Canada Tightens Work Permit Rules, Introduces New Requirement for Newly Hired Employees

OTTAWA: Canada has introduced stricter work permit regulations for foreign workers, making an important change for newly hired employees. Under the new rules, individuals who have recently secured jobs with overseas companies will no longer be eligible to apply for certain work permits until they have officially started their employment.

Under the revised policy, only employees who are already working for a foreign employer will qualify to apply for a C20 work permit under the Reciprocal Employment category. Previously, newly hired workers were allowed to apply for the permit before formally joining their overseas employer.

Canadian authorities said the changes are intended to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the work permit system by ensuring that only genuine employees transferred under reciprocal employment arrangements can benefit from the program.

Immigration experts believe the new policy could affect multinational companies, educational institutions and skilled professionals planning to relocate to Canada immediately after accepting a new job. Applicants who do not meet the revised eligibility requirements may have to pursue alternative immigration pathways, including obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), before qualifying for a work permit.