Canada Reduces Delays for Foreign Workers Starting New Jobs From 10 Weeks to 10 Days

Published on: May 12th, 2020

The Canadian government is stepping in to help temporary foreign workers and employers who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new temporary policy will allow some foreign nationals to begin working while their work permit is being processed.

free assessment

A news release out of Ottawa today announced that a new temporary policy would be put in place to speed up the transition for temporary foreign workers who are starting new jobs.

This will reduce the typical 10 week delay for temporary foreign workers waiting to start new jobs to 10 days or less. 

Many temporary foreign workers with employer-specific work permits have lost their jobs but are unable to leave the country due to international travel restrictions. This new policy grants workers permission to start work at a new job before their work permit has been fully processed. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually every industry in Canada. Many employers are in desperate need of workers in order to continue supplying necessary goods and services to Canadians around the country. 

By implementing this latest policy, the Canadian government is hoping to address some of the challenges currently being faced by temporary foreign workers and their employers.

Who is eligible?

Foreign nationals currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status, or implied status. 

If you’re interested in being considered under this policy, you must submit your application for an employer-specific work permit from within Canada. You may submit your application online or on paper. The government will also consider applications submitted before the enactments of this policy. 

If you want to live and work in Canada, now is the time to begin the application process. Take the first step today and complete our free online assessment. A member of our team will be in touch to discuss your Canadian immigration options.

get started

Recent articles

Canadian Citizenship | United States

How Americans Can Prove Canadian Citizenship Through a Grandparent or Great-Grandparent

If you’re an American with Canadian roots, you may already be a Canadian citizen without knowing it. Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship […]

Express Entry Draw | Francophone Immigration

Express Entry Draw #418 | 4,500 ITAs for PR Issued to French Speakers

The latest Express Entry Draw #418 issued 4,500 invitations to French-speaking candidates applying for permanent residence, continuing the strong momentum seen in recent draws with […]

Express Entry Draw

Express Entry CEC Draw #417 | 3,000 Invitations Issued

The ninth Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2026 issued 3,000 invitations, continuing a consistent trend for the program. This round also marked a stronger […]

Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Express Entry Draw #416 | 334 Invitations Issued in PNP Draw

In Express Entry (EE) Draw #416, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited 334 candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) […]

Canadian Citizenship

Lost Canadians: How New Laws Restore Citizenship to U.S. Families

Thanks to Bill C-3, countless descendants of Canadians living in the United States are finally being recognized again under Canadian law. For many, the phrase […]

Canadian Citizenship

Processing Times Have Doubled: Why Americans Are Racing to Lock in Their Canadian Passport Before the Backlog Gets Worse

Thanks to recent changes in Canada’s citizenship laws, millions of Americans who were previously excluded may now qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent. For many […]

Free assessment

Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!