June 16, 2025
IRCC Extends Temporary Public Policy Allowing Closed Work Permit Holders to Change Employers or Occupations
Effective 27 May 2025, IRCC has extended a temporary public policy that allows foreign nationals with employer-specific i.e. closed work permits to change employers or occupations without waiting for a new work permit.
The temporary public policy announced during the COVID-19 pandemic sought to address situations beyond either the worker’s or the employer’s control where continuing the employment contract is no longer possible including situations such as taking on a new role with the same employer, lay-offs, conflict or incompatibility within the workplace, or seeking a better compensation package or a professional growth opportunity with a different employer that leads the worker to have to obtain a new work permit.
Prior to the policy coming into effect, workers in these situations would have had to apply for a new work permit and wait for their application to be fully processed before starting their new job, leading to a delay of several weeks and a prolonged break in employment. The policy’s objective is to allow temporary foreign workers already in Canada who are changing jobs or employers, who have secured an offer of employment under the terms of either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Mobility Program, to begin working prior to receiving a final decision on their work permit application.
In order to be eligible for this exemption, foreign nationals must meet the following criteria:
- Be in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status);
- Have submitted an application for a new work permit or a work permit extension;
- Were authorized to work in Canada at the time of their application;
- Intend to work for a new employer or in a new occupation as specified in a job offer.
After applying for their new employer-specific work permit, the foreign national must formally request this exemption from IRCC and await an email response from IRCC confirming whether they are allowed to work while their application is in process, which can take between 10 to 15 days. This temporary public policy is set to remain in effect until revoked.
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Thank you for reading.
Ana Martinez
Ana graduated from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Laws (Juris Doctor). During this time, she participated in mooting and negotiation competitions as well as mentorship and human rights initiatives. Prior to law school, Ana graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major in Criminology & Socio-Legal Studies and Italian Studies. Ana is fluent in Spanish.