Feds change rules around work permits

The federal government is hoping employers facing labour shortages will benefit from a change to the rules around work permits.

The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has announced that visitors who are currently in Canada with a valid job offer can now apply for and receive an employer-specific work permit without having to leave the country.

“We have heard from employers who continue to face challenges recruiting and hiring the workers they need during the pandemic. At the same time, some visitors in Canada may be able to contribute their skills where there are labour shortages. The measures introduced today will now allow visitors to apply for work permits without having to leave the country first,” says Marco Mendicino, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship.