Can I change employers on my work permit?
It depends on the kind of permit you hold, and on whether you have applied for a new one. A few questions find IRCC's rule for you.
Every quote below was checked word for word on IRCC’s own pages on October 2, 2026. Each answer names its source page and that page’s date.
What IRCC says, situation by situation
Yes
Yes, while your open permit is valid
In IRCC’s words:
“Open work permit holders can change employers at any time while their work permit is valid.”
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
Yes, if you request authorization to work while IRCC processes it.
Yes: you can ask to start before the new permit is approved
In IRCC’s words:
“You may be able to start your new job or work for a new employer before your work permit application is approved. You can request authorization to work while we process your application.”
“If you apply to change jobs or employers before your current work permit expires, you might be able to keep working with a work authorization .”
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
No
Not yet: first apply for a new work permit
In IRCC’s words:
“If you have an employer-specific work permit and you want to change jobs or employers in Canada, you must apply for a new work permit , if you’re eligible.”
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
No
Not with a work authorization, on what you answered
In IRCC’s words:
“If you apply to change jobs or employers before your current work permit expires, you might be able to keep working with a work authorization .”
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
No
Stop working until the new permit is approved
In IRCC’s words:
“stop working for this, or any other, employer until your new work permit is approved”
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
Yes, if your IEC work permit lets you change employers.
It depends on your IEC category
In IRCC’s words:
“International Experience Canada (IEC) participants must first check that they can change employers with an IEC work permit .”
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
No
This check is for people in Canada
Source: IRCC, page dated November 20, 2025
What would change the answer
- The kind of work permit you hold (open, employer-specific, IEC).
- Applying for the new permit before your current one expires.
- Losing the job named on your permit.
What you might not have asked yet
- While the new permit is processed, can you keep working?
- Is your work experience building toward Express Entry?
Sources
- IRCC › work-canada/extend/change-jobs-employers · page dated November 20, 2025
Other answers
- Am I eligible for an Express Entry program?
- As a caregiver, can I change jobs, move, or apply for PR?
- As an asylum claimant, can I get a work or study permit?
- Can a positive LMIA be changed?
- Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada (or for my child)?
- Can I apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
- Can I apply for a work permit when I arrive at the border?
- Can I change the sex or gender identifier on my IRCC documents?
- Can I come to Canada as a business visitor, without a work permit?
- Can I come to Canada with a criminal record?
- Can I get a bridging open work permit?
- Can I get a post-graduation work permit, and can I work while I wait?
- Can I get an immigration loan, and how do I repay it?
- Can I get two-week work permit processing?
- Can I immigrate as a self-employed person or start-up founder?
- Can I include or sponsor my child, and up to what age?
- Can I keep my permanent resident status, and travel without a PR card?
- Can I keep working while my work permit extension is processed?
- Can I leave Canada and come back on my permit or status?
- Can I sponsor a refugee?
- Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents?
- Can I stay in Canada as a visitor, and for longer than I was given?
- Can I take a short course in Canada without a study permit?
- Can I take free government-funded language classes?
- Can I take part in International Experience Canada (again)?
- Can I work while I study in Canada?
- Can my family come with me while I work or study in Canada?
- Can my spouse or partner work in Canada?
- Could a health condition make me inadmissible to Canada (excessive demand)?
- Do I need a language test, and which one counts?
- Do I need a representative, and who may help me?
- Do I need a visa or an eTA to come to Canada?
- Do I need an immigration medical exam?
- Do I need police certificates?
- Do I need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo), or give them again?
- Does my credential assessment (ECA) let me work in my profession?
- Does the employer have to invite Job Match candidates?
- Does the low-wage cap apply to this employer?
- Does this LMIA job ad meet ESDC's advertising rules?
- My application was refused: can I still do something about it?
- My employer is treating me unfairly: can I get help and keep my status?
- Will I lose my other citizenship if I become Canadian?
Written by AHI Life from IRCC’s own pages; the quotes are IRCC’s words, re-read on their pages every day. General information, not legal advice, and not yet reviewed by a licensed consultant (RCIC). Only a licensed representative may charge you for immigration advice.