1. Overview of Changing Employers on a Closed Work Permit
An employer-specific (closed) work permit restricts a foreign worker to working exclusively for the employer, location, and occupation named on the permit. To legally switch employers, the worker MUST obtain a new work permit or receive interim work authorization from IRCC.
Key Policy Highlights & Benchmarks
- Prohibition on Unauthorized Work: You CANNOT start working for a new employer until IRCC approves your new work permit or grants interim authorization
- Public Policy for Job Changers: Allows temporary workers inside Canada with a valid job offer to request interim authorization to start working for their new employer within 10 to 30 days while their work permit application is processing
- Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (VW-OWP): Workers experiencing abuse or mistreatment from an employer can apply for a fee-exempt Open Work Permit to escape abusive situations immediately
- New LMIA / Exemption Requirement: The new employer must obtain a new positive LMIA or submit an LMIA-exempt job offer before you can apply
Mandatory Action Checklist
✓Ensure new employer secures a positive LMIA or files an LMIA-exempt offer
✓Submit online application for new employer-specific work permit inside Canada
✓Submit IRCC Webform request under the Public Policy for Job Changers to request interim work authorization
2. Job Changer Options Comparison Matrix
Comparing options when changing jobs.
| Transition Pathway | Prerequisite Requirement | Work Authorization Timeline | Permit Type Granted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Closed Permit Change | New positive LMIA + work permit application | Must WAIT until new permit is issued (2-4 months) | Employer-Specific Closed Permit |
| Public Policy Interim Authorization | Submitted work permit application inside CA | Can start work in 10-30 days via email approval | Interim authorization to work while processing |
| Vulnerable Worker Open Permit | Proof of workplace abuse / mistreatment | Expedited 2-week processing | Fee-Exempt Open Work Permit (VW-OWP) |
3. Interim Authorization Webform Process & Vulnerable Worker Rights
Requesting interim work permission and escaping workplace abuse.
Key Policy Highlights & Benchmarks
- Interim Authorization Email Approval: Once IRCC approves your public policy request, they issue an official email authorizing you to work for the new employer immediately
- Vulnerable Worker (VW-OWP) Protections: Requires submitting evidence (emails, text messages, pay slips, witness statements) showing financial, physical, or psychological abuse
- Implied / Maintained Status Rules: Maintaining legal worker status while transitioning between work permits
- Layoff Consequences: If laid off from a closed work permit job, you remain legally in Canada until your permit expires, but CANNOT work for another employer without a new permit
Critical Regulatory NoteUNAUTHORIZED WORK WARNING: Working for a new employer before receiving an approved work permit or IRCC interim authorization email violates IRPA and can result in deportation.
4. Step-by-Step Job Changer Roadmap
Switching employers.
Mandatory Action Checklist
✓Have new employer obtain LMIA or LMIA exemption
✓Submit work permit application online inside Canada
✓Send IRCC Webform interim work authorization request
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. You must wait for your new work permit or receive an official IRCC interim work authorization email first.
An IRCC public policy allowing closed work permit holders to request interim authorization to start a new job in 10-30 days while their work permit processes.
A fee-exempt open work permit for workers experiencing workplace abuse or mistreatment.
You can legally remain in Canada until your permit expires, but you cannot work for a new employer until obtaining a new permit.
Yes. Unless the new job is LMIA-exempt, the new employer must obtain a new positive LMIA.
By submitting an IRCC Webform request after applying for your new work permit online inside Canada.
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Job Changer Metrics
Public Policy Advantage
Interim Work Authorization While ProcessingVulnerable Worker Permit
Open Work Permit (VW-OWP)Processing Rule
Cannot work for new boss without approvalWebform Request
IRCC Public Policy Email RequestRelated Immigration Pathways
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