By peterside Rejoice Eneky
In a major policy shift aimed at improving labour mobility, the Canadian government has introduced a new measure allowing foreign workers to switch jobs without waiting for work permit approval.
The temporary policy, announced this week, seeks to eliminate employment gaps, reduce hiring delays, and provide more flexibility for both workers and employers.
Under the new rule, eligible foreign nationals can now begin working in a new job immediately after submitting an application for a new work permit a departure from the previous system which required workers to wait for full permit approval before changing roles.
“This change is designed to support temporary foreign workers in maintaining financial stability while helping employers meet their urgent labour needs,” Canadian immigration authorities said in a statement.
The update applies to various categories of foreign workers, including those with employer-specific permits who want to change jobs, individuals on maintained status where permits have expired but renewal applications are pending and workers in previously permit-exempt roles who now require a permit due to job changes.
The new flexibility spans across both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Officials say the policy aims to modernise Canada’s immigration system, better align it with the realities of the job market, and protect workers from losing income due to bureaucratic delays.
The temporary measure is expected to have significant implications for Canada’s workforce, which relies heavily on migrant labour in key sectors such as agriculture, caregiving, hospitality, and construction.
Further details on the implementation and duration of the policy are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
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