Lost Your Job While on a Closed Work Permit? Don’t Panic – Here’s What to Do
Losing your job while on a
closed work permit in Canada can be nerve-wracking. But it doesn’t mean your immigration journey is over. You still have powerful options to stay, work, and even
switch your status—without leaving the country.
This guide will help you understand your rights, choose your next move, and take action quickly. Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or anywhere else—Sayal Immigration is here to support your next step with trusted, local guidance.
🔍 What Is a Closed Work Permit?
A
closed work permit (also called an
employer-specific work permit) ties you to one job, one employer, and one location.
If that job ends—voluntarily or not—you
can’t work for anyone else unless you get a new permit. However, your
status in Canada remains valid until the permit’s expiry date. That gives you time to plan your next move.
To understand the conditions of your permit, you can refer to
this official IRCC page.
✅ Step One: Check Your Status
First, check the expiry date on your work permit.
As long as your permit is still valid, you can legally remain in Canada. But you must
apply for a new permit before it expires to maintain your status.
If you’re unsure how to interpret your permit, an
Immigration Consultant in Canada can help guide you based on your unique case.
🛠️ Option 1: Find a New Employer & Apply for a New Permit
If you want to continue working under a closed permit, find a new job offer. Your new employer will likely need to apply for a
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once approved, you can apply for a new work permit.
Use this
LMIA guide from the Government of Canada to understand employer responsibilities.
When you apply for the new permit
before your current one expires, you’ll stay in legal status.
You can also request permission to
start working while your new permit is processing by contacting IRCC using the code:
PPCHANGEWORK2020.
This is especially helpful for workers in cities like Brampton or Kitchener where tech, warehousing, and logistics jobs are on the rise. If you’re in the area, consider contacting a licensed
Immigration Consultant in Brampton or
Immigration consultant in Kitchener for targeted support.
🌐 Option 2: Apply for an Open Work Permit
Want more flexibility? An
open work permit isn’t tied to a specific job or employer.
You may qualify if:
- You’re the spouse of a skilled worker or international student.
- You’re applying for permanent residence and qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
- You’ve faced abuse or exploitation in the workplace and qualify for a Vulnerable Worker Open Permit.
For abuse-related work permit pathways, see
Canada’s protection for vulnerable workers.
Residents in larger cities like Toronto or Mississauga often pursue these options with the help of a certified
Immigration Consultant in Toronto or
Immigration Consultant in Mississauga—especially when navigating complex personal situations.
💻 Option 3: Work Remotely for a Foreign Company
Another path: if your current permit is still valid, you can legally work
remotely for a non-Canadian employer—as long as that company has no operations, clients, or business presence in Canada.
This is a popular option for IT professionals, digital marketers, and designers. If you’re planning to switch to a
visitor record and freelance remotely, you can apply for one here:
Apply for or Extend a Visitor Record – Canada.ca
To avoid gaps in status, consult a trusted
Immigration Consultant in London Ontario if you’re based in southwestern Ontario.
⌛ Restore Your Status (If Your Permit Expired)
Missed your permit expiry date? You might still have up to
90 days to apply to
restore your status.
You must not have worked illegally and must meet all requirements of your new application. Learn more on
Restoring Status in Canada.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, seek help from an experienced
Immigration Consultant in Scarborough, especially if you’re dealing with tight timelines or complex histories.
📝 Temporary Public Policy: Still Active!
Thanks to a
temporary IRCC public policy, you may be able to
change jobs inside Canada even while your application is being processed.
This policy was extended in 2025 to help foreign workers move jobs without having to leave the country. It’s been a game-changer for thousands.
You can
read the announcement here.
This flexibility gives you more time and freedom—just be sure to follow all conditions carefully.
🧭 Summary of Your Options
| Scenario |
Next Step |
| Permit valid, lost job |
Stay in Canada and apply for a new work permit before expiry |
| Found new employer |
Employer applies for LMIA → you apply for employer-specific work permit |
| Spouse of skilled worker / PR pathway |
Apply for an open work permit (PGWP, BOWP, spousal, etc.) |
| Workplace abuse |
Apply for Vulnerable Worker Open Permit |
| Want to freelance for non-Canadian firm |
Apply for Visitor Record and work remotely for foreign clients |
| Permit expired |
Restore status within 90 days via IRCC guidelines |
🗣️ Final Thoughts
Losing your job under a closed work permit doesn’t mean losing your future in Canada. You have real, actionable solutions to remain in the country—legally and confidently.
Whether it’s switching permits, finding a new job, or applying for permanent residence, the key is acting quickly, staying informed, and
seeking the right support.
At
Sayal Immigration, we assist clients across Canada—whether you’re in
Toronto,
Brampton,
Mississauga,
Kitchener,
Scarborough, or
London Ontario. Let a
trusted Immigration Consultant in Canada help guide your journey with clarity and compassion.
