An employer-specific work permit normally authorizes employment only under the conditions printed on the permit. Eligible workers who apply for a new employer-specific permit from inside Canada may request interim authorization to begin the new job before IRCC makes a final decision.

Can a Closed Work Permit Holder Change Employers?

An employer-specific—or “closed”—work permit may restrict the holder to a named employer, occupation and work location. A worker who accepts a different position or moves to another employer must generally apply for a new work permit.

A valid open work permit normally allows the holder to change employers, subject to any occupational restrictions printed on the document. A job offer alone does not allow an employer-specific permit holder to begin working for a new company. Canada.ca

Starting the New Job Before Approval

IRCC currently allows certain workers in Canada to request authorization to begin working for the new employer while their employer-specific work permit application is being processed.

The current eligibility instructions generally require the worker to:

• apply for a new employer-specific work permit from within Canada; and
• currently hold an employer-specific work permit or qualify as a worker authorized to work without a permit.

Business visitors and short-term workers using the Global Skills Strategy work-permit exemption are excluded from the second category.

The authorization is not automatic. The worker must first submit the new work permit application and then send a separate request through the IRCC web form. Canada.ca

How the PPCHANGEWORK2020 Process Works

The usual sequence is:

1. The new employer completes the applicable employer-side requirements.
2. The worker submits an in-Canada employer-specific work permit application.
3. The worker opens the IRCC web form and selects the appropriate “Other” option.
4. The worker uses IRCC’s prescribed request wording.
5. The request includes the priority code PPCHANGEWORK2020.
6. The worker waits for IRCC’s authorization email.

The request should identify the previous and new employers, relevant dates, occupations or NOC codes, and the submitted work permit application. Paper applicants who do not yet have an application number may provide their courier tracking number.

IRCC says it should respond in approximately 10 to 15 days, although this is not a guaranteed service standard and paper applications may take longer. Canada.ca

Wait for the Authorization Email

Submitting the web form does not authorize the new employment. The worker must wait until IRCC emails confirmation that they may work while the application is being processed.

The email is not a work permit. It provides interim authorization under the conditions described by IRCC until the work permit application is decided or withdrawn. The worker and employer should keep a copy with the existing permit and application records.

Maintained Status Is Different

A worker who applies to extend or change a work permit before it expires may remain legally in Canada while IRCC processes the application. If eligible to keep working, an employer-specific permit holder generally continues under the original conditions:

• the same employer;
• the same occupation; and
• the same work location.

Maintained status does not automatically authorize employment with the proposed new employer. Separate interim authorization or approval of the new permit is still required. Canada.ca

What If the Worker Has Already Lost the Job?

Losing or leaving the job does not convert an employer-specific permit into an open work permit.

The worker may look for another employer, complete the employer-side process and apply for a new permit. However, they must not work for the former employer or another employer unless their existing authorization still permits it, IRCC grants interim authorization, or the new permit is approved.

Someone whose status or work permit has already expired should not assume that the expedited employer-change process applies. Restoration and work authorization must be assessed separately. Canada.ca

The New Employer Must Complete Its Part

For an LMIA-required position, the employer will generally need a positive LMIA. For an LMIA-exempt employer-specific permit, the employer may need to submit an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee before the worker applies.

A regular offer letter does not necessarily satisfy these immigration requirements. The employer should confirm the applicable program before setting a start date. Canada.ca

FAQ

Q1. Can a worker start with the new company while the old permit remains valid?
Not merely because the old permit is valid. An employer-specific permit normally authorizes work only for the named employer. The worker needs the new permit or IRCC’s interim authorization.

Q2. Can the worker start immediately after sending the web form?
No. The worker must wait for IRCC’s email confirming authorization.

Q3. Does the process apply after the worker has lost status?
Not automatically. A person requiring restoration may not have authority to work, and the case should be assessed separately before employment resumes.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and is not individualized legal advice. Eligibility for interim work authorization depends on the worker’s status, existing permit conditions, application timing and the authorization issued by IRCC.