Out-of-Status Foreign Nationals in Canada
THIS PUBLIC POLICY EXPIRED ON AUGUST 31, 2021.
Public policy to allow eligible foreign nationals in Canada:
- visitors, temporary workers and international students who have fallen out of status during the COVID-19 pandemic: to apply to restore their temporary resident status; and
- temporary workers applying for a work permit supported by a job offer: to work while a decision on their restoration application is pending. This includes former workers who have applied, or will apply, within 90 days of losing their temporary resident status, and those availing themselves of the public policy exemption to apply after 90 days have past.
Start and End Dates:
December 20, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Eligible requirements:
Visitors:
- were in Canada with valid temporary resident status at any time between January 30, 2020, and May 31, 2021, has since remained in Canada, and it has been more than 90 days since they lost their temporary resident status; and
- have applied for restoration of temporary resident status.
Former foreign workers:
- meet the conditions listed above for visitors;
- held a valid work permit in the year preceding the date on which they submitted their application for restoration of temporary resident status;
- have submitted a work permit application for which a decision has not yet been made; and
- intend to work for the employer and/or occupation as specified by the job offer included in their submitted work permit application.
Or
- have applied for restoration of temporary resident status within 90 days of losing their temporary resident status;
- held a valid work permit in the year preceding the date on which they submitted their application for restoration of temporary resident status;
- have submitted a work permit application for which a decision has not yet been made; and
- intend to work for the employer and/or occupation as specified by the job offer included in their work permit application.
Applicants need to apply online, using the electronic means identified by IRCC for that purpose. Those applying for a work permit shall request the exemption to be applicable until a decision is made on their work permit application.
Fees:
Any work permit applicable fee must be paid at the time of application.