Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): In the first three months of 2025, Canada approved 834,010 temporary resident applications and extensions, including study permits, work permits, and visitor visas.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this unprecedented influx reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming international talent and visitors.
However, the surge comes with a paradox, while new temporary residents are welcomed, some existing residents face longer processing times and removal notices, highlighting tensions in Canada’s immigration system. The new temporary public policy, effective May 27, 2025, allows temporary foreign workers in Canada with valid work authorization to start new jobs while their work permit applications are pending. This policy replaces a previous temporary measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 6, 2020, and is designed to be more robust and adaptable to current economic needs. Previous to COVID policy, TFWs faced significant delays often weeks, when transitioning to new employers or roles due to the requirement to wait for a new work permit to be fully processed.This delay could lead to prolonged unemployment, financial instability for workers, and frustration for employers eager to fill labor gaps.
Under the new policy, eligible foreign nationals can begin working for a new employer or in a new role as soon as they apply for a work permit, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. This change aligns with Canada’s broader goal of reducing the inflow of new temporary workers while maximizing the skills and contributions of those already in the country.
