Can a Canada visitor visa be converted to a work visa?

No, a Canada visitor visa cannot directly be converted to a work visa. To apply for a Canada work visa, you must do so from outside the country. In general, Canadian visitor visas cannot be converted to work visas. The temporary public policy in Canada, which facilitated visitors to apply for a Canadian work permit from within the country, was terminated in August 2024. Individuals looking to work in Canada must now apply for a work permit from outside the country or at the port of entry. Suppose you are already in Canada with a visitor visa and receive an employment offer from a Canadian employer. In that case, you may have to leave the country to obtain a work permit.  
 

Also, read…

Can I convert my Canada visitor visa to a student visa?
 

What is the Temporary Public Policy in Canada? 

The Temporary Public Policy is a measure the Canadian government took to deal with specific immigration challenges. Through public policy, immigration-related challenges could be modified or resolved temporarily by creating visa exemptions, procedures, programs, etc. The changes are temporarily introduced and remain valid only for a specific period.  Through the Temporary public policy, visitor visa applicants could apply for a work permit form within Canada earlier. However, as per the latest updates by the IRCC, the policy was canceled and ended on August 28, 2024, requiring visit visa applicants to exit Canada now to apply for a work permit. 

Note: IRCC will process the applications submitted under the Temporary public policy before August 28, 2024. 
 

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