Work permit exemption Canada policies have given new hope to foreign workers navigating employment transitions within the country. A recent update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ensures that those on closed work permits can continue to switch employers or occupations without waiting for a new permit to be approved. This flexibility is part of a temporary public policy first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and now extended indefinitely.
What Is a Closed Work Permit?
A closed work permit, also known as an employer-specific work permit, ties a foreign national to one employer and one job. Traditionally, workers were not allowed to begin working for another employer until their new permit application was approved, a process that could take weeks or months. During this period, many workers faced financial uncertainty or job insecurity.
What’s New in the Extended Policy?
As of May 27, 2025, the IRCC has renewed this special exemption. Eligible foreign workers can now begin a new job with a different employer while their new permit is still under review—as long as they receive interim authorization from IRCC. This decision significantly reduces employment gaps and supports a more fluid labor market in Canada.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this work permit exemption in Canada, foreign nationals must:
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Be inside Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status)
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Have submitted an application for a new employer-specific work permit
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Have been authorized to work at the time of application
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Plan to work for a new employer and/or in a new occupation listed on a job offer
Applicants must also request the exemption and wait for IRCC’s confirmation—typically received within 10 to 15 days—before starting their new job.
Key Change in the Updated Policy
The only major revision compared to the earlier policy is the removal of the biometric exemption. All applicants under this policy must now submit biometrics as part of the new work permit application process. Other than that, the flexibility remains, providing an important bridge for those seeking new employment while remaining compliant with immigration regulations.
Why This Matters
This policy serves both foreign workers and Canadian employers:
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Foreign Workers: It prevents income disruption and enables a more stable transition between roles.
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Employers: It gives access to a labor pool that is already in Canada, minimizing hiring delays.
For Canada, it also means a more efficient use of skilled labor and a more adaptable economy.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
ICC Immigration is committed to helping individuals find strategic, secure, and legal pathways to build their futures in Canada—without resorting to uncertain asylum routes.
Our Services Include:
Permanent Residency (PR) Applications
We guide clients through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other PR pathways for faster and more reliable outcomes.
Work & Study Permits
Our team assists in securing work and study permits that can lead to long-term settlement opportunities.
Family Sponsorships
We simplify the process for those wanting to reunite with family in Canada, enhancing the success rate for PR applications.
Expert Legal Guidance
From complex immigration regulations to policy changes, we ensure full compliance and strategic decision-making at every stage.
Whether you’re in Canada on a closed work permit or planning your journey from abroad, ICC Immigration offers tailored support to help you navigate Canadian immigration confidently and effectively.
Final Thoughts
The extension of the work permit exemption Canada policy is a major win for foreign workers looking for greater flexibility and security. By allowing faster employment transitions, IRCC is easing the burden on temporary residents and responding to evolving labor needs.
For those ready to take the next step, ICC Immigration is your trusted partner to move forward confidently—whether that means changing jobs, applying for permanent residency, or reuniting with family in Canada.