Japa - Canada Changes Immigration Policy, Ends Visitor-to-Work Permit

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the termination of a temporary public policy that had allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.

This policy, initially introduced in August 2020 as a response to COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions, enabled visitors who were unable to leave the country to apply for work permits without exiting Canada.

Additionally, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but had changed their status to "visitor" could legally work while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.

The policy was originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, but IRCC decided to end it early to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.

The Canadian government noted that some "bad actors" were exploiting the policy to mislead foreign nationals into unauthorized work in Canada. Despite the policy's termination, IRCC will continue processing applications submitted before August 28, 2024.

This development has major implications for intending migrants, including many Nigerians who have been exploring avenues to stay in Canada. The change comes amid heightened tensions, with tens of thousands of international students protesting new immigration policies that could lead to the deportation of about 70,000 students.

Canada remains a popular destination for Nigerians seeking better opportunities and education, especially during the ongoing wave of 'Japa'—a term referring to the mass exodus of Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad.