Temporary foreign workers in Canada on closed work permits means those workers who can work only for employer listed on their work permits have got an extended relief from IRCC. They can switch employers or change their jobs before getting new work permit from IRCC. This is not a new policy but a old covid time policy which has been extended until gets cancelled by IRCC. The first time it was signed on May of 2020.
If you are in Canada on closed work permit and you get another opportunity now you don’t need to wait for the approval from IRCC. This is particularly done due to delays in work permit processing from IRCC. There is a more than 7 months wait time for work permit applications inside Canada. Important to not that you still need authorization letter from IRCC before switching employer and or job. You will get this letter from the IRCC portal.
If you are an international graduate in Canada on PGWP this policy doesn’t apply on you as PGWP is an open work permit means you can change employers and jobs on free will. There are no employer and job restrictions. In contrast closed work permits only allow you to work for employer and job listed on the work permit.
There are some conditions that must be met to be eligible in this policy such as:
- The applicant must be in Canada at the time of application on valid temporary status or maintained status.
- Have applied for work permit or extension.
- The applicant was authorized to work when he submitted the application and he or she has intention to work for employer and or job mentioned on the new job offer.
If you want to avail the benefit of this policy so that you can start working sooner you must apply for this exemption and request IRCC the exemption until a decision has been made on the work permit application. You must wait for the work authorization letter from IRCC before joining the new work.