Dear future neighbour,
Foreign workers in Canada holding employer-specific, or “closed,” work permits are authorized to work solely for the employer listed on their permit. However, if you wish to change employers, a structured process allows you to commence new employment while awaiting approval of a new work permit.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to change employers under this process, you must:
•Be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status, which includes maintained status.
•Have held a valid work permit or been authorized to work without a permit at the time of submitting a new employer-specific work permit application.
•Have submitted an application for a new employer-specific work permit, with the decision still pending.
•Intend to work for the new employer specified in your job offer.
Steps to Follow:
1.Apply for a New Work Permit:
•Submit an application for a new employer-specific work permit, ensuring all required documentation is included.
2.Request Interim Work Authorization:
•After applying, request authorization to begin working for your new employer while your application is processed.
•Use the IRCC web form to submit your request.
•In the “Your enquiry” section, include the following template, filling in the necessary details:
Priority Code PPCHANGEWORK2020: I am requesting consideration under the temporary public policy to exempt foreign nationals in Canada from certain requirements when changing employment during the coronavirus pandemic, and request that the applicable exemptions be granted until the decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn.
I attest that I hold/held a work permit valid until [DATE] for employer [name] / in occupation [job title] and I have received new job offer for [new employer name] / [new occupation job title].
I have submitted my application for a work permit online or I submitted my application on paper and the postal/courier tracking number is [number].
I intend to work for the [new employer name] / [new occupation job title] specified in the aforementioned work permit application.
•Ensure the code “PPCHANGEWORK2020” is included to prioritize your request.
3.Await Authorization:
•IRCC will review your request and, if approved, provide interim authorization to commence employment with your new employer while your work permit application is processed.
Important Considerations:
•This process is facilitated by a temporary public policy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to expedite employment transitions for foreign workers.
•Ensure your current work permit remains valid during the application process to maintain legal status in Canada.
•Open work permit holders can change employers at any time without needing to follow this process.
By adhering to these steps, foreign workers on closed work permits can legally transition to new employment opportunities in Canada while awaiting the issuance of a new work permit.
The policy allowing workers on closed work permits to change employers while awaiting a new work permit decision is still in effect as of January 14, 2025. This temporary public policy, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains active but, like all temporary policies, it can be revoked or modified at any time without prior notice.
Workers and employers should stay informed by frequently checking updates to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
Do you require assistance with your work permit application, immigration process, admission, express entry or provincial nomination profile. Are you overwhelmed with the process and need to speak to a professional immigration consultant? Schedule a consultation session or send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
