As part of ongoing efforts to support foreign workers during transitional periods, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to offer a valuable temporary public policy allowing foreign nationals on closed work permits to change employers and/or occupations prior to receiving a new work permit.
What Is a Closed Work Permit?
A closed work permit (also known as an employer-specific work permit) restricts foreign nationals to working only for the employer and occupation named on the permit. Normally, changing employers or jobs requires the foreign worker to apply for and receive a new work permit before starting the new position.
What Does the Temporary Public Policy Allow?
Under this COVID-era policy, eligible foreign nationals can obtain authorization from IRCC to begin working for a new employer and/or in a new occupation before the new work permit is issued. This policy provides greater flexibility and reduces employment gaps for foreign workers in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from this policy exemption, foreign nationals must meet the following conditions:
- Be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status).
- Have submitted an application for a new work permit or a work permit extension.
- Be authorized to work in Canada at the time of application submission.
- Intend to work for a new employer and/or occupation listed in a valid job offer.
Application Process
Foreign nationals must apply specifically for this public policy exemption and request that it applies to them while their new work permit application is under review. They must wait for confirmation from IRCC before starting work in the new role or for the new employer.
Typically, IRCC responds with an approval email within 10 to 15 days.
Important Policy Update Effective May 27, 2025
The current policy, effective from May 27, 2025, replaces the original version introduced in May 2020. The main change is the removal of the exemption to biometrics requirements for new work permit applications under this policy.
This public policy remains temporary and can be revoked at any time without prior notice.
Why This Matters for Employers and Foreign Workers
This policy provides critical flexibility for employers seeking skilled foreign workers and for foreign nationals aiming to transition smoothly between jobs or employers without lengthy waiting periods. It minimizes work disruptions and supports Canada’s labor market needs during uncertain times.
For More Information
Detailed guidance and application instructions are available on the official IRCC website:
IRCC – Work Permit Flexibility Public Policy
Additional coverage can be found on trusted immigration news sites such as CIC News.
Tags
#ClosedWorkPermit #ForeignWorkerCanada #IRCC #WorkPermitPolicy #CanadianImmigration #TemporaryPublicPolicy #WorkPermitExemption #CanadaWorkPermit #EmployerSpecificPermit #ImmigrationUpdates
If you have clients or foreign workers interested in this policy, feel free to reach out to Nohproblem Consulting for expert guidance on navigating work permit applications and exemptions.
