Canada Maintains Federal Control of Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Canada’s IRCC still issues all work permits for foreign nationals as of June 2025.
• No official plans for provincial chairpersons to issue work permits starting July 1, 2025.
• New open work permit rules restrict eligibility for spouses and remove permits for dependent children.

Canada’s Work Permit System: No Shift to Provincial Chairpersons for Foreign Nationals as of July 2025

Canada 🇨🇦 is known for its clear and well-managed immigration system, especially when it comes to work permits for foreign nationals. In recent weeks, there has been talk about a possible change: that provincial chairpersons might start issuing work permits for foreign nationals beginning July 1, 2025. However, as of late June 2025, there is no official confirmation or evidence from the Canadian government that such a shift will happen. This article explains the current rules, recent changes, and what foreign nationals and employers need to know about work permits in Canada 🇨🇦.

Who issues work permits in Canada 🇨🇦?
Work permits for foreign nationals are handled by the federal government, specifically by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC is responsible for setting the rules, processing applications, and making decisions about who can work in Canada 🇨🇦. This federal control helps keep the process fair and consistent across the country.

What is being discussed?
Some recent rumors and discussions suggest that, starting July 1, 2025, provincial chairpersons—officials who lead immigration matters at the provincial level—might take over the job of issuing work permits for foreign nationals. However, there are no official government announcements, policy documents, or credible news reports confirming this change. As of now, the process remains under federal control.

Why is this important?
A change like this would be a big deal for foreign nationals, employers, and the provinces themselves. It would mean a major shift in how work permits are managed and could affect how quickly and easily people can come to Canada 🇨🇦 to work. But since there is no official confirmation, it’s important for everyone to understand the current system and recent updates.

How Work Permits for Foreign Nationals Are Issued in Canada 🇨🇦

Federal Control and the Role of IRCC

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the main agency that handles work permits for foreign nationals. Here’s how the process works:

• Application: Foreign nationals who want to work in Canada 🇨🇦 must apply for a work permit through IRCC. This can be done online or by paper application.
• Eligibility: The IRCC sets the rules for who can get a work permit. There are different types, such as regular work permits (tied to a specific job and employer) and open work permits (which allow the holder to work for almost any employer).
• Fees: Applicants must pay a CA$155 work permit fee. If they are eligible for an open work permit, there is an extra CA$100 open work permit holder fee.
• Processing: The IRCC reviews the application, checks the documents, and decides whether to approve the work permit.

You can find more details about the application process and forms on the official IRCC work permit page.

The Role of Provincial Chairpersons and Provincial Governments

While provinces play an important part in immigration, especially through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), they do not issue work permits directly. Provincial chairpersons and other provincial officials can:

• Nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence if they meet local labor needs.
• Help speed up some parts of the process for certain jobs or sectors.
• Work with the federal government to identify skills shortages.

But the final decision and issuance of work permits remain with the IRCC at the federal level.

Recent Changes to Work Permit Rules for Foreign Nationals and Their Families

New Rules for Open Work Permits (Effective January 21, 2025)

The IRCC made some important changes to who can get an open work permit, especially for family members of foreign workers and international students:

• Spouses of International Students: Only spouses of students enrolled in advanced degree programs (like master’s or PhD) can get an open work permit.
• Spouses of High-Skilled Workers: Only spouses of foreign workers in certain high-skilled jobs (based on the TEER system, which stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) are eligible.
• Dependent Children: Working-age dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits.

These changes are meant to reduce the number of temporary residents and make sure that work permits are given to those who best match Canada’s 🇨🇦 labor market needs.

What does this mean for foreign nationals?

• If you are a spouse of a student or worker, check the new rules before applying.
• If you have dependent children, know that they may not be able to get an open work permit anymore.
• Employers should also be aware of these changes when hiring foreign workers with families.

No Evidence of Provincial Chairpersons Issuing Work Permits Starting July 1, 2025

Despite recent rumors, there is no official policy or announcement that provincial chairpersons will start issuing work permits for foreign nationals on July 1, 2025. All official sources, including the IRCC and provincial government websites, confirm that:

• Work permits are still issued by the federal government.
• Provinces can nominate people for permanent residence but do not issue work permits.
• No changes to this system have been announced as of June 2025.

If you hear about a local or sector-specific pilot program, it is best to check directly with the IRCC or the relevant provincial immigration office for confirmation.

Background: Why Does Canada 🇨🇦 Keep Work Permits Under Federal Control?

Canada’s 🇨🇦 immigration system has always been managed mainly by the federal government. Here’s why:

• Consistency: Having one set of rules helps make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter where they want to work in Canada 🇨🇦.
• Labor Market Protection: The federal government can keep a close eye on how many foreign nationals are coming in and what jobs they are filling.
• National Standards: Federal control helps Canada 🇨🇦 respond quickly to changes in the economy or labor market.

Provinces do have a say through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which lets them pick people who have the skills they need. But the actual work permit is still issued by the IRCC.

What Would Happen if Provincial Chairpersons Issued Work Permits?

If Canada 🇨🇦 ever decided to let provincial chairpersons issue work permits, it would be a big change. Here are some possible effects:

• Different Rules in Each Province: Each province might set its own rules, which could make things confusing for foreign nationals and employers.
• Uneven Processing Times: Some provinces might process permits faster than others, leading to unfair advantages.
• More Complexity: Foreign nationals might have to learn different systems for each province, making it harder to plan their move.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that keeping work permits under federal control helps avoid these problems and keeps the system simple and fair for everyone.

Practical Steps for Foreign Nationals and Employers

If you are a foreign national who wants to work in Canada 🇨🇦, or an employer who wants to hire someone from another country, here’s what you should do:

For Foreign Nationals

1. Check Your Eligibility: Use the IRCC website to see if you qualify for a work permit.
2. Gather Your Documents: You will need a job offer, proof of qualifications, and other documents.
3. Apply Online or by Paper: Most people apply online, but paper applications are also possible.
4. Pay the Fees: The main fee is CA$155. If you are applying for an open work permit, add CA$100.
5. Wait for Processing: Times vary depending on your country and the type of permit.

For Employers

1. Check If You Need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): This is a document that shows you need to hire a foreign worker because no Canadian 🇨🇦 is available for the job.
2. Support the Application: Give the foreign national a job offer letter and help with any paperwork.
3. Follow Federal Rules: Make sure you meet all the requirements set by the IRCC.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): How Provinces Help Shape Immigration

While provinces do not issue work permits, they play a big role in choosing who can become a permanent resident. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets provinces:

• Nominate foreign nationals who have the skills and experience needed in their local job market.
• Speed up the process for certain workers, like those in health care or technology.
• Work with the federal government to fill labor shortages.

After being nominated, the foreign national still needs to apply to the IRCC for a work permit or permanent residence.

Expert Opinions: Why Centralization Matters

Immigration experts say that having the IRCC in charge of work permits is important for several reasons:

• Fairness: Everyone follows the same rules, no matter where they want to work.
• Quality Control: The federal government can make sure all applications are checked carefully.
• Labor Market Balance: The IRCC can adjust the number of permits to match Canada’s 🇨🇦 needs.

If provinces started issuing work permits, it could lead to confusion and unfairness, especially if some provinces set easier or harder rules.

What Should Stakeholders Do Now?

For Foreign Nationals

• Stay Informed: Always check the IRCC website for the latest updates.
• Don’t Rely on Rumors: Only trust information from official government sources.
• Prepare Early: Start your application as soon as you have a job offer.

For Employers

• Follow Federal Guidelines: Make sure you understand the rules for hiring foreign nationals.
• Communicate with Candidates: Help foreign nationals understand the process and what documents they need.
• Monitor Policy Changes: Keep an eye on government announcements for any updates.

For Provincial Chairpersons and Provincial Governments

• Continue Supporting Nominees: Use the PNP to help fill local labor shortages.
• Work with the Federal Government: Keep communication open to make the process smoother for everyone.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you need more information or want to start your application, use these official resources:

• IRCC Main Website: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Work Permit Application Details: Work in Canada
• Provincial Nominee Program Information: Check your province’s official government website for details.
• Contact IRCC: Use the web form or call centers listed on the IRCC site for help.

Conclusion: No Change to Work Permit Issuance by Provincial Chairpersons

As of June 2025, work permits for foreign nationals in Canada 🇨🇦 are still issued by the federal government through the IRCC. There is no official policy or announcement that provincial chairpersons will take over this job starting July 1, 2025. Recent changes have focused on who can get open work permits, especially for family members of foreign workers and students. Both foreign nationals and employers should continue to follow the federal process and stay updated through official government channels.

If you hear about new policies or pilot programs, always check with the IRCC or your provincial government for confirmation. This will help you avoid mistakes and make sure your application goes smoothly.

Key Takeaways:
– Work permits are federally controlled.
– No official change to provincial chairpersons issuing work permits as of July 2025.
– Recent changes affect open work permit eligibility for family members.
– Always use official government sources for the latest information.

By following these steps and staying informed, foreign nationals and employers can make the most of Canada’s 🇨🇦 immigration opportunities while avoiding confusion and delays.

Learn Today

Work Permit → Official authorization allowing a foreign national to work legally in Canada under set conditions.
IRCC → Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the federal agency managing immigration and work permits in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program → A program where provinces nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency based on local labor needs.
Open Work Permit → A work permit that allows the holder to work for almost any employer without a specific job offer.
Labor Market Impact Assessment → A document assessing the need to hire foreign workers when no Canadians are available for the job.

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada’s federal IRCC controls all foreign work permits, rejecting recent rumors of provincial chairpersons taking over. New 2025 rules limit open permits to certain spouses and exclude working-age dependent children, preserving fairness and consistency nationwide in immigration and labor market needs.
— By VisaVerge.com