Canada has warned foreign nationals against working in the country without proper authorization, saying violations can lead to serious immigration consequences, including removal and a ban on returning for up to five years.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), unauthorized work may also result in a permanent record of fraud with the department, potentially affecting future immigration applications, including those for permanent residence.
IRCC also cautioned that unauthorized workers may be more vulnerable to exploitation, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions, abuse, threats, forced labor, and unpaid work.
The department clarified that holding a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization does not give a person the right to work in Canada. Most visitors are also not eligible to apply for a work permit from within the country.
Foreign workers have been advised to carefully follow the conditions listed on their work permits and apply for an extension at least 30 days before their permit expires. Those who apply before expiry may continue to stay in Canada under maintained status while their application is processed, subject to applicable conditions.
However, workers must stop working if their permit expires before they submit an extension application. Violating work permit conditions may result in a person becoming inadmissible to Canada and facing removal.
IRCC also warned foreign nationals to remain cautious of immigration and employment scams. These may include demands for payment in exchange for jobs or work permits, promises of permanent residence, requests for money through social media, misleading claims about how long a person can legally remain in Canada, and offers of free accommodation in exchange for work.
At the same time, Canadian authorities stressed that temporary foreign workers are protected under the country’s labor laws. Employers are required to pay workers, provide a safe workplace, and cannot take away their passports or work permits.
International students must also follow the employment conditions listed on their study permits and comply with applicable limits on off-campus working hours. Students who work more hours than permitted could lose their student status, have future study or work permit applications refused, and may be required to leave Canada.
Graduates generally require a work permit to continue working in Canada. However, eligible applicants for a post-graduation work permit may be allowed to work full-time while waiting for a decision, provided they meet the required conditions.
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