In March 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new public policy that gives temporary foreign workers in Canada more flexibility when changing jobs. Under this policy, eligible workers can begin working in a new job before their new work permit is approved, provided certain conditions are met.

This measure replaces an earlier temporary policy that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support individuals whose employment had been disrupted. Unlike that emergency measure, the new policy is positioned as part of a longer-term strategy to better use the skills of workers already in Canada and reduce reliance on new entries to the temporary foreign worker program. 

Who Is Eligible?

This public policy applies to foreign nationals who:

•  Are physically present in Canada;

•  Hold valid temporary resident status;

•  Have submitted an application for a new employer-specific work permit under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the •  International Mobility Program (IMP); and

•  Have received a job offer from a new employer.

It also applies to individuals in the following circumstances:

• Workers on maintained status whose original employer-specific permit has expired;

• Workers who still hold a valid permit but wish to move to a different occupation or employer;

• Individuals who are normally work permit exempt but require a new permit for the next job.

To benefit from the exemption, applicants must formally request it using IRCC’s designated electronic method and wait for authorization before starting work.

What Has Changed?

The key change is that eligible workers no longer have to wait for IRCC to fully process their new work permit before starting their next job. Once interim work authorization is granted, they may begin work with their new employer immediately.

The policy is designed to reduce gaps in employment, prevent financial instability, and support employers who are ready to hire workers already in the country. It also accommodates a range of situations, including layoffs, internal promotions, job changes for better pay, or other career development opportunities.

What Conditions Still Apply?

Although this policy allows earlier job transitions, it does not remove all immigration requirements. Workers must still:

• Apply for a new work permit;

• Remain in Canada;

• Comply with all other admissibility rules (e.g., criminality, medical issues);

• Wait for the interim work authorization from IRCC before starting the new job.

• The exemption only lasts until IRCC makes a final decision on the work permit application or the application is withdrawn.

Why This Matters

This policy offers a practical solution to a longstanding challenge in the temporary foreign worker system: the lag between job loss or transition and work permit approval. That delay has often left workers in limbo—unable to earn income and unable to legally work elsewhere.

With the new approach, IRCC acknowledges the importance of labour mobility and recognizes that workers already inside Canada can continue to contribute without unnecessary interruptions. For employers, this opens the door to faster hiring timelines and less paperwork related to worker turnover.

It is a step toward a more flexible and responsive immigration system—one that meets the needs of both workers and employers without compromising legal safeguards.