Ontario has provided details on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the provincial nomination applications.

Temporary workers are now able to work while waiting for a decision on their application.

The processing time for temporary workers to start their new jobs has been reduced from 10 weeks to just 10 days.

This change comes in light of labour shortages amid the coronavirus pandemic. The shortages are in some of Canada’s major sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.

Candidates who already have a job offer may send in a request to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to be allowed to work. IRCC will then review a candidate’s request within 10 days. If successful, candidates will be sent an email, at which point they will be authorized to work.

To be eligible, a candidate must fulfil the following:

1. Must be in Canada with a valid status
2. Must have an employer-specific work permit unless exempted
3. Must have applied for a new work permit with a valid job offer.

If the job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), employers are still required to obtain a positive LMIA document.

Employers must offer the job through the International Mobility Program Employer Portal, if the job does not require an LMIA.

How to change employers

Step 1: Apply for a new work permit from inside Canada

You are required to be in Canada with a valid status.

Step 2: You will be asked to fill out a web form

IRCC will ask you to fill out a web form to make it easier to communicate with you.

Step 3: In 10 business days, IRCC will send you an email

The email will indicate that you can start working for your new employer while you wait for your complete application.

Find out if you are eligible for any of Canada's immigration programs by taking our FREE assessment.