Temporary foreign workers in Canada must follow the conditions listed on their work permit. It’s illegal to work for any other employer, in a different role, or at a different location unless those details are explicitly stated on your permit.
If you lose or quit your job, you may still be able to apply for a new employer-specific work permit from within Canada as long as your current status hasn’t expired. In some cases, you may also be authorized to begin working for a new employer while your new application is being processed.
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Another alternative is to work remotely for a foreign employer from within Canada, without needing a new Canadian work permit, as long as specific conditions are met.
This article outlines two main options for individuals who are on a closed work permit and are no longer employed:
Option 1: Apply for a New Employer-Specific Work Permit
If your current work permit is still valid, you may be eligible to apply for a new one from within Canada, rather than from outside the country or at a port of entry.
Key Points:
- You cannot continue working until you receive authorization from IRCC.
- Your current work permit remains valid until its original expiry date, even if you’ve been terminated.
- You must apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.
- Before applying, secure a job offer from a new employer.
Required Documents:
- A signed employment contract.
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or if LMIA-exempt, an offer of employment number.
- Meet all other IRCC work permit eligibility criteria.
- Pay the application fee: $155.
- Submit biometrics if required.
Processing Time:
- 210 days for online applications (at the time of writing).
- Work permits are mailed to the Canadian address you provide, typically within six weeks after approval.
You can begin working once you receive a positive decision letter; you don’t have to wait for the physical work permit to arrive.
Working While Awaiting Approval
Normally, your employer-specific work permit only allows you to work for the listed employer. However, under a temporary public policy, you may be eligible to request interim authorization to work for your new employer while your new application is in process.
How to Request Interim Work Authorization:
- Go to the IRCC web form.
- Choose “Other” at the bottom and click “Continue to form.”
- Select “I’m the principal applicant” and complete the form.
- In the “Tell us about your request” section, copy and paste the special text provided by IRCC, inserting your personal details where required.
- Include the code “PPCHANGEWORK2020”—without it, your request won’t be prioritized.
If approved, you’ll receive an email from IRCC within 10–15 days (online applications only).
Note: If you were previously exempt from a work permit, you must still request authorization to change employers.
Option 2: Work Remotely for a Foreign Employer
If you’re legally in Canada, you may be able to work remotely for a foreign company without needing a Canadian work permit—as long as:
- The employer has no physical presence in Canada,
- Has no operations or clients in Canada,
- And does not pay you from within Canada.
You must not:
- Enter the Canadian labour market,
- Service Canadian clients,
- Or receive income from Canadian sources.
What Happens When Your Work Permit Is Close to Expiring?
Before your work permit expires, you must either:
- Leave Canada,
- Apply to extend your stay, or
- Change your status (e.g., from worker to visitor).
If you wish to continue working remotely, you can apply for a Visitor Record (VR) for $100. This must be submitted before your current status expires, ideally at least 30 days in advance due to the current 203-day processing time.
You may remain in Canada while your VR application is being processed—as long as you applied before your status expired.
If Your Work Permit Has Expired:
You must either:
- Leave Canada and work remotely from abroad, or
- Apply for a visitor visa, re-enter Canada, and work remotely during your approved stay.
Even if you’re working remotely, you may still be considered a tax resident of Canada and required to file Canadian income taxes. Contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 if unsure.
Additional Considerations
If Your Work Permit Expires Before You Apply for a New One:
- You cannot apply for a new work permit from within Canada.
- You must typically apply from outside the country.
Maintained Status:
If you apply for a new work permit before your current one expires, you maintain legal status while waiting for a decision. However, this status comes with limitations:
- You may not be able to renew your driver’s license or health card.
- You cannot apply for or update your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Restoring Your Status:
If your worker status has expired, you may apply to restore it within 90 days if:
- You overstayed by no more than 90 days, or
- You changed jobs or employers before receiving a new permit.
To restore your status:
- Submit an application within the 90-day window.
- Provide a detailed explanation of why you did not comply with your original permit conditions.
Priority Processing for Essential Workers
IRCC offers priority processing for workers in select essential occupations, including:
Eligible Sectors:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
How to Request Priority:
- Find your NOC code on your job offer or LMIA.
- Enter the NOC number only (not the job title) in Box 4 under “Details of intended work in Canada” on your application.
