Canada Implements New Work Permit Regulations – Effective May 2025

03 June 2025 | Canada

Last May 27, 2025, Canada rolled out a significant temporary public policy designed to simplify the process for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) who want to change jobs or employers.

Introduced under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the policy aims to meet urgent labour market demands while giving TFWs more flexibility and financial security.

As labour shortages continue across many sectors and calls for immigration reform grow louder, this new policy marks a major shift in how Canada supports both workers and employers.

Here’s a breakdown of what this policy means, why it matters, and how it could shape the future of Canada’s workforce.

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What’s the New Canada Work Permit Policy All About?

Starting May 27, 2025, a new temporary public policy lets temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada begin working in a new job or with a new employer while their work permit application is still being processed.

This replaces the earlier temporary measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 6, 2020. The updated policy is designed to be more effective and better suited to Canada’s current economic realities.

Before the COVID-era policy, TFWs often had to wait weeks to get a new work permit before starting a different job, leading to unnecessary delays, income loss, and added stress—for both workers and employers needing to fill positions quickly.

Now, as long as certain eligibility conditions are met, foreign workers can switch jobs right after applying for a new permit. This change supports Canada’s aim to reduce the number of new temporary workers entering the country while making better use of the talent already here.

Main Goals of the New Policy

· Close Employment Gaps: Help temporary foreign workers move into new roles quickly, avoiding long periods without work.

· Support Canadian Employers: Make it easier for businesses to hire qualified workers who are already in the country.

· Improve Financial Stability for Workers: Reduce income interruptions by allowing faster job transitions.

· Make the Most of Existing Talent: Use the skills of TFWs to fill urgent workforce needs in key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and tech.

Why Was This Policy Put in Place?

Canada depends on temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to fill labour gaps in key industries like agriculture, healthcare, construction, and tech. In 2024, they made up about 2.3% of the workforce, with over 240,000 employed through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP).

But strict work permit rules often locked TFWs into one employer or role, making it hard to adapt when:

They were laid off or lost their jobs
Workplace conditions were difficult
Better opportunities came up elsewhere
Even a promotion with the same employer required a new permit

These restrictions created financial strain for workers and hiring challenges for employers.

The new policy solves these issues by giving TFWs more freedom to change jobs quickly—helping them stay employed and allowing businesses to hire faster from the talent already in Canada.

Who Can Benefit from the New Work Permit Policy?

This new policy is aimed at temporary foreign workers already in Canada who meet certain criteria.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this exemption, you must:

Be in Canada legally: You must hold valid temporary resident status at the time you apply.
Meet IRPR Requirements: You must fall under either paragraph 199(a) or 199(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which outline basic eligibility for work permits.
Have already applied for a work permit:
- This can be a renewal application under subsection 201(1) of the IRPR, or
- A new application for a job covered by subparagraphs 200(1)(c)(ii.1) or 200(1)(c)(iii), and it must still be awaiting a final decision.
Have a new job offer: You must intend to work for a different employer or in a new position and have a specific offer confirming this.
Apply for the public policy exemption: Submit your exemption request through IRCC’s online system (or another format if you’re unable to apply electronically).
Request temporary work authorization: While waiting for your new work permit decision, you must ask for temporary permission to start working under the new job offer.

Who Benefits?

This policy supports various groups of foreign nationals, including:

Workers on maintained status who are currently authorized to work but are tied to a specific employer or job role.
Those with valid employer-specific work permits who need to switch jobs due to layoffs, improved job prospects, or other personal or professional reasons.
Individuals previously exempt from needing a work permit but who now require one for a different role or employer.

What Exemptions Does the Policy Provide?

To support faster job transitions, the policy grants temporary foreign workers exemptions from key sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), including:

Paragraph 183(1)(b): Lifts the restriction that prohibits temporary residents from working unless specifically authorized under Part 9 or 11 of the IRPR.
Subparagraphs 185(1)(b)(i) to (iv): Removes limitations regarding the kind of work, employer, and work duration typically imposed on temporary residents.
Section 196: Waives the requirement to hold a valid work permit while the new application is being processed.

These exemptions are valid until a final decision is made on the work permit application or the application is withdrawn.

How Does the Policy Work in Real Life?

The policy simplifies the job transition process for temporary foreign workers in Canada. Here’s how it unfolds step by step:

New Job Offer Received: A foreign worker already in Canada secures a job offer from a different employer or in a new role under the TFWP or IMP.
Work Permit Application Submitted: The worker applies for a new or renewed work permit, including the details of the new position.
Exemption Request Filed: They submit a request for the public policy exemption using IRCC’s designated online system (or an alternative method if needed).
Immediate Start: Once the exemption is approved, the worker can begin their new job right away—without waiting for the full permit to be processed.
Await Final Decision: The worker remains authorized to work under this exemption until IRCC makes a final decision on the permit application.

This efficient approach removes lengthy delays that previously affected workers’ incomes and slowed down hiring for employers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who Can Apply for the New Work Permit Exemption?

Temporary foreign workers already in Canada who have valid temporary resident status, have applied for a new or renewed work permit under the TFWP or IMP, and have a new job offer, are eligible to apply for this exemption to begin working while their application is still being processed.

How Do I Apply for the Exemption?

You must submit both your work permit application and the exemption request through IRCC’s online portal. If you’re unable to apply electronically, you can contact IRCC to request an alternative format.

Can I Start Working Right After Applying?

Yes. Once IRCC grants the exemption, you’re allowed to start your new job even while your work permit application is still under review.

What If My Application Gets Refused?

If your work permit application is refused or withdrawn, the exemption ends, and you must stop working unless you have another form of authorization.

Does This Policy Cover Work-Permit-Exempt Individuals?

Yes. Workers who are typically exempt from needing a permit but now require one for a new employer or role can also qualify, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Why You Should Choose Simard & Associates as Your Immigration Lawyer?

At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.

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