Can I Switch from a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit Inside Canada in 2025?

May 30, 2025

If you’re visiting Canada and have received a job offer, you might be asking yourself: Can I switch from a visitor visa to a work permit inside Canada in 2025? The Canadian immigration landscape has changed recently, so it’s important to get the most up-to-date information. In this article, we’ll break down the current rules (as of May 2025), recent policy updates, eligibility requirements, the application process, and common pitfalls to avoid. Our goal is to provide clear, supportive guidance — and if you need personalized help, the team at Canadian Immigration Partners is here for you.

Latest Update: Temporary Policy for Visitors Ended in 2024

From 2020 through 2023, Canada had a special temporary public policy that allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits without leaving the country. This COVID-era measure was introduced so that visitors stranded by travel restrictions could help fill labour shortages. It was even extended to be in effect until February 28, 2025. However, this temporary policy was ended early on August 28, 2024. In an official notice, IRCC announced it was terminating the policy ahead of schedule, citing a need to reduce temporary resident numbers and prevent misuse of the program. This means that as of 2025, visitors generally can no longer apply for work permits from within Canada under that special policy.

Key takeaways from the policy change: Visitors who already applied before August 28, 2024 are still having their work permit applications processed under the old policy, but no new in-Canada applications from visitors are accepted under that policy. Going forward, the normal rules for changing status from visitor to worker now apply.

Can You Apply for a Work Permit from Inside Canada as a Visitor?

Under current Canadian immigration regulations, visitors to Canada are not eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada. In other words, if you’re in Canada on a visitor visa (a tourist visa or ETA status) and you get a job offer, you cannot simply apply for a work permit entirely within Canada like you could under the temporary COVID policy.

Instead, you will usually need to apply for your work permit through the regular process as if applying from outside Canada. This typically means submitting an online work permit application that will be processed by an IRCC office outside Canada. Even though you might physically remain in Canada as a visitor while your application is in process, your application is handled in the “outside Canada” stream.

There is one limited exception: If you are from a visa-exempt country, you normally have the option to apply for a work permit at a port of entry (for example, at a Canadian airport or land border) when coming into Canada. However, be aware that IRCC has recently tightened rules on this as well. As of late 2024, most visitors who are already in Canada cannot simply “flagpole” (exit Canada and re-enter immediately to get a work permit at the border) unless they meet specific exceptions. In fact, IRCC now explicitly prohibits traveling to a U.S. border just to obtain immigration services upon return to Canada. In practical terms, this means if you’re already in Canada as a visitor, you will likely need to go through the online application process rather than getting your work permit on the spot at the border.

Bottom line: In 2025, there is no automatic or simple in-Canada “switch” from visitor status to a work permit. You must qualify and apply through the standard channels. Now, let’s look at what those requirements and processes entail.

Eligibility Requirements for a Work Permit (After Being on a Visitor Visa)

To successfully obtain a work permit after entering Canada as a visitor, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements:

A Valid Job Offer: You must secure a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer. In most cases, this job offer needs to be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – an approval from Employment and Social Development Canada that allows the employer to hire a foreign worker. Some job offers are LMIA-exempt under international agreements or special programs, but they still must be entered into IRCC’s employer portal. Either way, having a concrete job offer is essential; a visitor cannot get a work permit to “look for jobs” in Canada – you need the job offer first.

Appropriate Work Permit Type: Generally, you will be applying for an employer-specific work permit, which ties you to the employer who offered the job. (Open work permits – which aren’t tied to one employer – are only available in particular situations, like for spouses of certain permit holders or graduates, which we discuss later.) Your prospective employer must provide you with a job offer letter or contract and, if an LMIA is required, the LMIA approval letter. You will include these in your work permit application.

Legal Status in Canada: It’s important to maintain valid status in Canada while you arrange your work permit application. A standard visitor visa or entry allows you to stay for up to six months, or until a specified date. If your status will expire before you get a work permit, you should apply to extend your visitor status or otherwise leave Canada on time. Overstaying can cause serious problems, so make sure you always have legal status. (Note: applying for a work permit from outside Canada does not automatically extend your stay in Canada, since it doesn’t confer “implied status” the way an in-Canada application would.)

Admissibility Criteria: You must meet all of IRCC’s usual admissibility requirements for a work permit. This includes having no serious criminal history, not posing security risks, and being in good health (a medical exam may be required for certain jobs or if you’ve spent time in certain countries). You also need to show you’ll leave Canada if your status is not extended (officers want to be sure you won’t overstay your welcome). Essentially, you should be a genuine temporary resident who will abide by the rules.

Financial Ability: While not a strict “funds” requirement like for a visitor visa, it’s wise to have proof that you can support yourself in Canada until you start earning an income. You don’t want an officer doubting how you’ll manage between the visitor period and starting the job. This is often covered under demonstrating ties to home country or ability to support your stay.

In summary, you need a qualifying job offer and you need to qualify as a worker (health, security, etc.), just as you would if you were applying from abroad. Being in Canada as a visitor doesn’t by itself give you any shortcut to a work permit (now that the temporary policy is gone).

How to Apply for a Work Permit After a Visitor Visa: Step-by-Step

Switching from a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada is essentially a two-step process: finding an employer and then applying through the correct channels. Here’s a breakdown of the application process:

1. Secure a Job Offer and LMIA (if required): First, find a Canadian employer willing to hire you. The employer may need to apply for an LMIA to hire a foreign worker. This involves the employer advertising the job and demonstrating to the government that no Canadians or permanent residents are available to fill the role. Some jobs are exempt from LMIA (for example, certain senior executive transfers, jobs under free trade agreements, or working holiday youth jobs), but the employer still must provide you with an offer of employment number from the IRCC employer portal if LMIA-exempt. Make sure you receive copies of the job offer letter/contract and the LMIA confirmation letter (if applicable) from your employer, as you’ll need these for your application.

2. Prepare and Submit Your Work Permit Application: As a visitor in Canada, you will typically submit your work permit application online through the IRCC website, selecting an office outside Canada for processing. You’ll fill out the required forms (such as IMM 1295 for a work permit) and upload supporting documents (passport scan, job offer, LMIA, your CV, education credentials, etc.). Pay attention to details – any mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or refusals. You will also need to pay the work permit processing fee (and the open work permit fee if you are applying for an open work permit in an eligible case). After submitting, you’ll likely be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) unless you gave them in a recent visa application. Since you’re in Canada, IRCC may instruct you to go to a local Service Canada office or a nearby country to give biometrics, depending on the processing office.

3. Maintain Status During Processing: While your work permit application is being processed, remember that you cannot work in Canada until the work permit is approved. You should continue to remain in legal status as a visitor. If your current authorized stay will expire before a decision comes, you have two main options: a) apply to extend your visitor status (you can apply for a visitor record to keep staying in Canada longer), or b) leave Canada when your visit is up and wait outside Canada for the work permit approval. Many applicants choose to extend their visitor status so they can remain in Canada with their family or prospective employer while waiting. An important note: applying for a work permit from outside does not automatically allow you to stay past your visitor status expiry, so you must take action to extend if needed.

4. Work Permit Approval and Next Steps: The processing time for a work permit can vary widely depending on the visa office and your nationality. It could range from a few weeks to a few months. If your application is approved, congratulations – you’ll be issued a Letter of Introduction (sometimes called a port of entry letter) that confirms your work permit is approved. To actually get the physical work permit, you typically need to present this letter to a Canadian immigration officer. If you are already in Canada, you might need to exit and re-enter (for example, travel to the US and come back, or go to your home country and return) to be issued the work permit at a port of entry. Due to the new restrictions on flagpoling, you should plan this carefully. If traveling isn’t feasible immediately, consult with an immigration professional about how to get your work permit issued. In some cases, IRCC may allow mailing the work permit, but generally, an entry is when the work permit is printed. Once you have the work permit in hand, you can start working for your employer in Canada.

Throughout this process, communication with your employer is key. The employer may be unfamiliar with hiring a foreign national, so you might need to guide them on the steps (LMIA process or using the employer portal for an offer of employment). Ensuring all steps are done correctly will smooth out your application.

Special Cases and Alternatives

While the typical visitor in Canada can’t apply for a work permit from inside Canada, there are a few exceptions and alternative pathways worth noting:

Spousal Open Work Permits: If your spouse or common-law partner is in Canada on a valid study permit or work permit, you may be eligible for an open work permit as their dependent spouse. For example, spouses of skilled foreign workers and spouses of full-time students in eligible programs can often get an open work permit without needing an LMIA. This application can usually be done from inside Canada. (Note: In 2024-2025, the government has been tightening the criteria for spousal work permits for students, limiting them to spouses of certain students in higher-level programs. If this scenario applies to you, make sure to check the latest criteria or consult an expert.)

In-Canada Permanent Residence Applicants: If you have an ongoing permanent residence application in process (inland) – for instance, you’re being sponsored for PR by your Canadian spouse or you’ve applied under an in-Canada humanitarian program – you might qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit or a Spousal Open Work Permit under special public policies. This would let you work while awaiting the PR outcome. However, this is a separate avenue; you’d need a PR application in play to use it.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Holders: A TRP is different from a standard visitor visa – it’s issued in exceptional cases to allow someone inadmissible or in a special situation to stay in Canada. If you happen to hold a TRP valid for 6 months or longer, you are allowed to apply for a work permit from inside Canada. This is a rare scenario, but worth mentioning.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Program: Certain youth from partner countries can get work permits through working holiday or co-op programs. If you’re in Canada as a visitor and from an IEC country, you usually still have to submit your profile and get an invitation first, which typically is done while outside Canada (or you must leave and re-enter to activate it). IEC is an option to work in Canada, but it’s not a simple “conversion” of status either – it has its own application process and quotas.

Studying as a Pathway: Some visitors choose to apply for a study permit, enroll in a Canadian educational program, and later become eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating. While this route is indirect and involves becoming a student first, it’s a viable pathway to work in Canada for those who want to invest in Canadian education. Keep in mind you must apply for a study permit (often from outside Canada, unless you qualify for an in-Canada change of status to student) and be accepted into a Canadian school.

Each person’s situation is unique. If one of the above scenarios applies to you, it’s a good idea to get tailored advice. Elliott Immigration Corporation can assess your particular case and recommend the best strategy, whether it’s pursuing a spousal work permit or another route.

Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the switch from a visitor visa to a work permit can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Starting Work Too Early: Remember, you cannot start working in Canada while on a visitor visa until your work permit is approved and issued. Working without authorization is illegal and can jeopardize your immigration status. No matter how eager your employer is to have you start, you must wait for the actual work permit. If you were misled by anyone to believe you can work on a visitor status, know that this is false – IRCC has warned that some “bad actors” took advantage of the old policy to mislead foreign nationals into unauthorized work. Protect yourself by following official rules.

Relying on Outdated Information: Some people might still quote the rule that “visitors can apply for work permits until February 2025.” This is no longer true – that policy was terminated in 2024. Make sure your information is current. Immigration rules change frequently, so always check the latest from IRCC or consult with an authorized immigration consultant or lawyer. What worked for a friend last year might not work now.

Flagpoling Without Eligibility: As mentioned, the old trick of flagpoling (making a quick trip to the US border to get a work permit) is now largely off-limits for most people already in Canada. If you attempt to flagpole without meeting one of the narrow exceptions (such as being a U.S. citizen or certain trade agreement workers), you will likely be refused service at the border and told to apply online. It could be a wasted trip. Always verify the current flagpoling policy before deciding to do this – or better yet, go through the proper application channels.

Letting Status Expire: It’s easy to lose track of time, but don’t let your visitor status expire while waiting for a work permit outcome. As a visitor, you generally have no implied status from a work permit application submitted outside Canada, so if your six months are nearly up, apply for an extension of your visitor status in time. If you overstay even by accident, it can complicate your work permit and any future visa applications.

Incomplete or Incorrect Applications: Work permit applications can be detailed. Missing documents, incorrect forms, or errors (like wrong fee payment or an incomplete job offer form) can lead to delays or refusals. Double-check everything, and consider having a professional review your application. A small mistake could lead to a return or refusal, which is the last thing you want after going through the effort of securing a job offer.

Not Considering Alternatives: Perhaps a direct work permit isn’t coming through because an LMIA is hard to get or processing is slow. Don’t ignore other options like the study route or provincial programs that might suit your goals. Keep an open mind – a consultation with an immigration expert can illuminate paths you might not have considered.

Your Next Steps – We’re Here to Help

Facing the Canadian immigration system can be overwhelming, especially with rules changing as we saw with the visitor-to-work-permit policy. The end of the temporary policy means switching from a visitor visa to a work permit inside Canada in 2025 is more challenging, but not impossible with the right approach. You need to plan carefully: secure a valid job offer, follow the proper application process, and adhere closely to IRCC’s rules.

If you’re unsure about where to start or how these rules apply to your situation, Elliott Immigration Corporation is here to support you. Our team stays on top of the latest IRCC updates and has helped many clients in similar situations. We pride ourselves on a client-focused, supportive approach – we’ll take the time to understand your case and guide you step-by-step.

Your Next Steps – We’re Here to Help

Elliott Immigration Corporation is Here to Help You

Before you make any big moves, why not get professional guidance? Book a consultation with Elliott Immigration Corporation today. We’ll answer your questions, help you avoid pitfalls, and chart the best course toward obtaining your Canadian work permit. Transitioning from a visitor to a worker can open exciting opportunities for your future in Canada – and we’d be happy to be your partner in that journey.