Canada continues to provide flexible immigration policies to support its labor market and temporary foreign workers. One such policy is the temporary public policy that permits foreign workers on closed (employer-specific) work permits to change employers or occupations without waiting for a new work permit. This article explains how the updated policy works, who is eligible, and why switching to a PR-eligible job is more important than ever.
Background and Policy Extension
Originally introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the policy aimed to prevent job loss and labor shortages by allowing temporary foreign workers to change jobs more easily. On May 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially extended this public policy, ensuring that foreign nationals can continue benefiting from this flexibility amid ongoing labor demand.
In its most recent update, IRCC noted that the policy supports economic recovery and workforce mobility while streamlining immigration transitions. While some pandemic-related programs have ended, this temporary work mobility policy remains in effect due to its success and continued relevance.
What This Policy Allows
Under Canada’s typical immigration structure, closed work permit holders are tied to a specific employer and occupation. If they wish to switch jobs, they usually must:
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Submit a new work permit application;
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Wait for approval before beginning the new job;
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Face delays that may last several weeks or months.
However, under the updated temporary policy, foreign workers may begin working for a new employer before the new permit is fully processed — provided they receive interim work authorization from IRCC. This authorization typically takes 10 to 15 days after submitting the application.
Eligibility Criteria for Interim Authorization
To qualify for the temporary exemption, applicants must:
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Be physically present in Canada;
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Hold valid temporary resident status or maintained status (formerly known as implied status);
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Have submitted an application for a new employer-specific work permit or an extension;
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Have been authorized to work at the time the application was submitted;
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Intend to work in the new occupation or with the new employer specified in their offer.
Important Notes for Applicants
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Interim authorization is not automatic; applicants must wait for written confirmation from IRCC before starting their new job.
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As of May 2025, biometrics are now required for new applications. This marks a change from earlier versions of the policy, which exempted biometrics due to pandemic-related constraints.
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The public policy remains temporary and could be repealed at any time. Workers should take advantage of it while it is still in effect.
More information is available directly from IRCC's official policy update page.
Why Changing Employers May Be a Strategic Move
Canada’s labor market is dynamic, and job mobility is often a smart move — not just for career growth, but for immigration strategy. If you are currently employed under a closed work permit, ask yourself:
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Does this job lead to permanent residency (PR)?
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Am I in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 position eligible under Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
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Is my employer designated under a regional immigration pilot or aligned with a federal stream?
Answering “no” to any of the above could mean that a job switch is in your best interest.
It’s Not Just About a Job—It’s About the Right Job
Not every job will support your immigration journey. A job must align with pathways like:
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Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST);
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Provincial Nominee Programs (e.g., BC PNP, Alberta RRS, OINP, NSNP);
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Employer-driven streams (e.g., AIP, RNIP, FCIP).
For example, recent reports indicate that provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Manitoba are prioritizing PR nominations for specific sectors including healthcare, skilled trades, education, and logistics.
Where to Find PR-Eligible Jobs in Canada
At QuestJobs.io, understands that navigating Canada’s immigration pathways requires more than a job board — it requires precision and strategy. The platform lists:
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Over 18,000 PR-eligible jobs across 19 immigration pathways
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Real-time updates with 250–350 new jobs daily
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AI-powered Job Matching to align your profile with PR-oriented roles
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Region-specific job boards for provinces with active nomination streams
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Employer designation tags for programs like AIP,RCIP, FCIP, and BC PNP
Start exploring jobs by sector, province, and immigration pathway here.
Top Sectors Hiring Under PR Pathways
From recent labor market data and IRCC nomination trends, these sectors are highly prioritized:
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Healthcare: Nurses, personal support workers, medical technologists
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Skilled Trades: Welders, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators
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Education: Early childhood educators, secondary school teachers
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Logistics & Warehousing: Truck drivers, supply chain specialists, forklift operators
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IT & Tech: Developers, business analysts, cybersecurity analysts
Common Low-Competition Keywords to Use When Job Hunting
If you're searching for PR-eligible roles, consider these low-competition but high-intent keyword combinations:
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"low TEER PR jobs Canada"
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"change job closed work permit Canada"
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"Canada interim work authorization 2025"
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"jobs with PR pathway Canada 2025"
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"switch employers immigration Canada"
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"temporary work permit exemption Canada"
These keywords align well with your job search and improve your chances of discovering less competitive but immigration-aligned opportunities.
What Happens After You Switch Jobs?
After receiving interim authorization and beginning work with the new employer, IRCC will continue processing your new work permit application. Once approved, your updated work permit will reflect the new employment conditions. In parallel, you can:
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Start preparing your PR application (if eligible);
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Track draw updates via the IRCC Express Entry portal;
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Monitor your NOC and sector demand across provinces on the QuestJobs blog.
Key Takeaways
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Foreign workers in Canada with closed work permits can change employers under a special temporary policy.
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Interim work authorization is granted in 10–15 days, allowing new employment before permit approval.
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Success lies in choosing a PR-eligible role that fits into federal or provincial pathways.
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Platforms like QuestJobs can dramatically increase your odds of securing meaningful employment aligned with Canadian immigration goals.
To access the latest job opportunities and immigration news, create a trial account today at QuestJobs.io.