In a significant move to support temporary foreign workers (TFWs), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the policy allowing those on closed (employer-specific) work permits to change employers more easily. Effective May 27, 2025, this extension aims to reduce employment gaps and enhance labor market flexibility in Canada.Instagram+3ICC Immigration Inc+3YouTube+3
Understanding Closed Work Permits
A closed work permit, or employer-specific work permit, restricts a foreign worker to a single employer and job role. Traditionally, changing employers required obtaining a new work permit, a process that could take weeks or months, during which the worker could not legally work for the new employer.CIC News+3ICC Immigration Inc+3Government of Canada+3
Key Changes in the Extended Policy
Under the extended policy, eligible TFWs can now begin working for a new employer while their new work permit application is being processed, provided they receive interim authorization from IRCC. This change significantly reduces employment gaps and supports a more fluid labor market in Canada.ICC Immigration Inc+1Immigration News Canada+1
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this exemption, foreign nationals must:
- Be inside Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status).Government of Canada+3ICC Immigration Inc+3Immigration News Canada+3
- Have submitted an application for a new employer-specific work permit.Immigration News Canada+2ICC Immigration Inc+2Government of Canada+2
- Have been authorized to work at the time of application.Government of Canada+2ICC Immigration Inc+2Immigration News Canada+2
- Plan to work for a new employer and/or in a new occupation listed on a job offer.Instagram+3ICC Immigration Inc+3Immigration News Canada+3
Applicants must request the exemption and wait for IRCC’s confirmation—typically received within 10 to 15 days—before starting their new job.Immigration News Canada+2ICC Immigration Inc+2Government of Canada+2
Application Process
- Submit a New Work Permit Application: Apply for a new employer-specific work permit through IRCC.Instagram+3Government of Canada+3ICC Immigration Inc+3
- Request Interim Authorization: Use the IRCC web form to request authorization to work while the new permit is processed. Include the code PPCHANGEWORK2020 and provide details of the new job offer.Government of Canada+1Government of Canada+1
- Wait for IRCC Confirmation: IRCC typically responds within 10 to 15 days. Do not start the new job until you receive written authorization.
Important Considerations
- Biometrics Requirement: All applicants under this policy must submit biometrics as part of the new work permit application process.ICC Immigration Inc
- Employer Compliance: Employers must ensure that job offers comply with TFWP or IMP requirements, which may require additional documentation.Immigration News Canada
- Awareness and Accessibility: Some TFWs may face challenges in accessing information or navigating the application process, particularly those with limited access to information or language barriers.Immigration News Canada
Implications for Workers and Employers
This policy extension benefits both TFWs and Canadian employers:Immigration News Canada
- For Workers: It provides greater flexibility to change jobs, reduces periods of unemployment, and enhances financial stability.Government of Canada+11Immigration News Canada+11Instagram+11
- For Employers: It allows quicker access to experienced workers already in Canada, helping to fill labor shortages more efficiently.Immigration News Canada
Conclusion
The extension of the closed work permit flexibility in 2025 reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting temporary foreign workers and addressing labor market needs. By allowing eligible workers to change employers more easily, the policy promotes a more dynamic and responsive workforce.YouTube
Tags: Canada Work Permit 2025, Closed Work Permit, Employer-Specific Work Permit, Temporary Foreign Workers, IRCC Policy Update, Labor Market Flexibility, Work Permit Exemption, Biometrics Requirement, Employment Authorization, Canadian Immigration
