In a significant update for Canada temporary foreign workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a crucial public policy that allows eligible foreign nationals to change employers and occupations before receiving a new work permit. Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, this temporary public policy has now been revoked and replaced with a new version effective May 27, 2025, with only minor changes.
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This move offers continued flexibility and job mobility for Canada temporary foreign workers, many of whom hold closed work permits that typically restrict them to working for a single employer in a specified occupation.
What the Policy Means for Canada Temporary Foreign Workers
Under normal immigration rules, Canada temporary foreign workers on employer-specific (closed) work permits can only legally work for the employer and in the job listed on their permit. To switch employers or roles, they would need to apply for a new work permit and wait for approval before starting the new job.
However, under the extended public policy, these workers can now apply for interim authorization to work in a new role before their new work permit is approved. This allows them to start their new job much sooner—often within 10 to 15 days of applying for the exemption.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Public Policy Exemption
To benefit from this extended flexibility, Canada temporary foreign workers must meet several conditions:
- Be physically in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status),
- Have submitted an application for a new work permit or work permit extension,
- Have been authorized to work at the time their new application was submitted,
- Intend to work for a new employer or in a new occupation as specified in a job offer.
Eligible applicants must formally request that this temporary policy exemption apply to them and must wait for written confirmation from IRCC before starting their new job.
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What’s New in the May 2025 Policy Update?
The new policy issued on May 27, 2025, is virtually identical to the original version that had been in place since May 2020, with one key change:
- The exemption from providing biometrics for the new work permit application has now been removed. All applicants under this public policy must comply with biometrics requirements moving forward.
This change reflects a gradual return to pre-pandemic processing standards, while maintaining the job mobility benefits that have proven essential for both workers and Canadian employers.
Why This Matters for Canada Temporary Foreign Workers
The extension of this policy offers critical benefits to Canada temporary foreign workers, particularly those who may experience job loss, poor working conditions, or wish to pursue better employment opportunities. It also supports Canadian businesses struggling with labour shortages, as it allows quicker redeployment of foreign workers already in Canada.
This public policy recognizes the practical realities of the Canadian labour market and offers a streamlined process for Canada temporary foreign workers to move within it.
Caution: Policy Can Be Revoked Without Notice
As with all temporary public policies, this exemption can be revoked at any time without prior notice. Foreign nationals and employers are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with IRCC announcements and to act promptly when employment changes are needed.
The policy currently has no set expiration date, meaning it remains in effect until officially revoked.
Final Thoughts
The continued flexibility offered by this IRCC policy extension is a lifeline for many Canada temporary foreign workers, providing much-needed job mobility while maintaining legal status. For businesses and workers alike, this policy simplifies transitions and addresses evolving workforce needs.
As Canada considers broader immigration and labour market reforms, this move underscores the importance of responsive, worker-friendly policies in supporting both economic recovery and humane immigration practices.