On May 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new public policy that permits certain foreign nationals in Canada to commence employment with a new employer or in a new occupation while their work permit application is pending.

This initiative aims to reduce employment gaps and enhance labour market flexibility.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for this interim work authorization, applicants must:

  • Be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
  • Have submitted an employer-specific work permit application (either a new application or a change of conditions) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Mobility Program.
  • Intend to work for a new employer and/or in a new occupation as specified in the submitted work permit application.
  • Request the public policy exemption through the appropriate IRCC channel.

This policy is particularly beneficial for individuals who:

  • Are on “maintained status” and are authorized to work while their work permit application is pending but are restricted to their previous employer or occupation.
  • Hold a valid work permit tied to a specific employer and need to transition to a different employer or occupation.
  • Are work-permit exempt but require a permit to work in a new occupation or for a new employer.

The new policy revokes and replaces the Temporary public policy to exempt foreign nationals in Canada from certain requirements when changing employment during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic signed on May 6, 2020.

What this means

The previous policy was well received by employers and offered greater flexibility in hiring and promotion decisions.

This new policy is expected to provide similar benefits, and is particularly  welcomed in light of increasing processing times for inland work permit applications.

Learn more about Gowling WLG’s Immigration Group

Immigration legislation and practices continue to change frequently. Our team specializes in Canadian immigration and can assist you with navigating IRCC new policies. Whether you're an employer looking to fill vacancies or a worker seeking new employment, we can help you determine eligibility and prepare your application.

Our Immigration Group would be pleased to help with any questions regarding newly launched RCIP and FCIP programs, or any other questions you may have about immigration in Canada or the U.S. To find out more about our group, reach out to a member of our team and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.