Normally, a work permit must be applied for before coming to Canada but there are certain special circumstances where an applicant can apply for an open work permit from inside Canada. Let’s have a look at those circumstances in this article.

An initial open work permit can be applied from inside Canada if:

• you presently hold a valid study or work permit;
• you are the spouse of a study or work permit holder;
• you were previously authorized to work without a permit;
• you presently hold a valid Temporary Resident Permit;
• you are a refugee claimant or an applicant for permanent residence in Canada under section 207 of the IRPR, or
• you are a trader or investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

If you are currently working in Canada and want to change conditions on your work permit (e.g. change length, employer or occupation), you must apply and obtain a new work permit.

Note: Effective August 28, 2024, visitors to Canada are not eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.

Source:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5553-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-worker.html

Disclaimer: Canadian immigration policies are ever evolving. The information in this article is for general guidance only. We strongly recommend consulting official government sources or seeking advice from a qualified immigration professional before making any decisions. For a detailed review of your eligibility, you can contact at [email protected].