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CHANGING EMPLOYERS ON A CLOSED WORK PERMIT

Immigration law

29 Jan

A closed work permit restricts you to working for a specific employer, meaning you can only work for that employer for the entire duration of your permit. Generally, a work permit is required to work in Canada. Specifically, temporary closed work permits enable you to start a work experience in Canada more quickly.

In some cases, changing employers may be possible - yes, you heard that right! Temporary foreign workers on closed work permits might just get the green light to start a new job before their shiny new work permit even arrives. It's like getting a head start on the race - just don’t forget to collect your permit at the finish line!

Before the implementation of this temporary public policy, workers on closed work permits were required to wait for approval of their new work permit application before changing employers, which could take several months.

To put it simply: If you've already received your letter of introduction to come to Canada, but your employer changes their mind or can't offer you the job anymore, and you're not yet in Canada, you can ask to cancel your young professional permit application. If you do, you'll automatically get a refund of the application fees.

You can also decide to back out of your application if you are still not in Canada, you might need to cancel it and request a refund. But here's the catch—this can only happen if the Canadian government hasn't already sent you the letter of introduction for the port of entry. So, if that letter's already in the mail, you're out of luck!

 IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO CHANGE EMPLOYERS, YOU MUST:

  • Be in Canada with valid temporary resident status (including maintained status)
  • Have applied for the public policy exemption as specified by the department
  • Have submitted a work permit application or be renewing an application for an employer-specific work permit (for which a decision is pending).
  • Intend to work for the new employer as outlined in the job offer.
  • Have requested that the exemption remain valid until a decision is made on their work permit application.
  • Have held a valid work permit or have been authorized to work without a work permit when applying for a new work permit or permit renewal.


NOW THERE CAN BE CERTAIN REASON AS WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO CHANGE EMPLOYER WITH CLOSED WORK PERMIT:

  • Your working conditions are unsafe or do not match what was originally promised.
  • You have been terminated or let go from your position.
  • You haven't received the compensation that was promised to you.
  • You were employed by a company that has since shut down.


TO CLARIFY, THERE ARE SITUATIONS IN WHICH YOU ARE UNABLE TO CHANGE EMPLOYERS.

  • You wish to work in a different location.
  • You are dissatisfied with your job or employer.
  • Another employer has offered you a higher salary.


Book a consultation with RRM Law at 905-798-3776  and speak with an experienced Immigration Lawyer to  help you with your Work Permit application.

RRM Law, a Brampton immigration lawyer and one of the best law firms in Brampton, can assist you regardless of the changes by providing expert guidance on eligibility requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and ensuring all necessary documents are accurate and complete

After you submit your application, officers will review it based on the public policy. But beware—if it doesn't include a request for assessment or enough info to confirm your employer-specific work permit application has been received, they might just send it back. It's like going to a party without an invitation—things might not go as smoothly!

If you applied online, expect an email in about 10-15 days. However, if you went the old-school paper route, it might take a bit longer for that email to reach you. Patience is key!

This temporary public policy was introduced during the pandemic to help temporary foreign workers in Canada start new jobs more quickly while waiting for their work permit applications to be processed, and to ensure that their applications are finalized, offering better protection under employer compliance regulations.

The policy is in effect as of January 14, 2025, and can be revoked at any time without notice, as is the case with all temporary public policies.

In addition to immigration services, RRM Law offers support in other legal areas, such as criminal defense attorney, real estate lawyer, and family law attorney. They can represent you in communications with the government and help you navigate the application process, including the next steps toward applying for permanent residence with the Canadian federal government.