Lost Your Job on a Closed Work Permit in Canada? Here’s What You Can Do Next
Losing a job while holding a closed (employer-specific) work permit in Canada can be stressful, but it does not necessarily mean you have to leave immediately or stop working altogether. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides several pathways for affected workers to continue living and potentially working in Canada—provided they act quickly and follow the correct process.
Understanding Your Current Work Permit
A closed work permit legally restricts you to the employer, job location, and role stated on the permit. If you lose your job, you cannot start working for another employer until you have a new valid work permit or receive special IRCC authorization. However, even after termination, your current work permit remains valid until its original expiry date, allowing you to stay in Canada while you figure out your next steps.
Option 1 – Apply for a New Employer-Specific Work Permit
If your current permit is still valid, you may be eligible to apply for a new employer-specific work permit from within Canada—ideally at least 30 days before your status expires.
Steps & Requirements:
- Secure a new job offer.
- Provide a signed employment contract.
- Submit a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment number (if LMIA-exempt).
- Pay the $155 application fee.
- Possibly submit new biometrics.
Processing Times & Start Date:
Processing within Canada currently takes about 210 days. However, under a temporary public policy, you can request IRCC authorization to work for your new employer while your application is in process, often allowing you to start within a few weeks.
Key Note:
To get prioritized authorization, you must apply online and include the special code PPCHANGEWORK2020 in your request via IRCC’s web form.
Option 2 – Work Remotely for a Foreign Employer
You may legally work for a foreign employer (with no Canadian presence, operations, or financial ties) from within Canada without needing a Canadian work permit—if your current status is valid.
Conditions:
- Cannot enter the Canadian labour market.
- Cannot serve Canadian clients.
- Cannot be paid from within Canada.
If your work permit is about to expire but you want to remain in Canada while continuing remote work, you can apply for a Visitor Record ($100) before expiry. This will allow you to stay legally, though without access to the Canadian labour market.
If Your Status Has Expired
- You may apply to restore your worker status within 90 days if you lost it due to overstaying or changing jobs before getting a new permit.
- You must still meet all original eligibility criteria and explain why you violated conditions.
Priority Processing for Essential Occupations
IRCC offers priority processing for select agriculture/agri-food and healthcare occupations. Applicants must enter their NOC code in the “Job title” field when applying.
Key Takeaways:
Losing a job on a closed work permit does not have to end your Canadian journey. By acting quickly—whether applying for a new permit, seeking IRCC authorization to start work early, or switching to remote foreign employment—you can maintain legal status and, in many cases, avoid leaving Canada altogether.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
