A worker with an employer-specific work permit normally needs a new permit before changing employers or occupations. An IRCC public policy may allow eligible workers in Canada to start the new position earlier—but only after applying for the new permit, submitting a separate web-form request and receiving written authorization.

Can a closed work permit holder change employers?

An open work permit generally allows its holder to work for different employers while the permit remains valid, subject to any occupational restrictions.

An employer-specific—or “closed”—work permit is different. It may restrict the worker to a named employer, occupation and work location. A worker who accepts a position with another company, or moves into a substantially different occupation, generally needs to apply for a new work permit or a change to their existing conditions.

A new employment contract or work permit submission does not, on its own, authorize the worker to begin the new job. Canada.ca

Is it possible to start before the new permit is approved?

Potentially. IRCC maintains a public policy for eligible temporary foreign workers who are already in Canada and need to change employers or occupations.

The worker must generally:

• be in Canada with valid temporary resident status;
• be eligible to apply for the new employer-specific permit from inside Canada;
• have submitted the new or renewed work permit application;
• be waiting for a decision;
• intend to work under the job offer included in that application; and
• separately request the public-policy exemption through IRCC’s designated process.

The policy can also cover certain workers on maintained status and some people who were previously authorized to work without a permit. Authorization is discretionary rather than automatic. Canada.ca

How does the process work?

The sequence matters:

1. The new employer completes the applicable LMIA or LMIA-exempt hiring process.
2. The worker submits an in-Canada employer-specific work permit application.
3. The worker sends a request through the IRCC web form.
4. The web-form message includes the priority code PPCHANGEWORK2020.
5. The worker waits for IRCC’s authorization email.
6. The new employment begins only under the conditions permitted in that email.

The request should accurately identify the previous and new employers, occupations or NOC codes, relevant dates and the work permit application number. A paper applicant who does not yet have an application number should include the postal or courier tracking number, following IRCC’s instructions.

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. The authorization email is not the new work permit. Canada.ca

Does maintained status allow work for the new employer?

Not by itself.

If a worker submits an extension application before the existing permit expires, maintained status may allow the person to remain in Canada and continue working while IRCC processes the application. Normally, however, the worker remains subject to the conditions of the previous permit.

A person whose expired permit named a specific employer cannot rely on maintained status alone to begin working for a different employer. Separate authorization under the public policy may be required. Canada.ca

What must the new employer complete?

For an LMIA-based position, the employer generally needs a valid LMIA covering the proposed employment. For an LMIA-exempt position, the employer will usually need to submit a new offer through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee unless an exemption applies.

The employer should not treat a job offer, work permit submission confirmation or web-form receipt as permission to begin employment. Before onboarding the worker, the employer should review the IRCC authorization email and confirm that its employer and occupation details correspond with the submitted application. Canada.ca

The authorization is temporary

The exemption lasts until IRCC decides the underlying work permit application or the application is withdrawn. An interim authorization does not guarantee final approval.

If the work permit is refused, the worker and employer must follow the decision immediately. Changes to wages, occupation, duties or location should also be reviewed because they may no longer match the employment information assessed by IRCC.

FAQ

1. Can I start my new job as soon as I submit the work permit application?
No. If relying on this public policy, you must submit the separate web-form request and wait for IRCC’s written authorization.

2. Can a laid-off closed-work-permit holder use this process?
Possibly, after securing a qualifying new offer and meeting the status, in-Canada application and public-policy requirements. The worker should not work for the new employer without authorization.

3. Is the authorization email the same as a new work permit?
No. It is temporary permission to work under the approved interim conditions while the actual work permit application is being processed.

This article provides general information and is not individualized legal advice. Eligibility depends on the worker’s status, permit type, in-Canada application eligibility, LMIA or exemption category, and the conditions of the proposed employment.