Canada Introduces New Work Permit Rule Allowing Foreign Workers To Change Jobs Without Delay

• The Canadian government has updated work permit regulations for foreign workers.
• The new rules allow workers to change jobs without waiting for permit approval.
• This temporary change aims to streamline job transitions.

The Canadian government has implemented a significant update to its work permit regulations, granting foreign workers more flexibility to change jobs without waiting for official permit approval. This temporary change aims to streamline the job transition process, minimize employment disruptions, and enhance the experience for both international workers and Canadian employers.

Immediate Job Transition Now Possible

As reported by TravelBiz, the new policy allows eligible foreign nationals to begin working in new roles immediately after submitting a work permit application. Previously, workers were required to wait for approval before starting a new position, which often led to job gaps, lost income, and hiring delays.

The primary goals of this policy are to reduce unemployment periods, support career growth for temporary foreign workers, speed up hiring processes for employers, and improve financial stability for those affected by delays in the permit system.

Who Qualifies Under the Updated Rules?

This change applies to three categories of foreign workers:

1. Workers on “Maintained Status”

Foreign nationals whose work permits have expired but who have already applied for an extension fall under “maintained status.” While the earlier rules restricted these individuals from changing employers, the new policy now permits them to start a new job immediately while their renewal is being processed.

• Permit Holders Looking to Switch Jobs

Those holding a valid employer-specific or occupation-specific work permit can now change jobs right after filing a new application. This update is particularly beneficial for workers facing layoffs, exploring better job offers, or dealing with workplace concerns.

• Workers Previously Exempt from Permits

Some individuals who were previously exempt from holding a work permit but now require one due to a new employer or role can also benefit. As long as they submit a new application, they may begin working without waiting for final approval.

Programs Covered by the New Policy

This temporary flexibility applies to roles under two major programs:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• International Mobility Program (IMP)

As long as a legitimate job offer exists and a related work permit application has been submitted under one of these programs, the individual may start working right away.

Steps to Use the New Policy

• Foreign workers must follow three steps to take advantage of this new rule:
• Obtain a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
• Submit a new work permit application tied to that offer.

Start working immediately no need to wait for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approval.

A Modern Approach to Immigration and Employment

Before this policy was introduced, workers were required to receive formal approval before making job changes, often resulting in extended gaps and financial strain. By allowing job transitions without prior approval, Canada is taking a more modern and practical approach to labour mobility, ultimately benefiting both workers and employers.