In a significant policy shift, Ottawa now allows eligible foreign workers to begin new jobs immediately upon applying for updated work permits a move aimed at easing labour mobility and accelerating employer hiring.
The Canadian government has unveiled a pivotal change to its work permit regulations, granting greater latitude to temporary foreign workers seeking new employment opportunities. Under a newly adopted public policy, eligible individuals can now transition into different roles as soon as they submit a new work permit application, eliminating the need to wait for formal approval before starting their new positions.
This reform is intended to modernise Canada’s approach to labour mobility, reduce administrative delays, and address long-standing challenges faced by both employers and temporary workers, particularly in times of job transition or economic uncertainty.
Policy Designed to Minimise Disruptions
The new measure, which was confirmed by federal authorities and reported by international outlets such as the BBC, seeks to reduce periods of unemployment, streamline job changes, and enhance overall workforce efficiency. It is particularly beneficial to employers grappling with labour shortages and workers navigating job losses or seeking improved conditions.
By allowing job changes to proceed upon application submission rather than permit approval, the government is aiming to reduce the costly employment gaps that often result from bureaucratic delays.
Who Is Eligible?
The policy applies to three key categories of foreign nationals:
Workers on “Maintained Status”:
These are individuals whose work permits have expired but who have submitted renewal applications. Previously, they were required to remain with the same employer under their expired permit’s conditions. Now, they may begin working in new roles immediately after filing an application tied to a new job offer.
Permit Holders Seeking a Change in Employment:
Foreign nationals currently holding valid employer-specific or occupation-restricted permits can now switch positions as soon as a new application is lodged—an important change for those facing layoffs, better job prospects, or workplace issues.
Formerly Exempt Workers Now Requiring a Permit:
Some individuals who were previously permitted to work without a formal permit due to their role or employer may now fall under new requirements. They, too, are allowed to begin working once an application is submitted.
Applies to Key Employment Streams
The temporary policy is applicable to positions offered under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). As long as a valid job offer exists and the application is properly submitted under one of these frameworks, the worker can begin their new role without delay.
How Workers Can Access the New Pathway
To benefit from this updated flexibility, foreign nationals must:
Secure a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.
File a new work permit application corresponding to the new position.
Commence employment immediately without waiting for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to issue a formal permit decision.
Previously, such workers were required to remain idle until full approval was granted, often resulting in income disruption and lost productivity for businesses.
A Temporary but Strategic Shift
While this policy is currently temporary, it marks a notable evolution in Canada’s immigration and employment practices. It reflects a broader effort to build a more responsive system one that recognises the economic and social value of labour mobility while maintaining regulatory oversight.
By reducing friction in job transitions and improving access to talent for employers, the government hopes to support both economic resilience and the well-being of Canada’s diverse workforce.
