Good news for foreign workers in Canada! If you’re working in Canada on a closed work permit, you’re no longer stuck waiting to change jobs. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has extended a special policy that lets you switch employers or job roles without waiting for a new work permit to be approved.
This special rule was first introduced during COVID-19 and has now been renewed on May 27, 2025. It gives temporary foreign workers more freedom and flexibility while working in Canada.
What Is a Closed Work Permit?
A closed work permit only allows you to work for the employer and job listed on your permit. Normally, if you want to change your job or work for someone else, you’d need to apply for a new permit and wait for approval before you can start working.
But under this extended policy, you don’t have to wait anymore. You can get early permission to start working at a new job before your new permit is approved.
Who Can Use This Policy?
You can take advantage of this policy if:
- You are already in Canada with valid temporary resident status (this includes people on maintained status—meaning your previous permit has expired, but you’ve applied for a new one and can legally stay).
- You have applied for a new work permit or a work permit extension.
- You were legally working in Canada at the time you submitted your application.
- You have a valid job offer from a new employer or for a new occupation.
How Does It Work?
If you meet all the conditions above, you can apply for this special exemption. Once you apply, you’ll need to wait for a confirmation email from IRCC before starting your new job.
This email usually arrives within 10 to 15 days.
Until you get the email, you cannot start working for the new employer.
What’s New in This Updated Policy?
The new policy is mostly the same as before. But there’s one small change:
You now need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your new work permit application. In the older version of the policy, this step was not required.
Other than that, the process and rules remain the same.
How Long Will This Policy Last?
There is no end date for this policy right now, but remember — IRCC can cancel it anytime without warning. So if you’re thinking about changing jobs, it’s a good idea to act sooner rather than later.
1. What is the benefit of this policy for workers?
It saves time. Normally, you’d have to wait weeks or even months to start your new job. With this policy, you can start sooner once you get IRCC’s email approval.
2. Can I apply for this if I’m outside Canada?
No. This policy is only for workers who are already inside Canada.
3. What is “maintained status”?
It means your old permit expired, but you applied for a new one before it expired — so you’re still legally allowed to stay in Canada while waiting for the decision.
4. Do I still need to submit a new work permit application?
Yes. This policy only gives temporary permission to work while your new application is being processed.
5. How do I apply for this exemption?
You must submit a request to IRCC following their official process. Detailed steps are available on the IRCC website.
6. What happens if I start working without IRCC’s approval email?
That would be considered unauthorized work, and it could affect your immigration status in Canada. Always wait for IRCC’s confirmation.
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