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Toronto, ON – In a landmark move set to transform Canada’s immigration and labor policies, the federal government introduced a new temporary public policy on May 27, 2025, allowing temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to change jobs or employers without waiting for their new work permit to be fully processed.
The policy, enacted under Section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), aims to address ongoing labor shortages while enhancing flexibility, economic security, and job mobility for foreign workers already residing in Canada.
A Long-Awaited Change for Temporary Foreign Workers
Previously, TFWs had to endure lengthy waiting periods—sometimes stretching into weeks—before they could legally begin a new role after switching employers. These delays often resulted in job gaps, financial strain, and reduced economic productivity.
Under the new framework, eligible foreign nationals can begin working in their new role as soon as they submit their work permit application, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria.
Key Benefits of the New Policy
- Faster Transitions: Workers no longer have to wait for full permit approval before starting a new job.
- Employer Support: Employers can fill vacancies quickly by hiring skilled talent already in Canada.
- Worker Protection: Reduces income disruption and provides career mobility.
- Economic Efficiency: Addresses pressing labor needs in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, construction, and tech.
- Faster Transitions: Workers no longer have to wait for full permit approval before starting a new job.
Why Now?
With more than 240,000 foreign nationals employed through Canada’s TFWP and International Mobility Program (IMP) in 2024, reliance on international labor remains high. Yet rigid permit rules tied workers to specific roles or employers, limiting adaptability during layoffs, workplace issues, or career advancement.
The new policy replaces a COVID-era measure from 2020 and is tailored to Canada’s evolving labor market realities. According to Statistics Canada, TFWs made up approximately 2.3% of the workforce in 2024.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be physically in Canada with a valid temporary resident status.
- Be covered under IRPR Section 199(a) or (b) regarding permit eligibility.
- Have submitted a new or renewal work permit application under applicable IRPR subparagraphs.
- Hold a valid job offer from a new employer or in a new role.
- Apply for the public policy exemption and request temporary work authorization through IRCC.
- Be physically in Canada with a valid temporary resident status.
This policy also extends benefits to:
- Workers on maintained status are restricted to their current employer.
- Individuals are facing layoffs or seeking better opportunities.
- Work-permit-exempt individuals who now require a permit for a different job.
- Workers on maintained status are restricted to their current employer.
Regulatory Exemptions
The policy temporarily lifts certain IRPR requirements, including:
- Section 183(1)(b): Authorization needed to work in Canada.
- Subsection 185(1)(b): Restrictions on job type, location, and employer.
- Section 196: Requirement to wait for a permit before beginning new work.
These exemptions remain valid until the work permit application is either approved, withdrawn, or denied.
How It Works – Step-by-Step
- Secure a Job Offer: The applicant receives a new offer under TFWP or IMP.
- Submit Work Permit Application: Including job details and employer information.
- Apply for Exemption: Through IRCC’s online system (or an alternative if unavailable).
- Start Work: Once the exemption is granted, workers can immediately begin the new role.
- Await Final Decision: The exemption remains active until IRCC finalizes the permit.
- Secure a Job Offer: The applicant receives a new offer under TFWP or IMP.
Criticisms and Cautions
While widely welcomed, the policy is not without its concerns:
- Processing Bottlenecks: Delays in granting exemptions may still disrupt transitions.
- Awareness Barriers: Some workers may face language or tech challenges in applying.
- Compliance Risks: Employers must ensure job offers meet program criteria, adding administrative complexity.
- Processing Bottlenecks: Delays in granting exemptions may still disrupt transitions.
Advocates also note that the new rules do not address larger structural issues, such as pathways to permanent residency or the over-reliance on TFWs in essential industries.
Quick FAQ: Canada’s 2025 Work Permit Exemption Policy
Q: Who can apply for the exemption?
A: TFWs in Canada with valid status who have submitted a work permit application and hold a new job offer.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit both the work permit application and exemption request via IRCC’s online portal.
Q: Can I start working right away?
A: Yes, once the exemption is granted.
Q: What if my permit is denied?
A: You must stop working once your application is denied or withdrawn.
Q: Does this help work-permit-exempt individuals?
A: Yes, if they now require a permit for a new employer or role and meet eligibility requirements.
As Canada navigates a tight labor market and shifting immigration priorities, this policy offers a pragmatic and forward-looking solution. Empowering foreign workers and streamlining employment transitions, it represents a crucial step toward a more inclusive and adaptive immigration system.
