The Government of Canada has introduced a new temporary public policy that makes it easier for foreign workers to change jobs. Now, eligible workers can start a new job as soon as they apply for a new work permit—no need to wait for approval. This change is meant to reduce delays, support workers’ financial stability, and help employers hire more quickly.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the updated policy is designed to give foreign workers more freedom and avoid gaps in employment that previously caused financial stress and slowed down career growth.
Canada Work Visa Update: Who Can Benefit from This Change?
This temporary public policy is aimed at three main groups of foreign workers:
1. Workers on “Maintained Status”
If your work permit expired but you already applied for a renewal, you are considered to be on “maintained status.” Under the old rules, you had to stay in your current job until your new permit was approved. Now, you can start a new job immediately after applying for a new permit.
More on this status can be found on the IRCC Maintained Status page.
2. Workers with Valid Permits Who Want to Switch Jobs
If you have a valid employer-specific or occupation-specific work permit, you can now apply for a new job and begin working right away, even before the new permit is approved. This is especially helpful if you’ve been laid off, found a better opportunity, or are facing issues in your current workplace.
3. Workers Who Previously Didn’t Need a Permit but Now Do
Some workers were previously exempt from needing a work permit. If your new job now requires one, you can begin working as soon as you apply, without waiting for the permit to be issued.
Check if you need a permit by visiting the IRCC Work Permit Requirements page.
Programs Covered by the New Policy
This policy covers jobs under two main Canadian work programs:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
As long as you’ve submitted a valid application under either program, you can start your new job right away. Learn more about these programs here for TFWP and here for IMP.
Canada Work Visa Update: How to Use This New Flexibility
If you want to take advantage of this policy, here’s what you need to do:
- Get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Apply for a new work permit based on that job.
- Start working right after you apply—you don’t have to wait for final approval from IRCC.
You can begin your application process through the official IRCC Work Permit Application portal.
Why This Matters
Before this change, workers had to wait for a new permit before switching jobs. That caused long delays, financial pressure, and made it harder for employers to fill roles quickly. This new policy helps speed things up and makes Canada’s immigration system more modern and flexible.
To stay up to date on temporary public policies and work permit news, visit the IRCC Newsroom.
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