Change Of Visa Status
CVS
Change Of Visitor Visa To Work Visa
Under the Canadian immigration system, visitors who are in Canada on a visitor visa may be eligible to
apply for a work permit under the “Work Permit Pilot” program. This program is a public policy that allows certain visitors to apply for an employer or an occupation restricted work permit, which means
that they are restricted to work for specific employer or job and location, while they are still in Canada.
To be eligible to apply for LMIA based work permit under this program, the visitor must:
1. Have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
2. Be in Canada.
3. Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
4. Have applied for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and received a positive LMIA.
It’s worth noting that not all visitors are eligible for the Open Work Permit Pilot program, and it is not a permanent solution to work in Canada. It’s a temporary solution for those visitors who want to apply for
a work permit while they are still in Canada, but it does not grant them any permanent residence status. It’s also important to note that the Open Work Permit Pilot program is subject to change and the eligibility criteria and procedures may change over time. It’s always best to check with official immigration authorities such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up- to-date information.