Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a temporary public policy allowing foreign workers in Canada on closed work permits to change employers or occupations without waiting for a new work permit to be issued. This policy, originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, has now been renewed as of May 27, 2025, providing continued relief for temporary foreign workers navigating job changes within the country.
Under standard conditions, individuals on employer-specific work permits – also called closed work permits – are only authorized to work for the specific employer and in the job outlined in their permit. Any change, whether to employer or occupation, would normally require these workers to wait until IRCC approves a new work permit.
However, under the extended policy, eligible foreign nationals can apply to IRCC to receive interim authorization to begin working for a new employer or in a new role before the new permit is officially processed. This temporary authorization aims to minimize employment disruptions, especially for those facing job loss, employer closures, or critical labor market shifts.
To qualify for the exemption, applicants must already be in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including those with maintained status), have submitted an application for a new work permit or extension, have been authorized to work at the time of application submission, and have received a valid job offer for the new position.
Applicants must formally request IRCC to apply this temporary exemption until a decision is made on their new work permit application. They can typically expect a response from IRCC within 10 to 15 business days, confirming whether they can begin their new employment.
This policy update is crucial for foreign workers who need flexibility in times of economic uncertainty or career progression. It also benefits Canadian employers by reducing hiring delays and labor shortages in key sectors.
Maple News notes that this renewed measure replaces the original 2020 version of the policy and reinforces Canada’s ongoing commitment to a more adaptable and responsive temporary foreign worker program.
For full eligibility details and application instructions, foreign nationals are encouraged to review the process directly through IRCC’s official channels.