EXEMPTIONS TO WORK PERMIT CONDITIONS -EMPLOYER CHANGE

May 12, 2020

A temporary public policy has been issued on the exemption from certain requirements when a temporary worker is changing employment. This public policy comes into effect on May 12, 2020, and remains in effect until it is revoked by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Effective immediately, this policy 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

Biometrics may be waived for workers deemed eligible under the public policy, if the Service Canada office serving the area where the applicant lives is temporarily closed and is not collecting biometrics due to the pandemic.

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.

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.