Visitors, study and work permit holders in Canada affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have been given more time to restore their status.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of a temporary public policy first announced in July 2020.
It initially expired on December 31, 2020, but has been extended until August 31, 2021.
The policy overrides the usual 90-day window for former workers, students and visitors currently in Canada whose status expired after January 30.
They must meet the requirements for the type of status and authorization they are applying to restore.
The policy also covers former work permit holders applying for an employer-specific work permit to work while their application for restoration is processed.
To qualify, former work permit holder must:
- Have a job offer.
- Submit a work permit application supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or for a position that is LMIA-exempt.
- Notify IRCC through the process set up for eligible foreign nationals
Read More
Canada Immigration Year In Review: How the System Coped With Coronavirus In 2020
Canada Extends Coronavirus International Travel Restrictions into 2021
Coronavirus Restrictions Mean Canada Immigration Limited to 15,000 in September
An IRCC statement said: “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is renewing a temporary public policy that provides more time for temporary residents to apply to restore their legal status in Canada.
“This public policy … recognizes that many temporary residents in Canada have been affected by worldwide health- and travel-related restrictions, and may need to remain in Canada for longer than they anticipated.”
