Canada has rolled out a new temporary policy that allows foreign workers to switch jobs more easily, eliminating the need to wait for work permit approval before starting a new position.
The move aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, prevent employment gaps, and provide greater flexibility for both workers and employers.
Under this updated policy, eligible foreign nationals can begin working in a new job as soon as they submit their application for a new work permit, instead of waiting for full approval—a process that previously caused hiring setbacks and income disruption.
The measure is expected to improve worker mobility, speed up recruitment, and help temporary foreign workers maintain financial security during job transitions.
This change affects several categories of foreign workers, including those with expired permits who have already applied for renewals (known as “maintained status”), individuals with active employer-specific permits looking to switch employers, and those moving from permit-exempt roles to positions that now require a permit.
The new guidelines apply to job roles under both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
According to the Canadian government, the policy is part of broader efforts to streamline immigration processes and better respond to labour market demands.
