As of May 27, 2025, the Canadian government has officially extended a special temporary policy that allows foreign workers already in Canada on employer-specific work permits to switch jobs or occupations before receiving a new work permit. Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, this policy aims to maintain flexibility in the labor market and is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Under this temporary measure, eligible foreign workers can:

• Change to a new employer or occupation
• Start working before the new work permit is issued, after receiving IRCC approval
• Receive authorization via email typically within 10 to 15 days of applying online

To use this special policy, all of the following conditions must be met:

• You are currently in Canada with a valid immigration status (including maintained status)
• You have already applied for a new work permit
• At the time of application, you had valid status allowing you to work in Canada
• You intend to work in the new job or for the new employer

1. Obtain a Job Offer

Secure a formal offer from a new Canadian employer.

2. Apply for a New Work Permit

Submit your new work permit application to IRCC, including details of the new employer and position.

3. Submit the Web Form to Request Policy Use (IMPORTANT)

You must notify IRCC via their Web form that you want to use this temporary policy.

How to Fill Out the Web Form:

• Under “What would you like to do?”, choose “Other”, then click “Continue to form”
• In the “Tell us about your request” field, paste the message below and replace the information in [brackets] with your own

If you currently hold or held a work permit:

Priority Code PPCHANGEWORK2020: I am requesting consideration under the temporary public policy to exempt foreign nationals in Canada from certain requirements when changing employment during the coronavirus pandemic, and request that the applicable exemptions be granted until the decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn.
I attest that I hold/held a work permit valid until [DATE] for employer [NAME] / in occupation [JOB TITLE] and I have received new job offer for [new employer NAME] / [new occupation JOB TITLE].
I have submitted my application for a work permit online or I submitted my application on paper and the postal/courier tracking number is [NUMBER].
I intend to work for the [new employer NAME] / [new occupation JOB TITLE] specified in the aforementioned work permit application.
I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me.


If you were previously authorized to work without a permit (e.g., open work permit):

Priority Code PPCHANGEWORK2020: I am requesting consideration under the Temporary public policy to exempt foreign nationals in Canada from certain requirements when changing employment during the coronavirus pandemic, and request that the applicable exemptions be granted until the decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn.
I attest that I am/was authorized to work without a work permit for employer [NAME] / in occupation [JOB TITLE] until [DATE] and I have received a new job offer for [new employer NAME] / [new occupation JOB TITLE].
I have submitted my application for a work permit online or I submitted my application on paper and the postal/ Courier tracking number is [NUMBER].
I intend to work for the [new employer NAME] / [new occupation JOB TITLE] specified in the aforementioned work permit.
I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me.

4. Wait for Approval Email

After submitting the form, you will typically receive IRCC’s approval email within 10–15 days.
Important: This email is not a work permit, but confirms permission to begin working under the new job conditions while your application is being processed.

A Word from Our Immigration Consultants

If you’re unsure how to complete the IRCC Web form or how to write the required English message, the consultants at Visa JP Canada are here to support you.

Changing employers while on a work permit can be complex, but we’re ready to guide you through every step. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help—timely support can make all the difference.