Canada’s immigration agency has clarified that holders of an eTA or visitor visa are not permitted to work, emphasizing the legal risks of unauthorized employment. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC) issued a statement outlining that these visas are strictly for temporary stays and do not grant permission to engage in employment.

The IRCC reiterated that working without a valid work permit can lead to serious consequences, including deportation and a ban on future visa applications. The warning comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign workers in the country, particularly in sectors where unauthorized employment has been reported.

This clarification follows recent reports of individuals attempting to work under visitor visa status, prompting authorities to reinforce existing regulations. The IRCC has also advised employers to ensure they are compliant with immigration laws when hiring foreign nationals. The message underscores the importance of adhering to legal frameworks to avoid immigration violations.