IRCC Renews Flexibility for Foreign Workers to Change Employers Without New Work Permit Approval
In a move applauded by advocates and employers alike, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a key temporary policy first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing foreign nationals on closed work permits to change employers or occupations without waiting for a new permit to be issued.
The revised public policy, effective May 27, 2025, ensures that eligible foreign workers already in Canada can transition to new roles or employers more swiftly — a lifeline for both workers and industries facing acute labor shortages.
What the Policy Change Means
Under standard immigration rules, a closed work permit (employer-specific work permit) only allows foreign workers to work for the specific employer and occupation listed on the permit. Changing jobs or industries would normally require the worker to wait for a new permit to be approved — a process that can take weeks or even months.
But under this extended temporary public policy, eligible foreign nationals can now:
Receive interim authorization from IRCC to begin working for a new employer and/or in a new occupation,
Without having to wait for their new work permit to be finalized.
Who Is Eligible for This Work Flexibility?
To qualify for this exemption, a foreign worker must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status, including those under maintained status (formerly implied status).
- Have submitted an application for a new work permit or an extension of their current permit.
- Have been authorized to work in Canada at the time of submitting their new application.
- Have a valid job offer from the new employer/occupation.
Important:
Workers must formally request that this policy be applied to them and await email confirmation from IRCC before starting their new job. This email typically arrives within 10 to 15 days of application.
What Has Changed from the Original Policy?
The revised version of the policy replaces the one initially introduced in May 2020, during the height of the pandemic, which aimed to give temporary foreign workers more flexibility amid job disruptions.
The key difference in the 2025 extension is:
The biometrics exemption has been removed.
Applicants must now submit biometrics as part of their new work permit application unless exempt under standard regulations.
Duration and Revocation
While the IRCC has not announced an end date for the policy, it remains a temporary public policy — meaning it can be revoked or amended at any time without prior notice.
Employers and workers are encouraged to act promptly if they intend to take advantage of this flexibility.
Why This Policy Matters
This policy is especially important for foreign workers on closed permits who face:
- Sudden layoffs or job losses
- Toxic or unsafe work environments
- Better opportunities aligned with their skills
It also supports employers struggling with labor shortages in sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Hospitality
By cutting down wait times and enabling quicker job transitions, IRCC aims to boost labor mobility while ensuring that foreign workers’ rights and safety are protected.
How to Apply
Detailed instructions for requesting interim work authorization are available on IRCC’s official website, along with guidance from immigration law firms and licensed consultants.
Workers must include:
- A valid job offer
- Proof of temporary status
- Evidence of a submitted work permit application
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
