How to change from a Visitor’s Visa to a Work Visa in Canada?

Are you also thinking of staying in Canada for a bit longer? But you don’t know the latest updates on how to change from a Visitor’s Visa to a Work Visa in Canada. Here is the complete step-by-step guide.

Canada is among the most beautiful attractions in the world. But many people wish to work here during their vacation. For this purpose, they must convert the visitors’ visa to a work visa.

The government of Canada keeps updating the visa policies. So, save yourself from future stress. And keep reading to learn the step-by-step guide to applying new updates and policies.

Let’s get started.

Recent Updates (2024-2025): How to change from a Visitor’s Visa to a Work Visa in Canada?

Many people don’t know about the old and new policies. So, they make a lot of mistakes in their visa conversion. The Government has updated the visa conversion policies. Now, the process has become more structured and a little bit complex.

In 2020, the government passed a temporary public policy that says,

“Visitors in Canada can apply for work permits without leaving the country.”

They applied this policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to the latest updates of 2024,

“IRRC (the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) ends the temporary public policy of visa conversion.”

However, if you were thinking of this policy for visa conversion, then wake up. Now, you must follow the new procedures to get the work permit here. So, let’s learn how to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa in Canada.

How to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa in Canada-

Changes in Work Visa Policies

1. End of In-Canada Work Permit Application

As mentioned earlier, the previous COVID-19-related public policy has ended. According to the latest policies that are set for 2024-Feb 2025,

“IRRC will process your work permit application under the old policy, if they had received it  before 28th Aug 2024.”

Otherwise, the visitors can no longer apply for work visas from within Canada. First, they will need to leave the country. Secondly, they will re-enter to apply for a work visa.

2. Interim Authorization

IRRC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued the interim authorization letter. If you have this letter, you can start working in Canada. However, your work permit application is still being processed. 

Furthermore, this is not a travel document. But this is a good policy for the international graduates and the employed people. 

For example, you work in a store in Canada. Your work permit expired within the last 12 months. So, now you can still continue your work with the interim authorization letter. This way, you will not waste your time wondering about how to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa in Canada.

3. Flagpoling

Flagpoling is the process of leaving Canada and re-entering it within 24 hours. This way, you can receive IRRC online immigration services. 

In Flagpole, a person uses the land border to leave Canada. He then enters Canada on the same day. The documentation processes occur at the borders. Moreover, this has been commonly used by the people for a long time.

The whole process is legal. This policy removes your query of how to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa in Canada.

The government allows flagpoling for the purpose of work permits. The most commonly used land border for flagpoles includes the Niagara region of Ontario. 

Eligibility Criteria

The following people who are eligible for the flagpole are as follows.

• You are a study visa holder.
• Work visa holder who needs to renew your work permit.
• A temporary Canadian resident to get permanent residency.

The flagpole can solve your problem of how to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa in Canada within a few minutes because it saves the person from lengthy procedures and paperwork for a work visa.

Steps to Convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit in Canada-Guide

First, the visitor’s visa is valid for 6 months. So, if you will overstay in Canada, this can cause many problems. 

Second, don’t overstay and stress about how to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa in Canada.

Instead, follow the following steps. This will guide you through this process.

1. Apply for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

The first step is to take a visitor’s visa (TRV). This Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows you to visit Canada for tourism. This visa gives you short-term entry and allows you to explore new opportunities here. 

Although you can’t work for this duration, you can find a job during this stay. Once you get the work permit, the following process will be smooth.

Visitor Visa Requirements

Before applying for a visitor visa, keep the following requirements in mind:

• Application Fee: The application fee per person is  $100 CAD.
• Biometrics Fee: You’ll need $85 CAD as the biometric fee for a visitor visa application.
• Proof of Funds: You must prove the best bank balance status. 1230$ CAD should be present in your account if you apply for a month’s tourist visa.
• Intent to Leave: You must explain your intent to leave Canada at the end of your visit.
• Health Status: You may need to prove you are in good health.
• No Criminal Record: You may need to provide a clean past criminal record.

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa:

There are two available options for applying for a visitor’s visa. One is online, and the second is VAC (Visa Application Center). The online process is typically faster because documents are uploaded electronically. 

1. Complete the Application: Fill out all the details of the visitor visa application form on our website.
2. Pay the Fees: Make sure to pay the fee of 185 $ (including the application fee and biometrics fee.
3. Submit Biometrics:  For biometric verification, provide your fingerprints and photographs.
4. Provide Supporting Documents: Proof of funds, travel plans, and supporting documents must be submitted.
5. Track Your Application: The best part of submitting an online application is the tracking system. You can track its status online using your unique reference number.

2. Secure a Job Offer with an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment)

Now, let’s suppose you have entered Canada on a visitor’s visa. The next step is to find and secure a good job. In Canada, many work permits require you to get job offers supported by the LMIA.

 LMIA (Labor Market Assessment) is a legal document that confirms the needs of foreign workers. ESDC issued this document to help you get a work permit.

So, you are on the way to solving the query of how to change the visitor’s visa to a work visa. First, research the job through different platforms.

Research Job Opportunities

You can increase the chances of securing a job offer in Canada by following ways:

Explore Online Job Portals: Check websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and Glassdoor. Here, you can find the latest jobs posted by Canadians.

Use Networking: Try to use references, professional networks, and even social media to find a job.

In-Demand Jobs: during your stay, research the most demanding jobs in Canada. And know about the labor shortage in different sectors.

Update Your Resume: make a good and clear resume according to Canadian standards. You must include the relevant experience that matches your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code.

Applying for an LMIA-Supported Job

Once you find a suitable job, apply for LMIA(Labor Market Impact Assessment). This is one of the most difficult parts because you have to prove that there was no other qualified Canadian to fill this position. 

Apart from justification, you have to pay 1.000$ application fee. The processing time may take several weeks.

Factors to Increase Your Chances:

• High-Demand Skill: if you have a most demanding skill.
• Networking: someone from your network is willing to sponsor your work permit application.
• Consulting Professionals: you take the services of an immigration consultant.

How to Change from a Visitor’s Visa to a Work Visa in Canada- Quick Process

The best legal way to convert a Visitor’s Visa to a Work Visa in Canada is flagpole. This process involves leaving and re-entering through the U.S. land border.

Let’s have a quick overview of the process:

1. Exit Canada:

Travel to the border between Canada and the United States. (there is no need for a U.S. visa ).

2. Re-enter Canada: 

You must talk to the Canadian border officer and tell him that you are flagpole to apply for a work permit.

3. Submit Documents:

 Submit your job offer, LMIA (if applicable), visitor visa, and any additional documentation to the border officer.

4. Work Permit Issuance:

 The border officer will issue your work permit without any delay.

Costs and Fees-Visa Processing in Canada

If you will hire an immigration consultant, there will be extra charges. Here is the complete outline of the fees of the work permit process process:

Service	Cost (CAD)
Visitor Visa Application Fee	$100
Biometrics Fee	$85
Work Permit Processing Fee	$155
Open Work Permit Fee (if applicable)	$100
LMIA Fee (paid by employer)	$1,000
Visa Extension Fee	$100

Canada Visitor Visa to Work Permit Processing Time

According to the latest updates (2024-2025), the processing time for a work permit may take 16-20 days. However, if the applicant doesn’t provide the complete documents, then it may take 15-20 weeks. So, make sure to fulfill all the requirements.

Hurry up and fill out the form on our website and pack your bags because we offer a smooth visa application process.

Final thoughts

Many people dream but do nothing to fulfill. In my opinion, learn everything about how to change from a visitor’s visa to a work visa before traveling. This way, you will play smartly and get a job and work permit easily. 

So, what are you waiting for? Apply now.

FAQS

Can I switch from a Visitor Visa to a work Visa?

If you have a travel visa, then you can get a work visa by applying for a work permit. After fulfilling all the requirements, if they find you eligible, you will get a work permit.

Can I go to Canada on a tourist visa and find a job?

Yes, you can go. During your stay, you can find job opportunities and apply for jobs. Once you get a job offer, it will become easy for you to get a work permit.

Can I apply for PR while on a visitor visa in Canada?

No, you can not do this because you can just be there for up to 6 months with a visitor visa. After this time, you’ll have to return to your country.