Temporary Foreign Workers Can Start their New Jobs a lot Sooner than Expected
Temporary Workers Can Start Jobs Sooner in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every sector in Canada. As a result, both employers and temporary foreign workers have faced sudden job losses and labour shortages.
At the same time, essential sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, and health care continue to need workers urgently. To address this challenge, the Canadian government introduced a temporary policy that allows eligible foreign workers to start new jobs faster.
What Is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available.
Normally, workers with employer-specific work permits must wait for a new permit before changing jobs. However, COVID-19 created delays that made this process difficult for both workers and employers.
Why Did Canada Introduce This New Policy?
Due to travel restrictions and reduced international flights, many temporary workers:
- Lost their jobs
- Could not leave Canada
- Faced long delays before starting new employment
Meanwhile, employers struggled with ongoing labour shortages in essential industries.
Therefore, the Government of Canada introduced a temporary public policy to reduce wait times and keep critical services running.
New Policy: Start Work While Permit Is Processing
(Effective May 12, 2020)
Under this new policy, eligible temporary foreign workers can start working for a new employer while their work permit application is still under review.
Previously, workers waited 10 weeks or more. Now, they can receive approval in 10 days or less.
This policy applies only to workers inside Canada with a valid job offer.
How the New Process Works
- The worker applies for a new work permit
- The worker submits a request through the IRCC web form
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews the request
- IRCC sends an email approval within 10 days
- The worker can start the new job immediately
Eligibility Criteria for the New Policy
To qualify, temporary foreign workers must:
- Be physically present in Canada
- Hold valid temporary resident status
- Have an employer-specific work permit or work permit exemption
- Submit a new work permit application
- Hold a valid job offer under:
- the TFWP, or
- the International Mobility Program (IMP)
Important Note for Employers
This policy does not change employer responsibilities.
Employers must still:
- Obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Name the worker on the LMIA
- Notify Service Canada
For LMIA-exempt roles, employers must submit an offer through the IMP Employer Portal.
Key Statistics
In 2019 alone, IRCC issued approximately 190,000 employer-specific work permits to foreign nationals. This highlights how essential temporary workers are to Canada’s economy.
How to Change Employers: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Apply for a New Work Permit
If you want to change employers, apply for a new work permit from inside Canada.
Most applicants apply online. However, paper applications are allowed if online submission is not possible.
Step 2: Submit the IRCC Web Form
After applying, complete the IRCC web form.
When filling the inquiry section:
- Copy the text that matches your situation
- Fill in the required fields, including:
- dates
- employer name(s)
- job title
If you applied on paper and lack an application number, include your courier tracking number.
Step 3: Wait for IRCC Email Approval
IRCC will email confirmation once it approves your request.
- Online applicants usually receive an email within 10 business days
- Paper applicants may wait longer
After approval, you can start working for your new employer immediately.
If you have further questions, submit a new IRCC web form.
Final Takeaway
This temporary policy helps:
- Workers return to employment faster
- Employers fill urgent labour gaps
- Canada maintain essential services during crises
If you are a temporary foreign worker considering a job change, this policy can save you weeks of waiting time.
Do you have questions about temporary work permit applications? Simply Start your Assessment or Call (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada), +91 9586 226232 (Ahmedabad) or drop an E-mail at support@spscanada.com (Canada), support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad).
