Canada Eases Work Permit Rules to Let Foreign Workers Change Jobs Immediately

Canada has introduced a major update to its work permit regulations, allowing foreign workers to switch jobs immediately after applying for a new work permit. This new temporary public policy aims to reduce delays, improve job mobility, and assist both workers and employers by minimising costly employment gaps.

Previously, foreign nationals had to wait for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to approve their new work permit application before they could start a new job. This often led to weeks or months of unemployment, financial stress for workers, and hiring delays for businesses. Under the new rule, eligible workers can begin their new roles as soon as they’ve submitted their application, eliminating the need to wait for final approval.

The policy applies to three main groups. First, individuals on “maintained status”, those whose permits have expired but who have already submitted a renewal application, are now allowed to start working in a new job. At the same time, they wait for their renewal to be processed. Second, foreign nationals who currently hold valid but employer- or job-specific permits can also benefit.

If they decide to change jobs, they can begin their new role immediately after submitting a new application. Third, workers who were previously in roles that didn’t require a permit but now do, for example, due to a change in job type or employer, are also covered by the new policy and can start working right away once they’ve applied.

To take advantage of this new rule, a foreign worker simply needs to secure a valid job offer, apply for a new work permit associated with that role, and start the job without waiting for final IRCC approval. This marks a significant shift from the previous system and is designed to support career growth for foreign workers, improve employer access to talent, and reduce financial hardships tied to job transitions.

Overall, this change represents a practical step toward modernising Canada’s immigration system. It simplifies the job-switching process for foreign nationals, helps employers fill roles faster, and reduces unnecessary bureaucracy, benefiting all sides of the labour market.