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Temporary Residence
Temporary Residence in Canada: Work, Study, and Visit Programs
Canada offers various pathways for temporary residents, including work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. Recent updates, effective February 2025, have impacted eligibility and processing. Below are the key programs available for those wishing to work, study, or visit Canada temporarily.
1. Work Permits
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Purpose: Allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for temporary positions when Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable.
- LMIA Requirement: Employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating the need for foreign workers.
- Recent Change: Immigration officers now have enhanced powers to cancel temporary work permits under specific circumstances, strengthening program integrity.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
- Purpose: A fast-tracked work permit option for highly skilled workers, especially in tech and specialized fields.
- Benefits: Processing time is 2 weeks, significantly quicker than other work permits.
- Eligibility: Employers must meet specific requirements, and workers can fill positions like software engineers, data analysts, and IT professionals.
Family Open Work Permits (OWP)
- Eligibility: As of January 2025, spouses of certain skilled workers and international students are eligible to apply for an OWP. This provides work opportunities while accompanying a family member in Canada.
Open Work Permits
- Purpose: Allows individuals to work for any employer in Canada, without a specific job offer.
- Eligibility: Available to spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers, international students, and applicants for permanent residency.
2. Study Permits
Study Permit
- Purpose: Required for international students who wish to study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Eligibility:
- Proof of acceptance from a DLI.
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.
- Medical exams and criminal background checks (if applicable).
- Work Rights: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Purpose: Available to graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions, allowing them to work in Canada.
- Duration: Can be valid for up to 3 years, depending on the program’s length.
- Benefit: Helps graduates gain valuable work experience in Canada, which can contribute to permanent residency eligibility.
New Cap on Study Permits (Effective 2025)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will limit the number of study permits issued in 2025 to 437,000, a 10% reduction from previous years. This measure ensures a more balanced approach to student immigration and public service capacity.
3. Working Holiday Program
International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Purpose: Offers young individuals (typically 18-35) from eligible countries the opportunity to work and travel in Canada.
- Eligibility: Participants must be from countries with a bilateral agreement with Canada.
- Work Rights: Allows participants to work for any employer in Canada during their stay.
4. Visitor Visas (Temporary Resident Visas - TRV)
Visitor Visa
- Purpose: For individuals who want to visit Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short-term business.
- Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, ties to their home country, and a clean criminal record.
- Duration: Usually issued for up to 6 months, but the exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Visitor Visa Extension
- Purpose: If you’re already in Canada and wish to extend your stay, you can apply to extend your visitor visa.
- Eligibility: Must apply before your current visa expires and show that you still meet visitor visa requirements.
Visitor Record
- Purpose: This is issued to individuals already in Canada to extend their visitor status or adjust the terms of their stay.
- Eligibility: Must apply before your current visitor status expires.
5. Key Updates in 2025
Recent Changes to Temporary Residence Programs:
- Family Open Work Permits: As of January 2025, eligibility for family open work permits has been tightened. Only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers qualify for this permit.
- Visitor Visa Authority: Immigration officers now have more authority to cancel temporary resident documents, including visitor visas, under certain conditions, ensuring greater integrity in the system.
- Cap on Study Permits: In 2025, Canada has reduced the total number of study permits to 437,000, focusing on better managing public services and infrastructure.
- Skilled Worker Focus: Policies have shifted to prioritize skilled workers, especially for rural areas and Francophone communities, to address labor shortages.
6. Conclusion
Canada’s temporary residence options provide flexible pathways for work, study, and visits. Whether you're a highly skilled professional, an international student, or looking to visit, Canada offers multiple programs designed to meet your needs. With recent updates in 2025, such as changes to family work permits and study permit caps, it's crucial to stay informed about eligibility and application procedures.
For more details or assistance with your application, contact us today!
