How To Switch From A Visitor Visa To A Work Permit In Canada (2025)

Moving to Canada on a visitor visa is exciting. Whether you're here to explore, visit family, or attend a short-term event, you may fall in love with the country and want to stay longer—perhaps even work and build a future here. The good news is, in 2025, Canada still offers a legal pathway to apply for a work permit while you're in the country as a visitor, under certain conditions.

Let’s break down how you can move from a visitor visa to a work permit step by step, using simple Canadian English and only accurate, up-to-date information.

1. Can You Apply For A Work Permit From Inside Canada In 2025?

Yes, but only if you meet specific conditions. Normally, foreign nationals need to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. However, Canada has continued a temporary public policy allowing certain visitors to apply for and receive a work permit from within the country. This policy has helped visitors stay and work legally without leaving.

As of 2025, this policy is still in place and is beneficial for visitors who receive a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

2. Eligibility: Who Can Apply From Inside Canada?

To be eligible to switch from a visitor visa to a work permit, you must meet these basic conditions:

• You must be physically inside Canada on valid visitor status.
  
• You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
  
• The employer must have a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), unless the job is LMIA-exempt.
  
• You must apply before your visitor status expires.
  
• You must be eligible to work in Canada and meet health and security requirements.
  

If you meet these, you may apply online and request an employer-specific work permit.

3. What Is An LMIA And Why Is It Important?

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document issued by the government that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker. It confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job role.

Without an LMIA, you can only apply if your job is exempt from the LMIA requirement. Common LMIA-exempt jobs include intra-company transfers, post-graduate work permits, and open work permits under certain international agreements or public policies.

If your job offer needs an LMIA, your employer must apply for and receive a positive LMIA before you apply for a work permit.

4. Steps To Switch From A Visitor Visa To A Work Permit

Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Get a Job Offer
You must first receive a valid, full-time job offer from a Canadian employer.

• Step 2: Employer Applies for LMIA (If Needed)
Your employer submits an LMIA application. Once approved, they give you the job offer letter and LMIA confirmation.

• Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit Online
You can apply through the Immigration Canada portal. You'll need to include your visitor visa details, your job offer, and LMIA (if applicable). Pay the application fees.

• Step 4: Wait for Approval
Processing times may vary, but you must wait in Canada while your application is under review. If you're eligible for interim work authorization (explained below), you may be allowed to start working sooner.

5. What Is Interim Work Authorization?

If you previously had a work permit and are now on a visitor visa, or if you’re applying for your first work permit from within Canada under the public policy, you may be eligible for interim work authorization. This allows you to begin working for your employer while you wait for a decision on your application.

But to get this, you must apply using the proper online form and your employer-specific job offer must be ready. It’s not automatic—you must request it during your application.

6. What If My Visitor Visa Is Expiring Soon?

You must maintain valid status in Canada. If your visitor visa is close to expiring, you should:

• Apply for a visitor record extension before the expiry date, and/or
  
• Submit your work permit application before your visitor status ends.
  

Once your application is submitted, you will have implied status, which lets you legally stay in Canada while waiting for a decision.

7. Can You Work While Waiting For The Permit?

Only if you have interim work authorization. If you don’t have it, you cannot work until your permit is approved. Working without authorization can affect your future immigration status and lead to a refusal or removal order.

8. Tips To Improve Your Chances

• Make sure your resume follows Canadian standards.
  
• Use job portals that list employers familiar with hiring foreign workers.
  
• Be honest in your application—any misrepresentation can lead to serious consequences.
  
• Apply early—processing times can be long, and visitor visas have time limits.
  
• Stay organized—keep copies of all your applications, emails, and confirmations.
  

9. What Happens After Your Work Permit Is Approved?

Once your work permit is approved, you’ll receive an official document outlining your conditions, employer name, job title, and validity period.

With a work permit, you can:

• Legally work for the employer listed.
  
• Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  
• Begin building Canadian work experience, which may help you qualify for permanent residence in the future.
  

Final Thoughts

Switching from a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada is possible in 2025—but it must be done carefully, legally, and within the rules. The key is securing a valid job offer, understanding the role of LMIA, and submitting a complete application before your status expires.

Many newcomers use this pathway as their first step toward working and eventually settling in Canada. With the right preparation, this opportunity can open the door to a new chapter in your Canadian journey.