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IRCC Extends Job-Switching Rule for Foreign Workers

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June 6, 2025

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Ishita Soni

News: Work Permit
      

What Is the Policy About?

This policy allows foreign workers in Canada who have a closed work permit to change their employer or job before getting a new work permit. Normally, this is not allowed, but a special rule from the COVID-19 era is still in place.

What Is a Closed Work Permit?

A closed work permit (also called an employer-specific permit) only lets a worker:

  • Work for the employer named on their permit
  • Do the job listed on the permit

Normally, workers must wait for a new permit before they can switch jobs or employers. However, this special rule makes the process faster and easier.

What Does the Policy Allow?

Thanks to this policy, workers can:

  • Apply for permission to change jobs or employers
  • Start the new job once they get approval from the government, even if their new work permit is still being processed

Who Can Use This Policy?

To qualify, a worker must:

  1. Be in Canada with legal temporary status (including “maintained status”)
  2. Have already applied for a new work permit or an extension
  3. Have been allowed to work when they applied
  4. Plan to work in a new job or for a new employer based on a valid job offer

How to Use the Policy

Once a worker applies:

  • They must request the exemption and say they want it to apply while waiting for their new permit
  • They cannot start the new job until they get an email approval from IRCC
  • This email usually comes within 10 to 15 days

More information and step-by-step instructions are available on the IRCC website and CIC News.

When Did This Policy Start?

This updated version of the policy began on May 27, 2025. It replaces the original version that started in May 2020.

What Has Changed?

The only major change is that workers must now provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) for the new work permit application. In the past, this step was sometimes skipped.

How Long Will This Policy Last?

The policy will remain in effect until it is officially canceled. However, like all temporary policies, it can be revoked at any time without warning.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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