Maple News reports that temporary foreign workers in Canada with closed work permits can now change employers without having to wait for their new work permit to be approved — thanks to a temporary public policy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traditionally, foreign workers with employer-specific (closed) work permits had to wait months for a new work permit to be issued before starting a new job. This caused lengthy employment gaps for many workers who needed or wanted to change employers, whether due to better opportunities, job loss, or unsuitable working conditions.
However, since 2020, a temporary federal policy has allowed eligible temporary foreign workers to begin working for a new employer while their work permit application is still being processed. This measure was initially introduced to address the critical labor shortages exacerbated by the pandemic but remains in effect today.
To take advantage of this policy, workers must have valid status in Canada and be applying for a new employer-specific work permit. Once their application is submitted, they need to follow a specific process to obtain interim authorization to work from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once IRCC confirms this authorization, the worker is permitted to start their new job immediately – even before the new permit is finalized.
This flexibility has improved job mobility and worker protections within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), giving workers a faster pathway to better employment conditions. It also aids employers facing urgent labor shortages by allowing them quicker access to experienced, available workers.
While this measure is temporary, there is growing interest among advocacy groups and industry stakeholders to make it permanent, noting its positive impact on both employers and the rights of immigrant workers.
Maple News will continue to follow developments regarding TFWP policy changes and potential long-term improvements to Canada’s immigration and labor systems.