Foreign workers in Canada can still switch jobs while waiting for new work permits

Foreign nationals holding employer-specific work permits in Canada will continue to benefit from a temporary policy that allows them to change jobs or occupations without waiting for a new work permit. The policy, originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, was updated on May 27, 2025, according to a report by CIC News.

Under the updated public policy from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), workers with closed work permits can request permission to begin a new job while their application for a new work permit is still being processed. Normally, these workers would have to wait until their new permit is approved before starting any new employment.

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To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions:

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• They must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
• They must have submitted a work permit or work permit extension application.
• They must have been authorized to work when they applied.
• They must intend to work in the position and with the employer stated in the new job offer

As per the CIC News report, once these conditions are met, the applicant can request to be considered under the temporary public policy. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will confirm eligibility by email, usually within 10 to 15 days. Only after receiving this confirmation can the worker begin the new job.

The revised policy replaces the original version introduced in May 2020. The main change is the removal of the exemption from submitting biometrics, which was part of the earlier policy. The current policy remains in effect until further notice but may be withdrawn without warning.