Change Employer on a Work Permit

Overview

Changing employers is simple on many open work permits and tightly controlled on employer-specific permits. The risk is starting the new job before IRCC authorizes it. Read your permit conditions first—not only your job offer.

Common situations

Closed permit, new employer ready to hire

You generally need a new work permit naming the new employer (and often a new LMIA or exemption). Do not start until authorized.

Open work permit or PGWP

You can usually change employers without a new permit, as long as you respect any conditions on the open permit and other Canadian work rules.

Same employer, different location or duties

Some condition changes still require a new application to change conditions. Confirm whether your current wording already covers the change.

Permit about to expire and I want to switch jobs

You may need both a timely filing strategy and correct employer documents. Extension timing and employer-change rules can overlap—plan carefully.

Open vs employer-specific

Always re-read the conditions printed on your permit.

Before you resign or start

1. Confirm whether your current permit is open or closed.
2. Confirm the pathway for the new job (LMIA, exemption, or open).
3. Confirm when you are legally allowed to start.
4. Confirm fees and employer compliance steps on IRCC.
5. Keep proof of your current authorization until the new one is issued.

Interim authorization and timing

IRCC has published pathways and, in some periods, interim work authorization rules for certain applicants changing employers. Those rules are detailed and change. Confirm the current IRCC page for changing employers before you rely on interim authorization.

What this means in practice

• A verbal “start Monday” is not immigration authorization.
• Closed-permit workers should treat the new employer’s LMIA/exemption timeline as critical path.
• Open-permit holders should still check conditions (for example, medical restrictions or “not authorized to work” notes—rare but important).
• Keep both employers informed with accurate status language.

When to get help

Get advice if you hold a closed permit, your new job depends on a pending LMIA, you already started without a new permit, or your current permit is near expiry while switching roles.

Application steps (typical closed-permit change)

1. Confirm new job details and pathway (LMIA or exemption).
2. Gather identity documents and current work permit.
3. Apply for a new work permit / change of conditions as directed by IRCC.
4. Pay fees (confirm on IRCC) and save the receipt.
5. Start the new job only when authorized.
6. Track the decision and update SIN / provincial documents if needed.

Common mistakes

• Starting the new job on a closed permit before authorization
• Assuming a PGWP-style free change applies to all work permits
• Quitting the old job with no bridge plan if the new filing is refused
• Ignoring location or occupation conditions on the current permit
• Mixing employer-change rules with simple extension rules

Related guides

• Work Permit Extension in Canada
• Maintained Status for Workers
• Work Permit Expired
• Restore Worker Status

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

• Read the employer name and conditions on your current work permit
• Confirmed whether your permit is open or employer-specific
• Gathered new job offer details (title, wages, location, duties)
• Checked LMIA, LMIA exemption, or open-permit pathway for the new job
• Confirmed whether interim work authorization rules apply before you start
• Prepared to apply for a new work permit if required (confirm fees on IRCC)
• Told the new employer you cannot start until authorized

Frequently asked questions

Can I change jobs on a closed work permit?

Usually not until you receive a new work permit (or other clear IRCC authorization) for the new employer. Starting early can be unauthorized work.

What about an open work permit or PGWP?

Open permits generally allow you to work for most employers without a new permit, subject to conditions printed on the permit and any occupation or location limits.

Do I need a new LMIA?

Many employer-specific pathways still need a positive LMIA or a qualifying exemption for the new employer. Confirm the pathway before resigning.

Can I keep working for my old employer while waiting?

If your current closed permit is still valid and conditions allow, you may continue with the named employer until expiry or until you leave that job. Maintained-status rules apply only if you filed on time for a new permit.

Is a job offer enough to start?

No. A job offer is not work authorization. Wait until IRCC rules clearly allow you to begin.

Is this legal advice?

No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

• Work Permit Extension in Canada
• Maintained Status for Workers
• Can I Work While My Extension Is Processing?

References

1. Employer-specific work permits
2. Extend your work permit or change conditions
3. Hire a temporary foreign worker
4. Open work permits

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.