Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended the temporary policy allowing visitors in Canada to apply for a work permit from within the country.
Introduced in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this policy provided essential support to visitors unable to return home. However, as conditions normalize, IRCC has decided to conclude the policy earlier than the expected February 2025 date to manage the number of temporary residents and maintain the immigration system’s integrity.
Applications submitted before August 28, 2024, will still be processed. The early termination is partly due to potential misuse of the policy. This change reflects Canada’s efforts to balance compassion with the need for a fair and orderly immigration system.
In this blog post, we will also explore new programs and scholarship opportunities for international students and provide guidance on addressing recent refusals in Canadian study permit applications. Whether you’re planning to study or work in Canada, this guide will help you navigate the latest updates and make informed decisions about your future.
What You Need to Know:
If you applied for a work permit under this policy before August 28, 2024, don’t worry—your application will still be processed.
Potential misuse of this policy contributed to this decision.
For those affected, this change might feel sudden, but it’s part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to balance compassion with the need for a fair and orderly immigration system.
If you have any questions, reply to this email and one of our seasoned admissions experts will reach out to you.
New Programs:
We are excited to announce several application fee waivers available through Unicollegelink:
- Algoma University: 95% application fee waiver
- University of Niagara Falls: 95% application fee waiver
- Royal Roads University: 92% application fee waiver
- Northern Lights College: 90% application fee waiver
- Adler University: 70% application fee waiver
- University Canada West: 100% application fee waiver
To access these waivers, sign up on www.unicollegelink.com.
Affordable Program Highlight:
- Tuition: $12,992/Yr
- Program: PGD Supply Chain Management (2 years + Co-op)
- Intake: January & May 2025
- School: Kwantlen Polytechnic🇨🇦
- Minimum GPA: 67% (Bachelors)
Don’t miss out on this opportunity—apply now!
University of Central Michigan🇺🇸 is open for January 2025 intake:
- GRE/GMAT not required for most programs
- Tuition range: $16,300 – $17,650
- Transcript Evaluation not required
- Over 30 Masters programs to select from
Explore these programs and start your application by signing up on www.unicollegelink.com.
Scholarship Alert:
Exciting news! Several of our partner schools are now offering scholarships to help reduce tuition costs.
University Canada West
- Scholarship Amount: $8,665 CAD
- Program: MBA starting in January 2025
- Eligibility: Students with a 2.2 (3.0/5.0) GPA can apply.
- Benefits: The program includes a 3-year PGWP and allows you to bring your spouse (SOWP) and children.
Interested in the UK?🇬🇧
These universities are offering partial scholarships along with affordable tuition and a 2-year Post Study Work Permit:
- University of East Anglia: £4000
- University of Law: £3000
- Nottingham Trent University: £3000
- University of Chester: £2000 – £3000
Addressing Refusals in Recent Times for Canadian🇨🇦 Study Permit Applications
✅Step 1: Read the refusal letter carefully.
✅Step 2: Order your GCMS note. Standard processing time is usually 30 days.
✅Step 3: Review the note and if it is obvious that the reviewing officer failed to consider the material facts before him/her, then seek RECONSIDERATION via the webform.
Examples of Ignoring Material Facts:
➡️ Example 1:
A family application was refused because the officer only considered the wife’s financial documents and ignored the sponsor’s (husband) account.
Also, the applications were for a family of 4 but the officer added an extra child to the application, which resulted in a family of 5.
The officer came up with a tax payment issue when in fact the sponsor pays tax as PAYE (Pay As You Earn) with payslips showing these deductions.
There were obvious errors.
➡️ Example 2:
For the single applicant, the officer said the sponsor didn’t transfer funds to the applicant. However, in the affidavit of financial support and bank statements, the sponsor transferred $20,000 USD into the student’s account to cover living expenses.
Again, this is ignoring material facts before the reviewing officer.
With these 2 examples, you can submit a reconsideration to the visa office as seen on the GCMS note.
You must point out the errors in your reconsideration request and upload the documents again or refer the officer to the submitted application.
Outcome:
Application reopening should occur within 1-10 days.
If this doesn’t happen, then go to ✅Step 4.
Step 4: Reapply or Seek Judicial Review (JR) of the decision within 60 days of the refusal letter if outside of Canada.
Note that JR could take months, so weigh your options well considering your school start date in Canada.
If reapplying, you must address the officer’s concerns, else this could lead to another refusal.
Do not give up and stand up to any negative decision by following Steps 1 to 4 above.
Tips for a Successful Work Permit Application
- Ensure Complete Documentation: Double-check that all required documents are included and correctly filled out. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays or refusals.
- Financial Proof: Provide clear and sufficient proof of financial stability. This includes bank statements, affidavits of support, and any other relevant financial documents.
- Clear Intentions: Clearly state your intentions for staying in Canada. Whether it’s for work, study, or family reasons, make sure your application reflects your genuine purpose.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about any part of the application process, consider seeking help from immigration consultants or legal experts. They can provide valuable guidance and increase your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if my work permit application is refused? A: If your application is refused, you can request a reconsideration or reapply. Make sure to address the reasons for refusal in your new application.
Q: Can I still apply for a work permit from outside Canada? A: Yes, you can apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Ensure you meet all the requirements and provide complete documentation.
Q: How long does it take to process a work permit application? A: Processing times can vary. It’s best to check the current processing times on the IRCC website and plan accordingly.
2 thoughts on “Important IRCC Update: Impact on Work Permits and Study Permits”
I have paid for one year tuition for my study permit . I was denied with my bank statement of 46million naira. What did I do wrong?
While we cannot provide a definitive answer without reviewing your specific application, requesting a General Communications and Management System (GCMS) note is highly recommended. This document will outline the exact reasons for the denial, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and strengthen your application for a successful outcome.
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