In a move that provides crucial flexibility for Canada’s temporary foreign workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a key policy that allows workers on closed work permit to change employers without waiting for new permit approval. This extension, effective May 27, 2025, continues a temporary measure that has been a lifeline for thousands of foreign workers since its introduction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding Closed Work Permits: The Traditional Challenge
Before diving into this policy extension, it’s important to understand what makes this development so significant. A closed work permit, also known as an employer-specific work permit, traditionally ties a foreign worker to one specific employer and one specific job. This means that under normal circumstances, if a worker wanted to change jobs – whether due to layoffs, workplace conflicts, better opportunities, or even changes within the same company – they would need to:
- Apply for a new work permit
- Wait for the entire processing period (often several weeks or months)
- Only then start working for the new employer
This system, while providing structure, often left workers in precarious situations where they couldn’t work – and therefore couldn’t earn income – during the transition period between jobs.
The Policy That Changed Everything
The temporary public policy, first introduced in May 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, revolutionized this process. It allows eligible foreign workers to start working for a new employer or in a new occupation while their new work permit application is still being processed, provided they receive interim authorization from IRCC.
What’s New in the 2025 Extension?
The latest extension, which came into effect on May 27, 2025, largely maintains the framework of the original policy with one notable change: the removal of the biometrics exemption. This means that workers applying under this policy will now need to provide biometrics if requested as part of their new work permit application.
Marc Miller, who signed the updated policy on March 4, 2025, maintained the policy’s core objective: allowing temporary foreign workers already in Canada to transition more quickly to new employment while their permit applications are pending.
Who Benefits: Eligibility Requirements
The extended policy specifically helps three categories of foreign workers currently in Canada:
1. Workers on Maintained Status
These are individuals whose work permits have expired but who have applied for renewal before expiration. While on maintained status, they can continue working under their previous permit conditions but traditionally couldn’t change employers or occupations.
2. Current Closed Work Permit Holders
Workers who hold valid closed work permits but need to transition to different employers or occupations due to various circumstances including layoffs, workplace incompatibility, or career advancement opportunities.
3. Work-Permit-Exempt Workers
Individuals currently working without a permit under specific exemptions who need a work permit to work for a new employer or in a new occupation.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this policy exemption, foreign nationals must:
- Be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status)
- Have submitted an application for a new employer-specific work permit or work permit extension
- Have been authorized to work in Canada at the time of submitting their new application
- Intend to work for a new employer and/or in a new occupation as specified in their job offer
- Apply for the exemption through IRCC’s designated electronic platform
- Request that the exemption remain in effect until a decision is made on their work permit application
The Application Process: Step by Step
Understanding how to navigate this process is crucial for workers who want to take advantage of this policy. Here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Workers must first obtain a valid job offer from a new employer under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP).
Step 2: Submit Work Permit Application
The worker must submit their application for a new employer-specific work permit (Form IMM 5710) from within Canada.
Step 3: Apply for Policy Exemption
This is where the special process begins. Workers must submit an exemption request through the IRCC web form, including specific text that contains the code “PPCHANGEWORK2020” to help officials prioritize their request.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Workers must wait for written confirmation from IRCC that their exemption has been approved. This typically takes 10-15 business days for online applications, though paper applications may take longer.
Step 5: Begin New Employment
Only after receiving confirmation can workers legally start their new job. The exemption remains valid until IRCC makes a final decision on the work permit application.
Real-World Impact: Why This Policy Matters
The significance of this policy extension cannot be overstated for the thousands of temporary foreign workers currently in Canada. Here’s why it’s so important:
Financial Stability
“This policy has been a game-changer for my clients,” explains Maria Santos, a regulated immigration consultant in Toronto. “Before this, workers faced weeks or months without income when changing jobs. Now they can transition seamlessly, maintaining financial stability for themselves and their families.”
Employer Benefits
Employers also benefit significantly from this policy. Companies can hire skilled workers who are already in Canada and have them start immediately rather than waiting months for work permit processing.
Economic Efficiency
From a broader economic perspective, the policy helps prevent skilled workers from leaving Canada due to employment gaps, ensuring that the country retains talent it has already invested in attracting.
Policy Context: Alignment with Broader Immigration Goals
This policy extension fits perfectly with the Carney government’s broader immigration strategy outlined in recent mandate letters. Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized the need to “better utilize the skills and training of temporary foreign workers already here” while working to “reduce the inflow of new temporary workers to Canada.”
Supporting In-Canada Transitions
The policy aligns with the government’s focus on prioritizing candidates already in Canada for permanent residence pathways. By making it easier for temporary workers to change jobs and advance their careers in Canada, the policy supports their eventual transition to permanent residence.
Labor Market Responsiveness
The policy also addresses labor market efficiency by allowing for quicker adjustments when business needs change or when workers seek better opportunities – a crucial factor in Canada’s competitive economy.
Different Scenarios: When Workers Can Use This Policy
The policy covers a wide range of employment transition scenarios:
Involuntary Job Changes
- Layoffs or company closures: Workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own can quickly transition to new employment
- Workplace conflicts: Workers facing harassment, discrimination, or incompatible working conditions have options for change
Career Advancement
- Better compensation packages: Workers can pursue higher-paying positions without employment gaps
- Professional growth opportunities: Career advancement within the same field becomes more accessible
- Skills utilization: Workers can move to positions that better match their qualifications
Company Restructuring
- Role changes within the same company: Even transitions within the same employer may require new permits if job descriptions change significantly
- Department transfers: Moving between different divisions that have different LMIA requirements
Challenges and Considerations
While this policy provides significant benefits, workers and employers should be aware of certain considerations:
Processing Times
Although workers can start immediately after receiving exemption approval, the underlying work permit application still needs to be processed. Workers should ensure their documentation is complete to avoid delays.
Biometrics Requirement
The removal of the biometrics exemption means additional time and cost for some applicants, particularly those who haven’t provided biometrics recently.
Compliance Requirements
Workers must still meet all other admissibility and eligibility requirements, and employers must ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations.
Temporary Nature
As with all public policies, this measure can be revoked at any time without notice, though the current extension indicates the government’s commitment to maintaining this flexibility.
Industry-Specific Applications
Certain industries have particularly benefited from this policy flexibility:
Technology Sector
“In tech, project needs change rapidly,” explains David Kim, HR director at a Toronto software company. “This policy allows us to hire skilled developers already in Canada and have them start immediately when new projects begin.”
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals can transition more easily between different employers or roles, helping address staffing shortages in the sector.
Construction and Trades
Workers in construction can move between projects more fluidly, supporting the government’s infrastructure development goals.
Hospitality and Service Industries
These sectors, which often experience seasonal fluctuations, benefit from workers’ ability to transition between employers without extended waiting periods.
Comparison with International Approaches
Canada’s approach to temporary worker mobility stands out internationally:
United States
The US H-1B system requires workers to remain with sponsoring employers or go through complex transfer processes, often with significant waiting periods.
Australia
Australia’s temporary skilled worker visas also typically tie workers to specific employers, though some recent reforms have provided limited flexibility.
European Union
EU blue card holders have more mobility between member states, but initial employment is often tied to specific employers.
Canada’s policy provides temporary workers with greater flexibility than most comparable systems, enhancing its competitiveness in attracting global talent.
Looking Ahead: Future Implications
The extension of this policy signals several important trends:
Integration with Permanent Residence Pathways
The policy supports the government’s focus on transitioning qualified temporary workers to permanent residence by allowing them to accumulate Canadian work experience more easily.
Evolution of Work Permit System
This temporary policy may eventually influence permanent changes to Canada’s work permit system, potentially leading to more flexible permit categories.
Response to Labor Market Needs
The policy demonstrates the government’s willingness to adapt immigration tools to meet changing economic needs and worker demands.
Practical Advice for Workers and Employers
For Workers
- Understand the process: Familiarize yourself with the application requirements before needing to use them
- Maintain documentation: Keep all work permits, job offers, and employment records organized
- Plan ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for exemptions if you’re considering a job change
- Stay informed: Monitor IRCC communications for any policy updates or changes
For Employers
- Prepare for quick starts: Develop onboarding processes that can accommodate workers who may start soon after hiring
- Understand compliance: Ensure all hiring practices comply with relevant labor laws and immigration requirements
- Support workers: Help employees navigate the exemption application process
- Plan workforce needs: Consider how this flexibility can help address staffing needs more efficiently
Success Stories: Real Impact
The policy has already helped thousands of workers transition successfully:
Career Advancement
Roberto, a skilled welder from Mexico, was able to move from a small construction company to a major infrastructure project, significantly increasing his earnings and skills development opportunities.
Escaping Difficult Situations
Priya, an IT professional from India, used the policy to leave a workplace where she experienced harassment, finding a more supportive environment with better career prospects.
Industry Transitions
Ahmed, originally hired for restaurant work, was able to transition to his field of expertise in accounting, better utilizing his qualifications and experience.
The Broader Immigration Context
This policy extension fits within Canada’s evolving approach to temporary foreign workers:
Balancing Competing Priorities
The government must balance providing flexibility for workers already in Canada while managing overall temporary resident numbers.
Supporting Economic Recovery
Flexible labor markets support economic growth by allowing for efficient allocation of human resources.
Maintaining Canada’s Competitiveness
Policies that protect worker rights and provide career flexibility help Canada compete globally for talent.
Conclusion: A Win-Win Policy Extension
The extension of IRCC’s policy allowing foreign workers on closed work permits to change employers represents a mature approach to temporary worker management. By providing flexibility for workers already in Canada, the policy serves multiple objectives:
- Worker protection: Preventing exploitation and providing escape routes from problematic employment situations
- Economic efficiency: Allowing for better matching of skills with labor market needs
- Competitive advantage: Making Canada more attractive to temporary workers who may eventually become permanent residents
- System optimization: Better utilizing existing talent rather than constantly importing new workers
For temporary foreign workers in Canada, this policy extension provides crucial peace of mind and career flexibility. For employers, it offers access to a more mobile and responsive workforce. For Canada as a whole, it represents a practical approach to immigration policy that balances humanitarian concerns with economic needs.
As the policy remains in effect until further notice, workers and employers should take advantage of this flexibility while staying informed about any potential changes. The success of this temporary measure may well influence permanent reforms to Canada’s work permit system in the future.
Sources:
- Canada.ca: Temporary public policy to exempt foreign nationals in Canada from certain requirements when changing employment
- CIC News: IRCC extends policy allowing foreign workers on closed work permits to change employers
- CIC News: How workers on closed work permits can change employers while awaiting a decision on a new work permit
- Canada.ca: Extend or change the conditions on your work permit
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