📆 Published: May 30, 2025
✍️ By Nohproblem Consulting | Canadian Immigration Experts
Great news for temporary foreign workers in Canada! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a critical public policy that allows foreign nationals on closed work permits to change employers or occupations without waiting for a new work permit to be issued.
This COVID-era measure—originally introduced in May 2020—has been renewed and updated as of May 27, 2025, offering continued flexibility for employer-specific permit holders navigating job transitions in Canada.
🛂 What Is a Closed Work Permit?
A closed work permit, also known as an employer-specific work permit, ties the worker to:
- One specific employer, and
- One designated occupation.
Under normal circumstances, foreign workers on a closed permit cannot legally work for a different employer or switch occupations unless a new permit is issued—a process that can take weeks or months.
But with this temporary policy, eligible workers can start their new job while their new permit is being processed—if they receive approval from IRCC.
✅ Who Is Eligible Under This Policy?
To benefit from this public policy, foreign workers must meet all the following conditions:
- 🛂 You are physically in Canada with valid temporary resident status or maintained status
- 📄 You have submitted a new work permit application (or an extension)
- 📝 You were authorized to work in Canada when the new application was submitted
- 👷 You intend to work in the new occupation or for the new employer specified in your job offer
📩 How Does the Process Work?
Here’s how to apply under the updated 2025 policy:
- Submit your new work permit application online to IRCC.
- Contact IRCC using the designated web form to request the public policy exemption.
- Wait for IRCC’s approval email—typically sent within 10–15 business days.
- Once IRCC confirms, you can legally begin your new job while waiting for the full permit decision.
📌 Important: Do not start working before receiving IRCC’s confirmation email.
🔍 What Has Changed in 2025?
Compared to the original 2020 version, the only major update to the May 27, 2025, version of the policy is:
- 🔁 Biometrics Exemption Removed: Applicants must now comply with all standard biometrics requirements, even when applying under this policy.
The rest of the process remains unchanged, offering much-needed flexibility for foreign workers navigating career transitions.
🕒 Until When Is This Policy Valid?
There is no fixed end date for this public policy. However, as with all temporary IRCC policies, it may be revoked at any time without notice. That’s why we recommend eligible workers apply as soon as possible if they intend to use this exemption.
🗣 Why This Policy Matters
In today’s rapidly changing job market, this policy is a lifeline for:
- Employees facing layoffs or contract terminations
- Workers seeking better opportunities or working conditions
- Employers needing to onboard talent faster
It supports both the Canadian economy and the rights of foreign workers by removing administrative barriers to job mobility within Canada.
🧭 Final Thoughts from Nohproblem Consulting
This extended policy offers a golden opportunity for eligible foreign workers to pivot careers or employers without risking their legal status in Canada. But navigating the steps correctly is crucial to avoid delays or violations.
💼 At Nohproblem Consulting, we assist clients in:
- Submitting new work permit applications
- Preparing exemption requests under this policy
- Understanding timelines and maintaining valid status
📩 Contact us today to explore your options and stay compliant with IRCC rules.
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