Foreign nationals on closed work permits will continue to benefit from a COVID-era temporary public policy allowing them to change employers and/or occupations prior to obtaining a new work permit.

Under this policy, a foreign worker on closed work permit can obtain authorization from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to begin working for a new employer and/or in a new occupation prior to obtaining a new work permit.

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Normally, a foreign national on an employer-specific work permit, also known as a closed work permit, is only legally authorized to work for the employed named on the permit and in the occupation named on the work permit, and would need to wait to be issued a new work permit prior to beginning to work for a different employer or in a new role.

Foreign nationals can apply for this exemption if they meet the following conditions:

• Are in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status);
• Have submitted an application for a work permit (or work permit extension);
• Were authorized to work in Canada when they submitted their application; and
• Intend to work for a new employer and/or occupation specified on a job offer.

The foreign national must apply for this public policy exemption, and must request that the exemption apply to them until a decision has been made on their application.

Prior to beginning work in their new job, a foreign national must wait for confirmation from IRCC that they have been successful in obtaining this exemption.

They can typically expect to receive this email within 10-15 days.

More details on how to apply for this exemption are available on IRCC’s website, as well as in CIC News’s earlier article.

The new public policy, effective May 27, 2025, revokes and replaces the original policy, which was first signed in May of 2020.

The only significant change relative to the older policy is the removal of the exemption to the requirement to provide biometrics for the new work permit application.

The new policy is set to remain in effect until revoked.

As with all temporary public policies, this policy can be revoked at any time without notice.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm