IRCCS New Rules Work Permit Canada 2025: IRCC Extends Policy Allowing Foreign Workers on Canada Closed Work Permits to Change Employers

Foreign workers in Canada who hold Canada closed work permits (also known as employer-specific work permits) can continue to benefit from a special rule introduced during the COVID era. This rule allows them to change employers or jobs before obtaining a new work permit.

Under this updated Canada Work Permit Changes 2025 policy, foreign workers holding a closed (employer-specific) work permit in Canada can receive special authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to begin working for a new employer or in a different occupation while their new work permit application is being processed.

This rule allows them to change employers or jobs before obtaining a new work permit,  a flexibility measure that started during COVID-19 and was carried forward under the Canada work permit changes 2024 and now the 2025 update.

What is a Closed Work Permit in Canada?

A closed work permit means a foreign worker is only allowed to work for the employer and in the job listed on the permit. Normally, if the worker wants to change employers or jobs, they must apply for and wait until a new work permit is issued.

However, under the Canada Work Permit Changes 2025, the government continues to offer flexibility, allowing workers to start a new job sooner and enabling employers to fill vacancies faster. This is a significant improvement within the Canada foreign worker program reform efforts.

What is Interim Work Permit Authorization?

This policy is formally known as interim work permit authorization. It allows eligible foreign workers to get permission from IRCC to start working for a new employer or in a new job while waiting for their official Canada employer-specific work permit approval.

Sometimes referred to as an interim work permit Canada, this interim authorization ensures foreign workers can legally remain employed, reducing gaps in income and protecting their rights under Canadian immigration laws.

Who Can Use This Policy?

To qualify under the new rules work permit Canada 2025, foreign workers must:

• Be physically present in Canada.

• Have valid temporary resident status in Canada, including maintained status (meaning your status is still legal while you await a decision).

• Have applied for a new employer-specific work permit or a work permit extension Canada new policy application.

• Be authorized to work in Canada when applying.

• Have a job offer from a new employer or for a different occupation you wish to pursue.

How to Apply for Interim Work Permit Authorization

If you want to benefit from these Canada work permit changes 2025, here’s what to do:

1. Apply for a new employer-specific work permit from inside Canada.
2. Fill out the IRCC online form to request interim work permit authorization. Enter the code PPCHANGEWORK2020 in the form.
3. Wait for IRCC to email you confirmation that you can start working in the new job. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 business days.

Important: You must not start working for the new employer until you receive this confirmation.

Suppose you feel unsure about the process or need help preparing your application for a work permit extension, new Canada policy, or a closed work permit. In that case, Waseer Law Office offers expert legal services to guide you through every step.

What’s New in the May 2025 Update?

The updated policy became effective on May 27, 2025, replacing the original version from 2020 and aligning with the 2024 Canada work permit changes.

Key changes in the 2025 Canada work permit changes include:

• The policy continues to allow workers to change jobs early using interim work permit authorization.

• Applicants must now provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) when applying for both the new work permit and interim work permit. This requirement was waived under the 2020 policy but has been reinstated.

• The policy remains temporary and can be revoked by IRCC without prior notice.

How Long Will This Policy Be in Effect?

This public policy is temporary and will stay active until IRCC decides to cancel it. It can end at any time without warning. Given the ongoing need for skilled labor, these Canada foreign worker program reform updates aim to address workforce shortages while safeguarding worker rights.

Final Thoughts

The new rules for work permits in Canada 2025 enable foreign workers to quickly transition to new jobs or employers, making it easier for Canadian businesses to tackle labor shortages. It also protects workers by ensuring they can remain legally employed during the work permit extension process under Canada’s new policy application.

If you need help with Canada work permit changes 2025 applications, understanding closed work permits, or navigating the interim work permit authorization process, contact Waseer Law Office today for expert support on all your Canadian immigration matters.

For full details and application instructions, visit the official IRCC Website.