Canada Extends Policy : Canada has extended a temporary immigration policy that allows certain foreign workers to change employers and begin working sooner — without waiting for their new work permit to be fully approved.

The measure, administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, applies to workers holding employer-specific, or “closed,” work permits who are already in the country. Eligible workers can start a new job after receiving written authorization from the department, even if their new permit application is still being processed.

The policy was first introduced during pandemic-era labour shortages and continues to be used as a labour-market flexibility tool. Immigration officials say it helps workers avoid gaps in employment while enabling employers to fill vacancies more quickly.

Faster Job Changes for Foreign Workers

Under Canada’s immigration system, most foreign nationals working on employer-specific permits are legally tied to a single employer, job role and location. Changing employers typically requires applying for a new permit and waiting for approval — a process that can take weeks or months.

The temporary public policy removes that waiting period for eligible applicants.

Workers who submit a new employer-specific work permit application and request authorization through an online form may receive approval to begin working for the new employer within about 10 to 15 business days, according to federal immigration guidance.

Once that written authorization arrives, they can legally start their new position before the final permit is issued.

The policy remains in effect until further notice, meaning Ottawa has not announced a fixed end date.

Who Qualifies Under the Temporary Policy

Not every foreign worker in Canada is eligible. To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Eligible workers must:

• Be physically present in Canada
• Hold valid temporary resident status, including maintained (implied) status
• Have submitted a new employer-specific work permit application
• Have been authorized to work in Canada at the time of application
• Possess a valid job offer from a new employer or in a different occupation
• Request permission through the IRCC web form
• Wait for written authorization from IRCC before beginning the new job

Workers who start working before receiving IRCC’s authorization risk violating immigration rules.

Step-by-Step: How Workers Can Switch Employers

Foreign workers who want to change employers while using the policy must follow a specific process.

1. Submit a New Work Permit Application

Applicants must apply online for a new employer-specific permit that includes the details of their new job offer.

2. Request Early Work Authorization

After applying, the worker must submit an exemption request through the IRCC web form, referencing their application number and providing details about the new employer and position.

3. Wait for IRCC’s Written Response

Immigration officials review the request and typically respond within 10–15 business days.

4. Start Work After Approval

Workers may begin employment only after receiving written confirmation from IRCC authorizing them to work while their permit application is still being processed.

Biometrics Requirement Still Applies

Foreign nationals applying for a new work permit must still comply with Canada’s biometrics requirement, which includes fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Applicants who have not previously provided biometrics — or whose biometrics have expired — must attend a collection appointment at a designated centre operated by Service Canada or a Visa Application Centre.

Failure to complete biometrics can delay processing or halt an application altogether.

Why Ottawa Introduced the Policy

The federal government introduced the policy during the pandemic when employers across sectors faced severe labour shortages.

Industries such as health care, agriculture, construction and hospitality reported difficulty filling positions quickly enough through the traditional immigration process.

By allowing workers to change jobs before receiving a finalized permit, Ottawa aimed to:

• Reduce unemployment gaps for foreign workers
• Allow workers to leave unsafe or unstable workplaces
• Help employers fill urgent vacancies faster
• Reduce pressure on immigration processing backlogs

Officials say the policy contributes to a more responsive labour market while maintaining oversight of immigration compliance.

Impact on Canada’s Labour Market

Canada relies heavily on temporary foreign workers to support key industries and regional economies.

According to federal labour market assessments conducted by departments such as Employment and Social Development Canada, shortages have persisted in several sectors even as immigration levels remain historically high.

Allowing workers greater mobility can improve labour market efficiency by matching workers with employers more quickly.

It also offers workers an exit route from problematic employment situations — an issue frequently raised by labour advocates who argue that closed work permits can make workers vulnerable to exploitation.

What Is an Employer-Specific Work Permit?

An employer-specific permit — commonly called a closed work permit — authorizes a foreign national to work only for the employer listed on the permit.

The document typically specifies:

• The employer’s name
• Job position
• Work location
• Length of employment

Changing employers normally requires a new permit application.

The temporary policy does not remove that requirement; instead, it allows workers to begin working sooner while their new permit is still being processed.

What Workers Should Do Before Switching Jobs

Immigration professionals advise workers to take several steps before changing employers under the policy:

• Ensure temporary resident status is valid
• Submit the new permit application first
• File the IRCC exemption request immediately afterward
• Wait for written authorization before starting work
• Complete biometrics or medical exams if requested

Keeping documentation organized can help avoid delays or compliance issues that could affect future immigration applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign workers start a new job before their new work permit is approved?

Yes. Under the temporary IRCC public policy, eligible workers may begin working for a new employer once they receive written authorization from IRCC after submitting an exemption request.

Who is eligible for the early work authorization?

Workers must be in Canada, have valid temporary resident status, submit a new employer-specific work permit application and request permission through the IRCC web form before starting work.

How long does IRCC take to grant the authorization?

Immigration officials typically respond to exemption requests within 10 to 15 business days, though timelines can vary depending on application volumes.

Do workers still need a new work permit?

Yes. Workers must still apply for a new employer-specific permit. The policy simply allows them to start their new job before the permit is finalized.

Are biometrics required for the new application?

Yes. If biometrics have not previously been provided — or have expired — applicants must submit fingerprints and a photograph at a designated collection centre before the application can proceed.

When will the temporary policy end?

The federal government has not set a specific expiry date. The measure remains in effect until further notice and may be extended, revised or discontinued depending on labour market conditions and immigration processing capacity.