Canada has tightened its immigration rules and issued a strong warning to foreign workers, including thousands of Indians working in the country.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has said that anyone working without proper authorization could face serious consequences.
Those found violating the rules may be deported from Canada and banned from re-entering the country for up to five years.
Working Without a Permit Can Be Costly
According to the IRCC, working without a valid work permit can affect much more than your current job.
People who break the rules may face:
Deportation from Canada
A five-year ban on re-entering the country
A negative immigration or fraud record with the IRCC
Problems while applying for future visas or Permanent Residency (PR)
The department also warned that workers without legal authorization are more likely to become victims of exploitation and fraud.
A Visitor Visa Does Not Allow You to Work
The IRCC has made it clear that most foreign nationals need a valid work permit before starting a job in Canada.
Having a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) does not give someone the right to work.
In most cases, visitors cannot apply for a work permit after entering Canada, so it is important to have the correct authorization before accepting employment.
Beware of Immigration Scams
The immigration department has also warned workers to stay alert against fraud.
Some common signs of immigration scams include:
Asking for money in exchange for a work permit or job offer
Promising Permanent Residency through employment
Requesting money or personal documents through social media
Claiming you can stay and work even after your permit expires
Offering free accommodation in exchange for work
The IRCC advises workers to verify all job offers and immigration services through official channels.
Follow Your Work Permit Conditions
Foreign workers must follow all the conditions mentioned in their work permit, including restrictions related to:
Employer
Job role
Work location
Violating these conditions could make a person ineligible to remain in Canada and may result in removal from the country.
Planning to Stay Longer? Apply Before Your Permit Expires
The IRCC recommends applying for a work permit extension at least 30 days before the current permit expires.
If the extension application is submitted before the expiry date, workers can usually remain in Canada under “maintained status” while their application is being processed.
However, if someone leaves Canada after their permit expires, they cannot return to work until a new permit is approved.
Workers who wish to change their employer, job, or workplace must also apply to update the conditions of their work permit.
The IRCC has emphasized that foreign nationals must stop working immediately if their work permit expires before they apply for a new one or if they no longer meet the permit’s conditions.
Only those who are legally exempt from needing a work permit can continue working while maintaining valid temporary resident status.
