Can You Convert a Canada Visit Visa to a Work Permit in June 2025? Full Guide with Latest Update

 

Converting a Canada Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) to a Work Permit has been a hot topic among newcomers, especially with recent policy changes in the last few years. But as of 18 June 2025, you may be wondering: Is it still possible?

Let’s break down the current rules, recent changes, and realistic options to transition from a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada in mid-2025.

Latest Update as of June 2025

The temporary public policy introduced by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), which allowed visitor visa holders to apply for work permits from inside Canada, expired on 28 February 2025.

As of now (June 2025):

• This policy has not been officially extended.
• You must normally apply for a work permit from outside Canada, unless you qualify under specific exceptions.

So, Can You Still Convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit?

Yes, but only in limited cases, and usually it requires you to leave Canada and apply from your home country or another country outside Canada.

Options That Still Exist:

1. Leave Canada and Apply for a Work Permit Outside Canada
   If you receive a valid job offer (usually with an LMIA), you can apply for a work permit from your home country via the regular application process.
2. Apply from Inside Canada — Only if You Meet Special Exceptions, such as:
   
• You previously held a valid Canadian work permit, and are now on implied or maintained status
• You are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker, student, or Canadian citizen
• You are applying under specific LMIA-exempt categories (e.g., intra-company transfer, religious worker, etc.)
• You are eligible under an international agreement like CUSMA (for U.S./Mexico citizens)

Standard Process in 2025 (Post-Visitor Visa Policy Expiry)

Step 1: Get a Valid Job Offer

Find a Canadian employer ready to support your application through:

• A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), OR
• An LMIA-exempt job offer under a special category.

Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit from Outside Canada

Once the employer provides you the required documents (job offer + LMIA), you can:

• Submit an online work permit application from outside Canada (your home country)
• Book a biometrics appointment and attend a medical exam (if needed)
• Wait for IRCC approval before traveling again to Canada

Processing time varies by country, but generally takes 4 to 12 weeks.

What If You’re Already in Canada?

If you’re still inside Canada on a valid visitor visa, you have three main options:

1. Change to a Study Permit

• Enroll in a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
• Apply for a study permit from inside Canada (only for some short courses)
• After studying, apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

2. Leave Canada and Apply for a Work Permit from Outside

3.  Extend Your Stay as a Visitor

• Apply for a Visitor Record to maintain legal status while you look for jobs or wait for updates from IRCC

💡 Alternative Pathways to Work in Canada

• Spousal Open Work Permit (if spouse is a worker/student/PR)
• RNIP (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot) — if eligible
• Caregiver Pilot Programs
• Agri-Food Pilot, Atlantic Immigration Program, or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• 
  

❗ Warning About Scams

Many agents and fake consultants may claim they can “convert” a visitor visa to a work permit quickly. Be careful. Always:

• Verify the employer’s legitimacy
• Apply only through IRCC’s official portal
• Never pay for a job offer (this is illegal and often leads to visa rejection)

Final Words

As of June 2025, the easy route to convert a Canada visitor visa to a work permit from inside the country has ended unless IRCC announces a new extension.

Still, with a valid job offer, proper paperwork, and the right legal route, you can apply for a Canadian work permit from outside Canada and return as a legal foreign worker. Always stay updated via Canada.ca.