Canada has abruptly ended a policy of allowing work permits to those on visitor visas from within the county, in yet another blow to thousands of migrants, many of them from India. Canada is rolling back or limiting several liberal immigration schemes introduced in the wake of the Covid pandemic. India is reportedly the second highest source country of temporary workers to Canada, behind only Mexico.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC, the country's immigration agency, said in a release, "Canada has ended the policy allowing visitors on temporary visas to apply for work permits from within the country, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic."&nbsp;

The change will be effective immediately, the agency said on Wednesday (Aug 28). It will continue to process applications submitted before that date.

Indians protest against changes in Canada's immigration policy

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The temporary work permits were introduced in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to the pandemic-related travel restrictions. Under this scheme,&nbsp;visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. Foreigners who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could also apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.

This 'temporary policy' was set to expire on February 28, 2025, but now it has been stopped abruptly.

The agency said that some fraudsters were misusing this provision to lure foreigners into working in Canada without authorisation.

"IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system. IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorisation," said the release.

<h2>Canada cracks down on temporary residents, Indian students protest</h2>

The stopping of work permits for visitors is the latest in a string of immigration reforms being undertaken by the Justin Trudeau administration to roll back the number of temporary residents in the country.

It came even as hundreds of Indian graduates and students have started protests amid fears of deportation due to several overnight changes to immigration policies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-indians-canada-witnesses-massive-protests-as-70000-students-face-deportation-753788">Also read: ‘Unfair to Indians,’ Canada witnesses massive protests as 70,000 students face deportation</a> 
 
Among the issues of contention is a policy set to be implemented in September that would set limits on employers on how many temporary residents they could give jobs to.

It is common practice for international students to work part-time, often for very low wages, to meet some of their expenses. Their hope is to eventually find jobs in Canada, and gain permanent residency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-student-receiving-study-permits-soar-in-canada-despite-government-restrictions-739914">Canada sees rise in number of foreign students receiving study permit despite government restrictions</a>

One of the policies that would face some caps is the PEI PNP, or Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program. This was one of the so-called 'express entry' routes for many foreigners to enter, live and work in Canada. It gave pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers and recent graduates.&nbsp;

The rollback of several&nbsp;policies is mainly aimed at reducing the temporary resident population in the country, which includes some 70,000 student graduates who now face uncertain futures. The government's contention is that the presence of temporary residents is stressing out the housing market and infrastructure of the country.

Immigration minister Marc Miller had said in March that Canada's temporary resident population "had grown rapidly, reaching up to 2.5 million or 6.2 per cent of the total population.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada has abruptly ended a policy of allowing work permits to those on visitor visas from within the county, in yet another blow to thousands of migrants, many of them from India.

Canada has abruptly ended a policy of allowing work permits to those on visitor visas from within the county, in yet another blow to thousands of migrants, many of them from India. Canada is rolling back or limiting several liberal immigration schemes introduced in the wake of the Covid pandemic. India is reportedly the second highest source country of temporary workers to Canada, behind only Mexico. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC, the country's immigration agency, said in a release, "Canada has ended the policy allowing visitors on temporary visas to apply for work permits from within the country, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic." The change will be effective immediately, the agency said on Wednesday (Aug 28). It will continue to process applications submitted before that date. Indians protest against changes in Canada's immigration policy × The temporary work permits were introduced in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to the pandemic-related travel restrictions. Under this scheme, visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. Foreigners who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could also apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application. This 'temporary policy' was set to expire on February 28, 2025, but now it has been stopped abruptly. The agency said that some fraudsters were misusing this provision to lure foreigners into working in Canada without authorisation. "IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system. IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorisation," said the release. Canada cracks down on temporary residents, Indian students protest The stopping of work permits for visitors is the latest in a string of immigration reforms being undertaken by the Justin Trudeau administration to roll back the number of temporary residents in the country. It came even as hundreds of Indian graduates and students have started protests amid fears of deportation due to several overnight changes to immigration policies. Also read: ‘Unfair to Indians,’ Canada witnesses massive protests as 70,000 students face deportation Among the issues of contention is a policy set to be implemented in September that would set limits on employers on how many temporary residents they could give jobs to. It is common practice for international students to work part-time, often for very low wages, to meet some of their expenses. Their hope is to eventually find jobs in Canada, and gain permanent residency. Also read: Canada sees rise in number of foreign students receiving study permit despite government restrictions One of the policies that would face some caps is the PEI PNP, or Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program. This was one of the so-called 'express entry' routes for many foreigners to enter, live and work in Canada. It gave pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers and recent graduates. The rollback of several policies is mainly aimed at reducing the temporary resident population in the country, which includes some 70,000 student graduates who now face uncertain futures. The government's contention is that the presence of temporary residents is stressing out the housing market and infrastructure of the country. Immigration minister Marc Miller had said in March that Canada's temporary resident population "had grown rapidly, reaching up to 2.5 million or 6.2 per cent of the total population. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada ends work permits to those on visitor visas in yet another blow that could affect Indians

India has decided to resume its visa services to Canadians, weeks after temporarily closing down the services in the wake of tensions between both countries over the row on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa on Wednesday in a press statement said that they are resuming some visa services with effect from October 26.

“After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services," it said.

"Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation," it added.

India will resume visa services for entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa, the High Commission said.

The development came after Canada withdrew 41 of its envoys on the request of the Indian government, which had sought parity in the presence of diplomats.

<h2>Jaishankar wanted assurances from Canada to restart services&nbsp;</h2>

On Sunday, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that they would "very much to resume the issuing of visas" provided Indian envoys are provided safety in Canada as per the Vienna Convention.

"If we see progress in the safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there," Jaishankar said.

He also brushed aside the statements by the US and the UK over making Canada withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats, both of whom claimed that it falls contrary to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“Parity (between the diplomatic presence of the two countries in each other’s capitals) is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention, which is the relevant international rule on this. In our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said while speaking at an event in New Delhi on Sunday.

“The relationship right now is going through a difficult phase. But I do want to say, you know, the problems we have are with a certain segment of Canadian politics and the policies, which flow from that,” said the external affairs minister, replying to a question on the Canada-India diplomatic row. &nbsp;“So, I want people to understand the extent of the issue.

<h2>India and Canada visa row&nbsp;</h2>

India stopped issuing new visas to Canadians on September 21 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had "credible" inputs about the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar's murder.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-spy-vessel-shin-yan-6-docks-at-colombo-port-amidst-indias-security-concerns-651161">Chinese vessel Shin Yan 6 docks at Colombo Port amidst India’s concerns</a>

New Delhi categorically denied the claims made by Trudeau, calling them "absurd" and "motivated".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncert-recommends-replacing-india-with-bharat-and-highlighting-hindu-victories-in-textbooks-651136">NCERT panel recommends replacing 'India' with 'Bharat' in textbooks</a>

&nbsp;“We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

India has decided to resume its visa services to Canadians, weeks after temporarily closing down the services in the wake of tensions between both countries over the row on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has decided to resume its visa services to Canadians, weeks after temporarily closing down the services in the wake of tensions between both countries over the row on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa on Wednesday in a press statement said that they are resuming some visa services with effect from October 26. “After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services," it said. "Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation," it added. India will resume visa services for entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa, the High Commission said. The development came after Canada withdrew 41 of its envoys on the request of the Indian government, which had sought parity in the presence of diplomats. Jaishankar wanted assurances from Canada to restart services On Sunday, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that they would "very much to resume the issuing of visas" provided Indian envoys are provided safety in Canada as per the Vienna Convention. "If we see progress in the safety of our diplomats in Canada, we would like to resume issuance of visas there," Jaishankar said. He also brushed aside the statements by the US and the UK over making Canada withdraw 41 of its 62 diplomats, both of whom claimed that it falls contrary to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. “Parity (between the diplomatic presence of the two countries in each other’s capitals) is very much provided for by the Vienna Convention, which is the relevant international rule on this. In our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel,” Jaishankar said while speaking at an event in New Delhi on Sunday. “The relationship right now is going through a difficult phase. But I do want to say, you know, the problems we have are with a certain segment of Canadian politics and the policies, which flow from that,” said the external affairs minister, replying to a question on the Canada-India diplomatic row. “So, I want people to understand the extent of the issue. India and Canada visa row India stopped issuing new visas to Canadians on September 21 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had "credible" inputs about the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar's murder. Also read | Chinese vessel Shin Yan 6 docks at Colombo Port amidst India’s concerns New Delhi categorically denied the claims made by Trudeau, calling them "absurd" and "motivated". Also read | NCERT panel recommends replacing 'India' with 'Bharat' in textbooks “We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

India decides to resume some visa services for Canadians

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has come up with evidence that some people, including Indians, who came to Canada on student visas were not attending universities or colleges, and were involved in criminal activity and gangs. On July 21, The CBSA told the publication The Globe and Mail that an investigation into 300 students who gained study permits with fake acceptance letters from universities and colleges identified 10 people involved in criminal activity.&nbsp;

The agency's investigation into the abuse of student visas dates back to a 2018 probe into organised crime. The 2018 probe led to the discovery that student visas were being used by people to come to Canada to join gangs.

Speaking to the publication, CBSA spokesperson Guillaume Bérubé said that the agency would continue to focus inland investigative resources on high-risk cases, with criminality and national security being the highest priorities.&nbsp;

In July, CBSA's Intelligence and Enforcement Branch's vice president Aaron McCrorie sent a letter to a group named Victimised Students of Fraud, the Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday (August 9).&nbsp;

The letter stated that in 2018, the agency was probing organised crime groups and became aware of issues with students not attending schools and getting involved in criminal activity.&nbsp;

This led to new lines of enquiry which led the CBSA to identify more than 2,000 cases where fraudulent documents may have been used to obtain a student visa, the letter said. "In collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we reviewed those cases and we narrowed them down to approximately 300 cases of concern," it added.&nbsp;

Agency spokesperson Bérubé told The Globe and Mail that uncovering links to crime was a priority for the agency. The CBSA's Pacific Region team recently probed Brijesh Mishra, an Indian education agent who allegedly played a role in the scam involving fake Canadian college admission letters. He was arrested last month.&nbsp;

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The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has come up with evidence that some people, including Indians, who came to Canada on student visas were not attending universities or colleges, and were involved in criminal activity and gangs.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has come up with evidence that some people, including Indians, who came to Canada on student visas were not attending universities or colleges, and were involved in criminal activity and gangs. On July 21, The CBSA told the publication The Globe and Mail that an investigation into 300 students who gained study permits with fake acceptance letters from universities and colleges identified 10 people involved in criminal activity. The agency's investigation into the abuse of student visas dates back to a 2018 probe into organised crime. The 2018 probe led to the discovery that student visas were being used by people to come to Canada to join gangs. Speaking to the publication, CBSA spokesperson Guillaume Bérubé said that the agency would continue to focus inland investigative resources on high-risk cases, with criminality and national security being the highest priorities. In July, CBSA's Intelligence and Enforcement Branch's vice president Aaron McCrorie sent a letter to a group named Victimised Students of Fraud, the Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday (August 9). The letter stated that in 2018, the agency was probing organised crime groups and became aware of issues with students not attending schools and getting involved in criminal activity. This led to new lines of enquiry which led the CBSA to identify more than 2,000 cases where fraudulent documents may have been used to obtain a student visa, the letter said. "In collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we reviewed those cases and we narrowed them down to approximately 300 cases of concern," it added. Agency spokesperson Bérubé told The Globe and Mail that uncovering links to crime was a priority for the agency. The CBSA's Pacific Region team recently probed Brijesh Mishra, an Indian education agent who allegedly played a role in the scam involving fake Canadian college admission letters. He was arrested last month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Some Indians who came to Canada on student visas involved in gang activity: Border agency

As a part of Canada’s tech talent strategy, the country unveiled the new Open Work Permit (OPW) on July 16, which marked a milestone for H-1B visa holders. The OWP grants specialised occupation professionals the chance to work across various employers in Canada for up to three years, with the added perk of bringing their immediate families along.&nbsp;

As soon as the announcement was made for this new scheme, the popularity of this permit skyrocketed, hitting the 10,000 application cap in just two days. This left some re-considering their immigration prospects through this permit.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tucker-carlson-claims-to-know-fox-news-fired-him-under-dominion-settlement-619635">Tucker Carlson claims he 'knows' Fox News fired him under Dominion settlement</a>

However, there are still multiple pathways for H-1B holders to explore Canada’s promising avenues without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).&nbsp;

Here’s an overview of some alternative temporary worker pathways to Canada:

<h2>1. Global Talent Stream</h2>

The Global Talent Stream makes it easier for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for specialised occupations, especially when Canadians aren't available for these specific roles. It was first introduced in 2017. There are two categories under this stream:

Category A: Designated Partner Referral

For ambitious companies in need of specialized talents from abroad, a Global Talent Stream referral from a designated partner, like a local or provincial business association, is a must.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-beachgoers-run-in-all-directions-as-aggressive-sea-lions-come-ashore-619595">WATCH | Beachgoers run in all directions as aggressive sea lions come charging</a>

Category B: In-Demand Occupation&nbsp;

Companies seeking skilled foreign workers for occupations listed in the Global Talent Occupations List can tap into this option, making use of the high-demand occupations with an inadequate local labour supply.

<h2>2. Intra-Company Transfers</h2>

Intra-company transfers to Canada allow international workers to move to Canada. 
If you work for a multinational company that has a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada, you may be able to secure a Canadian work permit through the Intra-company transfer program.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/taste-of-own-medicine-just-stop-oil-meeting-ruined-by-pranksters-video-619622">Taste of own medicine? Just Stop Oil meeting ruined by pranksters | VIDEO</a>

You must have at least one year of full-time work experience with the foreign enterprise and come to Canada to perform comparable work to be eligible for the pathway.

<h2>3. Business Visitors&nbsp;</h2>

A business visitor is a foreign national who comes to Canada to participate in international business activities, but who will not enter the Canadian labour market.

Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks but are able to stay for up to 6 months. If you plan to stay for more than 6 months or plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As a part of Canada’s tech talent strategy, the country unveiled the new Open Work Permit (OPW) on July 16, which marked a milestone for H-1B visa holders. The OWP grants specialised occupation professionals the chance to work across various employers in Canada for up to three years, with the added perk of bringing their immediate families along.

As a part of Canada’s tech talent strategy, the country unveiled the new Open Work Permit (OPW) on July 16, which marked a milestone for H-1B visa holders. The OWP grants specialised occupation professionals the chance to work across various employers in Canada for up to three years, with the added perk of bringing their immediate families along. As soon as the announcement was made for this new scheme, the popularity of this permit skyrocketed, hitting the 10,000 application cap in just two days. This left some re-considering their immigration prospects through this permit. Also Read | Tucker Carlson claims he 'knows' Fox News fired him under Dominion settlement However, there are still multiple pathways for H-1B holders to explore Canada’s promising avenues without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Here’s an overview of some alternative temporary worker pathways to Canada: 1. Global Talent Stream The Global Talent Stream makes it easier for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for specialised occupations, especially when Canadians aren't available for these specific roles. It was first introduced in 2017. There are two categories under this stream: Category A: Designated Partner Referral For ambitious companies in need of specialized talents from abroad, a Global Talent Stream referral from a designated partner, like a local or provincial business association, is a must. Also Read | WATCH | Beachgoers run in all directions as aggressive sea lions come charging Category B: In-Demand Occupation Companies seeking skilled foreign workers for occupations listed in the Global Talent Occupations List can tap into this option, making use of the high-demand occupations with an inadequate local labour supply. 2. Intra-Company Transfers Intra-company transfers to Canada allow international workers to move to Canada. If you work for a multinational company that has a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada, you may be able to secure a Canadian work permit through the Intra-company transfer program. Also Read | Taste of own medicine? Just Stop Oil meeting ruined by pranksters | VIDEO You must have at least one year of full-time work experience with the foreign enterprise and come to Canada to perform comparable work to be eligible for the pathway. 3. Business Visitors A business visitor is a foreign national who comes to Canada to participate in international business activities, but who will not enter the Canadian labour market. Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks but are able to stay for up to 6 months. If you plan to stay for more than 6 months or plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Missed Canada’s work permit for H-1B holders? Here are some options you can consider

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Canada ends work permits to those on visitor visas in yet another blow that could affect Indians

India decides to resume some visa services for Canadians

Some Indians who came to Canada on student visas involved in gang activity: Border agency

Missed Canada’s work permit for H-1B holders? Here are some options you can consider