accurate documentation can help avoid delays. Consult an immigration expert if needed.

It’s always best to check the most recent processing times on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

1. Decide whether you want to apply online or in person.
2. Complete a visa application form with all of the necessary information and papers.
3. Make a certified check or bank draught payment for the visa processing cost.
4. Bring your passport, photos, and other documents to the nearest Canadian visa application center.
5. You must provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometrics)
6. Go to the Canada visa application center and submit your visa application form.
7. Get a receipt from the application center with your unique tracking number on it.
8. Use this number to track your application online.

After you enter Canada, you have limited time to apply for a job and get a positive LMIA. Not to mention, getting a job offer is an extremely difficult process in itself. So it is better that you do your homework properly. Let’s explain this point in detail.

• Understand the labour market opportunities in your destination.
• Match your NOC code with the in-demand jobs in that area.
• Apply for Jobs online through Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.
• Apply directly to the employer’s website.
• Friends and family can help to find employment opportunities.

Related Topic: How to Get a Job Offer from Outside Canada?

Even after enough job research, there are high chances that you won’t be able to get a job offer from a Canadian employer. Because an employer has to fulfill the LMIA Requirements to hire you, and not many employers are willing to sponsor temporary visitors.

Factors to improve your chances to get a work permit while on a visitor visa:

• You have exceptional skills that employers won’t find anywhere else.
• You have enough contacts to support you in Canada.
• You have hired someone to search for a suitable job for you.

You can get an open work permit without LMIA only:

• If your spouse / common-law partner has a study permit and is studying in a DLI, you can apply for an open work permit as a temporary visitor.
• If your spouse / common-law partner has a work permit and is working in occupations specified in NOC 0, A, and B, you can apply for a work permit as a visitor visa holder.
• If your spouse / common-law partner is waiting for PR and has “approval in principal” status, you may apply for a work permit as a visitor.
• If you have applied for PR under Spousal Sponsorship, then you can apply for a work permit while you’re waiting for the decision.

Temporary Policy Expired

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada. IRCC has decided to terminate this policy as part of its efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. Some individuals were misusing the policy to deceive foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization.

What is Flagpoling?

You have to go through a process called Flagpoling. In this temporary, visitors must go out of Canada through the US border, apply for a work permit, and then re-enter Canada.

Using the flagpole process to activate a new Canadian work permit is legal. However, it is important to be truthful and provide accurate information during the process. Giving false information can lead to serious consequences. Please consult an immigration expert before attempting to flagpole or change your immigration status.

Take Professional Help from Licensed Consultants

We offer immigration assistance to those looking to settle in Canada. Keshav Sharma, a licensed and regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with years of experience, leads our team. We can help with visa applications, work permits, or permanent residency. Contact our experts to learn more about how we can help.

FAQs: Visitor Visa to Work Permit

1. What happens if I stay longer than 6 months in Canada as a visitor?

If you remain in Canada as a visitor for more than six months, you will be considered an overstayer or “out-of-status“. Overstaying your authorized period can result in various consequences, such as:

• Loss of Visitor Status: Overstaying your authorized period violates your entry conditions and may result in deportation or other immigration consequences.
• Immigration Consequences: To avoid complications and stay compliant with Canadian immigration regulations, it’s crucial to follow the authorized duration of stay in Canada. Overstaying your permitted term may jeopardize your future travel plans to the country.

2. How many days does it take to convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada?

The standard processing time for online applications is usually 16-20 days. However, some applications may take longer due to additional processing requirements or complexity, and in such cases, it can take up to 15-20 weeks.