Workers can switch employers and start working while applications are in process 2025 – 2026

On December 4, 2025, IRCC confirmed a new temporary policy that removes employer restrictions on work permits when a worker changes jobs. The policy has been in effect since May 27, 2025 and will remain until the Minister withdraws it.

All COVID-related language has been removed. The focus is now on the core intent: helping workers switch jobs quickly without getting stuck waiting for a new work permit.

1. Purpose of the policy

It allows temporary residents in Canada to begin working for a new employer immediately, even while their new work permit application is still pending, provided they are:

• Changing employers or changing jobs

• Holding a valid job offer under TFWP or IMP

In short, IRCC wants to reduce employment gaps and limit the number of workers sitting idle while they wait for paperwork.

2. Who benefits

Best suited for:

• Workers with maintained status who are still allowed to work but remain tied to the conditions of their previous permit

• Workers who still hold a work permit but have been laid off or need to change employers

• Individuals exempt from a work permit under sections 186(b) to (x) who now want to work for a different employer and need a permit

Not eligible: business visitors and workers exempt under the Global Skills Strategy.

3. Core requirements

Applicants must:

• Be physically in Canada with valid status

• Have already submitted an in-Canada work permit or extension application

• Be applying for an employer-specific work permit

• Hold a valid job offer for the new employer or new position

• Submit a webform with code PPCHANGEWORK2020

• Request the temporary exemption until IRCC makes a decision

4. IRCC process

Step 1: Receive the webform
IRCC filters submissions using the PPCHANGEWORK2020 code and forwards them for processing.

Step 2: Assessment
Officers check whether:

• The request genuinely falls under the temporary policy

• The information is sufficient to match the GCMS file

If details are missing, IRCC issues a refusal letter for the exemption request.

Step 3: Temporary decision
A positive decision allows the applicant to begin working for the new employer immediately. The email approval is presented together with the old work permit as proof.
A negative decision means the applicant cannot work for the new employer while waiting.

The work permit application continues through normal processing.

5. Advantages for workers and employers

This policy acts as a safety valve for the Canadian labour market. It:

• Reduces downtime when workers switch jobs

• Minimises losses for employers who need urgent hiring

• Helps prevent unauthorized work caused by paperwork delays

However, it is not a free pass. Mistakes in the webform, incorrect work permit type, or invalid status lead to predictable consequences: no authorization to work and a risk of IRPA violations.

If you are switching jobs, assess immediately:

• What status you currently hold

• Whether the new work permit is employer-specific

• Whether the job offer aligns with your application

• Whether the PPCHANGEWORK2020 webform was submitted correctly

SICON can review risks, fix inconsistencies and handle submissions to avoid costly errors.