On May 27, 2025, Canada passed a temporary measure to make it easier for TFWs on work permits to move to different temporary jobs or employers.
Under the IRPA, this policy tries to meet the needs of the labor market, while giving Canadian workers more flexibility and financial security.
As there is still a shortage of workers and many want changes to immigration policies, this policy is ready to impact the Canadian labour market strongly.
In this section, you’ll learn about the change, its effects and the way it may affect employees, businesses and Canada’s economy.
What Is the New Canada Work Permit Policy?
Beginning May 27, 2025, temporary foreign workers in Canada who have an active work permit application can change jobs before they receive their permit decision.
The previous temporary COVID-19 measure introduced on May 6, 2020, has now been replaced by this policy which is able to respond to ongoing changes in the economy.
In the situation before COVID policies, employees needing to change roles or jobs with a new employer would have to wait weeks while their new work permit was being processed.
Because of the delay, there could be unemployment that takes a long time to resolve, a lack of stable finances for workers and disappointment for companies hoping to find labor.
Foreign nationals who fit the new criteria can start with a new job or new responsibilities right after applying for a work permit.
This move supports Canada’s effort to lower the number of temporary workers entering the country while making the most of what those already here can bring.
Key Objectives of the Policy
Reduce Employment Gaps: Make sure that TFWs have work opportunities that help them move smoothly from their current jobs.
Support Employers: Make it possible for Canadian businesses to hire workers with the needed skills promptly.
Enhance Worker Stability: Ensure workers are financially safe by cutting down on moments of lost income.
Optimize Labor Resources: Apply the knowledge of TFWs to fix worker shortages in important industries, for example in healthcare, agriculture and technology.
Why Was This Policy Introduced?
The Canadian economy depends on temporary foreign workers to meet the labor and skills deficits found in agriculture, healthcare, construction and technology.
There were approximately 2.3% of workers in Canada in 2024 who were Temporary Foreign Workers, under both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP), Statistics Canada reports.
Yet, strict rules for work permits usually kept workers working for one employer or in the same job which made it hard for them to respond to changes around them.
Layoffs or Job Loss: Layoffs may be the result of organizational changes or when companies restructure.
Workplace Challenges: When workers encountered difficulties at their job, they often felt they had to look for other work.
Career Advancement:Those hoping for better outcomes at work had to keep waiting for new permits.
Role Changes: Switching into a different role within my company also meant getting a new work permit which slowed things down.
The challenges meant that workers were not financially secure and employers had a hard time finding the workers they needed from among TFWs.
The new policy provides help by allowing employees more options, so both sides can work and fill vacancies rapidly.
Who Is Eligible for the New Work Permit Policy?
It includes temporary foreign workers in Canada who meet the criteria for the program.
In the policy, the issues are explained as follows:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the exemption, a foreign national must:
Be in Canada with Valid Temporary Resident Status: They must live legally in Canada while applying for work.
Meet Regulatory Requirements: Work permit applications must fulfill the requirements in paragraph 199(a) or 199(b) of the IRPR.
Have Submitted a Work Permit Application:
An application for renewal made under subsection 201(1) of the IRPR for work covered by subparagraph 200(1)(c)(ii.1) or 200(1)(c)(iii),
A new request for a work permit that covers the same parts of the program and no conclusion regarding it has been reached.
Intend to Work for a New Employer or Role: A new job offer that names the employer or occupation must exist for the worker.
Apply for the Exemption: Those unable to use electronic means to apply for the exemption should submit an application for the public policy using a different format.
Request Temporary Authorization: Request agreement to work while waiting for their work permit application to be decided.
Who Benefits?
The policy benefits several groups of foreign nationals, including:
Those workers on maintained status can work but can only do so for the same company or in the same job.
Those with work permits tied to only one employer but wanting a new job because of layoffs, better career prospects or various reasons.
People in Canada who are exempt from needing a work permit, but now require one for changes at work.
What Exemptions Are Granted?
The policy grants exemptions from several provisions of the IRPR to facilitate quicker job transitions. These include:
Paragraph 183(1)(b): A temporary resident may now work, without needing authorization from Part 9 or 11 of the IRPR.
Subparagraph 185(1)(b)(i) to (iv): Drops the rules regarding the type of work which employer is allowed and the limited work periods available to temporary residents.
Section 196: Eliminated the need for a work permit for Canadians applying during that period.
The current exemptions end when a decision is made on the application or it is withdrawn.
How Does the Policy Work in Practice?
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the policy benefits temporary foreign workers:
Job Offer Secured: An applicant in Canada is made an offer of employment for a job or new position covered by the TFWP or IMP.
Work Permit Application Submitted: The person applying for the work permit, either for the first time or to renew, must include information about their new employer and post.
Exemption Application Filed: You can apply for the public policy exemption through IRCC’s own electronic platform (or by following the alternative instructions if that’s needed).
Start Work Immediately: After receiving the exemption, the worker is able to start their new job before the work permit has been approved.
Pending Decision: The worker is allowed to work under the exemption as long as IRCC has not finalized their work permit application.
The process is quick, so workers no longer wait weeks for their benefits and employers don’t experience interruptions.
Potential Challenges and Criticisms
While the policy has been widely praised, some challenges remain:
Administrative Delays: Though workers can start new professions due to the policy, processing exemptions at a slow pace can still produce some jams.
Awareness Gaps: Individuals among TFWs who have limited resources or find language difficult may encounter problems in the application procedure.
Employer Compliance: Before giving a job offer, an employer must make sure that the terms meet the requirements of TFWP or IMP which might mean providing extra documents.
Other concerns are that the policy does not solve broader problems, including companies’ strong reliance on TFWs and the lack of smooth, steady ways for foreign workers to gain permanent residence.
Starting on May 27, 2025, the updated work permit policy in Canada will make a big difference for both employers and temporary foreign workers.
This policy overcomes barriers in government processes and helps workers change jobs more quickly which supports the labor market and secure rights for staff.
If you search for jobs or want to recruit employees, this policy gives real answers to the challenges we are facing today.
For the most recent information, look on the IRCC website. Help spread the news by forwarding this article to support Canada’s temporary foreign workers.
Who is eligible for the new work permit exemption?
Temporary foreign workers in Canada with valid temporary resident status who have applied for a new work permit or renewal under the TFWP or IMP, and have a new job offer, can apply for the exemption to start work while their application is pending.
How do I apply for the work permit exemption?
Submit your work permit application and the exemption request via IRCC’s online portal. If you can’t use electronic means, contact IRCC for an alternate format.
Can I start working immediately after applying for the exemption?
Yes, once the exemption is granted, you can start your new job while your work permit application is processed.
What happens if my work permit application is denied?
The exemption ends when your work permit application is denied or withdrawn, and you must stop working unless otherwise authorized.
Does this policy apply to work-permit-exempt workers?
Yes, work-permit-exempt workers needing a permit for a new role or employer can benefit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Major Changes to Canada’s Work Permit Policy Starting May 2025
On May 27, 2025, Canada passed a temporary measure to make it easier for TFWs on work permits to move to different temporary jobs or employers.
Under the IRPA, this policy tries to meet the needs of the labor market, while giving Canadian workers more flexibility and financial security.
As there is still a shortage of workers and many want changes to immigration policies, this policy is ready to impact the Canadian labour market strongly.
In this section, you’ll learn about the change, its effects and the way it may affect employees, businesses and Canada’s economy.
What Is the New Canada Work Permit Policy?
Beginning May 27, 2025, temporary foreign workers in Canada who have an active work permit application can change jobs before they receive their permit decision.
The previous temporary COVID-19 measure introduced on May 6, 2020, has now been replaced by this policy which is able to respond to ongoing changes in the economy.
In the situation before COVID policies, employees needing to change roles or jobs with a new employer would have to wait weeks while their new work permit was being processed.
Because of the delay, there could be unemployment that takes a long time to resolve, a lack of stable finances for workers and disappointment for companies hoping to find labor.
Foreign nationals who fit the new criteria can start with a new job or new responsibilities right after applying for a work permit.
This move supports Canada’s effort to lower the number of temporary workers entering the country while making the most of what those already here can bring.
Key Objectives of the Policy
Reduce Employment Gaps: Make sure that TFWs have work opportunities that help them move smoothly from their current jobs.
Support Employers: Make it possible for Canadian businesses to hire workers with the needed skills promptly.
Enhance Worker Stability: Ensure workers are financially safe by cutting down on moments of lost income.
Optimize Labor Resources: Apply the knowledge of TFWs to fix worker shortages in important industries, for example in healthcare, agriculture and technology.
Why Was This Policy Introduced?
The Canadian economy depends on temporary foreign workers to meet the labor and skills deficits found in agriculture, healthcare, construction and technology.
There were approximately 2.3% of workers in Canada in 2024 who were Temporary Foreign Workers, under both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP), Statistics Canada reports.
Yet, strict rules for work permits usually kept workers working for one employer or in the same job which made it hard for them to respond to changes around them.
Layoffs or Job Loss: Layoffs may be the result of organizational changes or when companies restructure.
Workplace Challenges: When workers encountered difficulties at their job, they often felt they had to look for other work.
Career Advancement:Those hoping for better outcomes at work had to keep waiting for new permits.
Role Changes: Switching into a different role within my company also meant getting a new work permit which slowed things down.
The challenges meant that workers were not financially secure and employers had a hard time finding the workers they needed from among TFWs.
The new policy provides help by allowing employees more options, so both sides can work and fill vacancies rapidly.
Who Is Eligible for the New Work Permit Policy?
It includes temporary foreign workers in Canada who meet the criteria for the program.
In the policy, the issues are explained as follows:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the exemption, a foreign national must:
Be in Canada with Valid Temporary Resident Status: They must live legally in Canada while applying for work.
Meet Regulatory Requirements: Work permit applications must fulfill the requirements in paragraph 199(a) or 199(b) of the IRPR.
Have Submitted a Work Permit Application:
An application for renewal made under subsection 201(1) of the IRPR for work covered by subparagraph 200(1)(c)(ii.1) or 200(1)(c)(iii),
A new request for a work permit that covers the same parts of the program and no conclusion regarding it has been reached.
Intend to Work for a New Employer or Role: A new job offer that names the employer or occupation must exist for the worker.
Apply for the Exemption: Those unable to use electronic means to apply for the exemption should submit an application for the public policy using a different format.
Request Temporary Authorization: Request agreement to work while waiting for their work permit application to be decided.
Who Benefits?
The policy benefits several groups of foreign nationals, including:
Those workers on maintained status can work but can only do so for the same company or in the same job.
Those with work permits tied to only one employer but wanting a new job because of layoffs, better career prospects or various reasons.
People in Canada who are exempt from needing a work permit, but now require one for changes at work.
What Exemptions Are Granted?
The policy grants exemptions from several provisions of the IRPR to facilitate quicker job transitions. These include:
Paragraph 183(1)(b): A temporary resident may now work, without needing authorization from Part 9 or 11 of the IRPR.
Subparagraph 185(1)(b)(i) to (iv): Drops the rules regarding the type of work which employer is allowed and the limited work periods available to temporary residents.
Section 196: Eliminated the need for a work permit for Canadians applying during that period.
The current exemptions end when a decision is made on the application or it is withdrawn.
How Does the Policy Work in Practice?
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the policy benefits temporary foreign workers:
Job Offer Secured: An applicant in Canada is made an offer of employment for a job or new position covered by the TFWP or IMP.
Work Permit Application Submitted: The person applying for the work permit, either for the first time or to renew, must include information about their new employer and post.
Exemption Application Filed: You can apply for the public policy exemption through IRCC’s own electronic platform (or by following the alternative instructions if that’s needed).
Start Work Immediately: After receiving the exemption, the worker is able to start their new job before the work permit has been approved.
Pending Decision: The worker is allowed to work under the exemption as long as IRCC has not finalized their work permit application.
The process is quick, so workers no longer wait weeks for their benefits and employers don’t experience interruptions.
Potential Challenges and Criticisms
While the policy has been widely praised, some challenges remain:
Administrative Delays: Though workers can start new professions due to the policy, processing exemptions at a slow pace can still produce some jams.
Awareness Gaps: Individuals among TFWs who have limited resources or find language difficult may encounter problems in the application procedure.
Employer Compliance: Before giving a job offer, an employer must make sure that the terms meet the requirements of TFWP or IMP which might mean providing extra documents.
Other concerns are that the policy does not solve broader problems, including companies’ strong reliance on TFWs and the lack of smooth, steady ways for foreign workers to gain permanent residence.
Starting on May 27, 2025, the updated work permit policy in Canada will make a big difference for both employers and temporary foreign workers.
This policy overcomes barriers in government processes and helps workers change jobs more quickly which supports the labor market and secure rights for staff.
If you search for jobs or want to recruit employees, this policy gives real answers to the challenges we are facing today.
For the most recent information, look on the IRCC website. Help spread the news by forwarding this article to support Canada’s temporary foreign workers.
Who is eligible for the new work permit exemption?
Temporary foreign workers in Canada with valid temporary resident status who have applied for a new work permit or renewal under the TFWP or IMP, and have a new job offer, can apply for the exemption to start work while their application is pending.
How do I apply for the work permit exemption?
Submit your work permit application and the exemption request via IRCC’s online portal. If you can’t use electronic means, contact IRCC for an alternate format.
Can I start working immediately after applying for the exemption?
Yes, once the exemption is granted, you can start your new job while your work permit application is processed.
What happens if my work permit application is denied?
The exemption ends when your work permit application is denied or withdrawn, and you must stop working unless otherwise authorized.
Does this policy apply to work-permit-exempt workers?
Yes, work-permit-exempt workers needing a permit for a new role or employer can benefit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Author: Shubham
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