Canada Extends Policy Allowing Job Changes for Foreign Workers

Key Takeaways

• On May 27, 2025, Canada extended a policy letting foreign workers on closed permits change jobs with interim IRCC authorization.
• Workers can start new jobs within 10-15 days after IRCC grants interim authorization, avoiding employment gaps.
• Policy improves job mobility, protects workers financially, and helps employers fill vacancies faster with skilled workers in Canada.

On May 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major policy extension that directly affects thousands of foreign workers in Canada. The government renewed the special exemption that allows workers on closed work permits—also called employer-specific work permits—to change jobs before their new permit is approved, as long as they receive interim authorization from IRCC. This policy, which took effect immediately, is designed to give foreign workers more flexibility and protect them from job loss and financial hardship.

This change is important for both workers and employers across Canada 🇨🇦. It means that people who came to Canada 🇨🇦 to work for one employer can now switch jobs more easily, helping them avoid long periods without work. Employers also benefit because they can fill open positions faster with skilled workers who are already in the country.

Let’s break down what this policy means, who it affects, and how it works in practice.

What Changed and Why It Matters

Before this policy extension, foreign workers on closed work permits had to wait for their new permit to be fully approved before starting a new job. This waiting period could last weeks or even months, leaving workers without income and employers with unfilled jobs. Now, with the new rules, eligible workers can request interim authorization from IRCC and start working for a new employer while their application is still being processed.

Key points:
– Effective Date: The policy took effect on May 27, 2025.
– Who is affected: Foreign workers in Canada 🇨🇦 with closed (employer-specific) work permits who want to change jobs.
– What’s new: Workers can start their new job after getting interim authorization, instead of waiting for the new permit to be approved.
– How long does it take: IRCC usually gives interim authorization within 10 to 15 days.

This change helps workers avoid gaps in employment, which is especially important for those supporting families or working toward permanent residency. It also helps employers fill job openings faster, making the Canadian labor market more flexible.

Understanding Closed Work Permits

A closed work permit, also called an employer-specific work permit, ties a foreign worker to a single employer and job. This means the worker can only work for the employer listed on their permit. If they want to change jobs, they must apply for a new permit, which can take time.

In 2022, about 23% of all work permits issued by IRCC were closed permits, while 77% were open permits. Open work permits allow workers to work for any employer in Canada 🇨🇦, but closed permits are more restrictive.

As of November 2023, fewer than 150,000 migrants in Canada 🇨🇦 held closed work permits. These workers often face challenges if they lose their job or want to leave a bad work situation, because they cannot legally work for another employer until they get a new permit.

Who Is Eligible for the Policy?

Not every foreign worker can use this exemption. To qualify, you must:
– Be in Canada 🇨🇦 with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status, which means you applied to extend your stay before your permit expired).
– Have submitted a new employer-specific work permit application.
– Have been authorized to work at the time you applied.
– Intend to work for a new employer or in a new occupation, as described in your new job offer.

If you meet these requirements, you can request interim authorization from IRCC to start your new job while your application is being processed.

Maintained Status Explained: If your work permit expires while you are waiting for a decision on your new application, but you applied before it expired, you are on “maintained status.” This means you can stay in Canada 🇨🇦 and keep working under the same conditions as your old permit until you get a decision.

How the Interim Authorization Process Works

Here’s a step-by-step guide for foreign workers who want to change jobs under this policy:

1. Check Your Eligibility
   • Make sure you are in Canada 🇨🇦 with valid temporary resident status or maintained status.
   • Confirm you have submitted a new employer-specific work permit application.
   • Ensure you were authorized to work when you applied.
2. Request Interim Authorization
   • Submit a request to IRCC for interim authorization to work for your new employer. This is usually done through the IRCC online portal.
   • You must wait for IRCC’s confirmation before starting your new job.
3. Wait for IRCC Confirmation
   • IRCC typically responds within 10 to 15 days.
   • Do not start working for your new employer until you receive written confirmation from IRCC.
4. Begin Your New Job
   • Once you get interim authorization, you can start working for your new employer while your work permit application is still being processed.

Important: If your new work permit application is refused, you must stop working for the new employer immediately.

For more details on the process and to access the official forms, visit the IRCC website.

Why Did Canada 🇨🇦 Extend This Policy?

The government’s main goal is to make better use of the skills of temporary foreign workers who are already in Canada 🇨🇦. By allowing these workers to change jobs more easily, the policy helps reduce the need to bring in new temporary workers from abroad. This is especially important as Canada 🇨🇦 faces ongoing labor shortages in many industries.

The policy was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to address urgent labor needs and protect workers who lost their jobs due to business closures. Since then, it has been extended several times because it has proven to be helpful for both workers and employers.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the policy supports a more dynamic labor market and helps protect workers from being stuck in bad work situations or facing long periods without income.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Foreign Workers:
– Greater Job Mobility: Workers can leave jobs where they feel unsafe or unhappy without risking their legal status.
– Financial Stability: Workers avoid long gaps in employment, which helps them support their families and meet requirements for permanent residency.
– Protection from Exploitation: Workers are less likely to stay in abusive or unfair work situations just because they can’t change jobs easily.

For Employers:
– Faster Hiring: Employers can fill job openings more quickly with skilled workers who are already in Canada 🇨🇦.
– Reduced Recruitment Costs: Hiring from within the country saves time and money compared to bringing in new workers from abroad.
– Access to Experienced Workers: Employers benefit from workers who already understand Canadian workplace culture and expectations.

For Advocacy Groups:
– Worker Rights: Groups like the Immigrant Workers Centre have long called for more flexibility for foreign workers, arguing that closed work permits make workers vulnerable to exploitation.
– Push for Further Reforms: Many advocacy groups want the government to go even further by making it easier for temporary foreign workers to get open work permits or permanent residency.

For Legal and Immigration Consultants:
– Guidance and Support: Immigration lawyers and consultants help workers understand the new rules and make sure they follow the correct steps to avoid legal problems.

Historical Context and Policy Evolution

Closed work permits have been a source of concern for many years. Workers on these permits often face difficulties if they lose their job or want to leave a bad employer. They can’t legally work for anyone else until they get a new permit, which can take weeks or months.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government realized that this system was too rigid, especially when businesses were closing and workers needed to find new jobs quickly. The special exemption was introduced to help workers and employers adapt to the changing job market.

Since then, the policy has been extended several times, and as of May 27, 2025, it has been renewed “indefinitely.” This means it will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future, though the government may review it from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get interim authorization?
– Usually, IRCC responds within 10 to 15 days.

Can I start working before I get confirmation from IRCC?
– No. You must wait for written confirmation before starting your new job.

What happens if my new work permit application is refused?
– You must stop working for the new employer right away.

Are open work permit holders affected by this policy?
– No. If you have an open work permit, you can change employers at any time while your permit is valid.

Summary Table: Key Policy Details

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Foreign Workers in Canada 🇨🇦?

The extension of this policy is a positive step for foreign workers and employers, but many experts and advocacy groups believe more changes are needed. Some are calling for:
– More Open Work Permits: Making it easier for workers to get permits that let them work for any employer.
– Pathways to Permanent Residency: Creating more options for temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents.
– Regular Policy Reviews: Making sure the policy continues to protect workers and meet the needs of the Canadian economy.

The government has said it will keep monitoring the policy’s impact and may make further changes in the future.

Practical Steps for Workers and Employers

If you are a foreign worker on a closed work permit and want to change jobs:
– Check that you meet all eligibility requirements.
– Submit your new work permit application and request interim authorization through the IRCC online portal.
– Wait for written confirmation before starting your new job.
– If you have questions, consider reaching out to a legal or immigration consultant for help.

Employers looking to hire foreign workers who are already in Canada 🇨🇦 should:
– Understand the new rules and timelines.
– Be ready to provide a job offer and support the worker’s application process.
– Stay informed about any future policy changes by checking the IRCC website.

Conclusion

Canada’s decision to extend the policy allowing job changes for foreign workers on closed work permits is a major development for the country’s immigration system. It gives workers more freedom and security, helps employers fill jobs faster, and supports a stronger, more flexible labor market. While the policy is expected to stay in place for now, ongoing discussions about open work permits and permanent residency pathways show that Canada 🇨🇦 is still working to improve its immigration system for everyone involved.

For the latest updates and detailed instructions, always refer to the official IRCC website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and following the correct steps is the best way for foreign workers and employers to benefit from these important policy changes.

Learn Today

Closed Work Permit → A work permit restricting a foreign worker to one employer and job in Canada.
Interim Authorization → Temporary approval from IRCC allowing a worker to start a new job before full permit approval.
Maintained Status → Status allowing a worker to stay and work under old permit conditions while awaiting new application decision.
Employer-Specific Work Permit → Another term for closed work permit tied to a single employer.
Temporary Resident Status → Legal status allowing a foreign worker to stay temporarily in Canada given valid permit or visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada renewed a major policy allowing foreign workers on closed permits to change jobs with interim IRCC approval, enhancing flexibility and reducing employment gaps. This benefits workers by protecting income and employers by speeding hiring. The change addresses labor shortages and supports a more dynamic Canadian job market.
— By VisaVerge.com