Japa: Canada Stops Early Visitor Work Permit Policy Amidst Immigration Reforms

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has abruptly ended the temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada. Initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, the policy was terminated ahead of schedule on August 28, 2024.

Immigration News Canada reports that applications submitted before the August 28 deadline will still be processed under the old policy, offering some relief to those who acted promptly.

The policy was originally introduced in August 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, travel restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures left many visitors stranded in Canada, unable to return home. The policy provided a crucial opportunity for foreign nationals, including many Nigerians, to remain in Canada and seek employment, a trend colloquially known as “japa,” meaning to relocate.

With the policy’s termination, foreign nationals will now have to explore alternative pathways for migration. According to reports, the early end of the policy is part of IRCC’s broader strategy to manage the growing number of temporary residents in Canada and to preserve the integrity of the immigration system. Concerns had been raised that the policy could be exploited, allowing people to work without proper authorization.

IRCC emphasized that the government is now focused on maintaining a balanced and fair immigration system that aligns with Canada’s long-term economic and social objectives. Visitors who planned to use this policy to obtain work permits will now need to consider other options, such as leaving Canada to apply for a work permit from their home country or another location with legal status.

Further complicating matters, Canada plans to freeze the processing of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) starting September 26, 2024, potentially limiting opportunities for those seeking to work in the country.