Foreign nationals typically need to apply for a work permit before entering Canada. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlines specific situations where individuals can apply from within Canada. These scenarios are detailed on the official IRCC website (Work permit: Who can apply – Canada.ca).
Here are the nine scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada:
- Valid Study or Work Permit: If you currently hold a valid study or work permit and are physically present in Canada, you can apply for a new work permit before your current one expires. Work in Canada – Parisa Erfani.
- Family Member with Valid Permit: If your spouse, common-law partner, or parent has a valid study or work permit, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit as their dependent. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/eligibility.html)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility: Graduates from a designated learning institution (DLI) who still hold a valid study permit can apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving their final marks.
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Holder: If you, your spouse, or parent hold a TRP valid for six months or more, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
- Permanent Residence Applicants: Individuals who have applied for permanent residence under specific classes (e.g., spouse or common-law partner in Canada class) and are awaiting a decision may be eligible to apply for a work permit.
- Eligible to Work Without a Permit: If you’re authorized to work in Canada without a permit but need one for a different job, you can apply from within the country.
- CUSMA Professionals: Citizens of the U.S. or Mexico who are professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, or investors under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
- Refugee Claimants: If you’ve made a claim for refugee protection and are awaiting a decision, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit. REFUGEE – Parisa Erfani
- Protected Persons: Individuals recognized as convention refugees or protected persons by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
It’s important to note that visitors in Canada are generally not eligible to apply for a work permit from within the country unless they fall under one of the above categories. For detailed information and to assess your eligibility, please refer to the official IRCC guidelines Work permit: Who can apply – Canada.ca
Who can apply for a work permit from within Canada? | CIC News
