Many temporary workers with employer-specific work permits lost their jobs this spring. While some have left
Canada, others are unable to leave due to international travel restrictions or the reduction in flights available.
Under existing rules, to change jobs they need to apply and wait for a new work permit to be issued before
starting to work at their new job.
Many employers in sectors that have ongoing labour needs and who provide critical goods and services to
Canadians, such as agriculture, agri-food and health care, find themselves with urgent needs for additional employees.
Considering above, the Government is announcing, effective immediately, a new, temporary policy that will
drastically reduce the time it takes for a temporary foreign worker to start a new job.
Eligible applicants can get approval in 10 days to start working in their new job
As part of Canada’s whole-of-government approach, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will
continue to look for ways to support the economy and protect the health and safety of Canadians during
the COVID-19 outbreak
In 2019, almost 190,000 employer-specific work permits were issued to foreign nationals.
Quote:
“Immigrants, temporary foreign workers and international students are making
considerable contributions to Canada’s response to the unprecedented challenge that COVID-19 poses. We know and value their efforts and sacrifices to keep Canadians healthy and ensure the delivery of critical goods and services. The new policy we are announcing will allow Canadian businesses to recruit the workers they need and help unemployed workers contribute to the Canadian economy during this pandemic.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship