Extend or change the conditions on your work permit: Changing jobs or employers

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.

You may not need to wait until your work permit application is approved to start your new job or work for a new employer. You can request authorization to work while we process your application.

As always, open work permit holders can change employers at any time while their work permit is valid.

Who’s eligible

You must meet 2 conditions:

How to request authorization to work while we process your application

To change jobs or employers, follow these steps after you apply for your new employer-specific work permit:

Step 1: Fill out the IRCC web form

When you fill out the “Your enquiry” section of the IRCC web form, you must copy the text below that applies to your situation. Make sure you fill out the sections in square brackets, which include the

If you applied on paper and don’t know your application number, include your courier tracking number. This will will allow us to find your application.

If you have other questions, you need to fill out a new IRCC web form.

Avoid delays

You must include the code PPCHANGEWORK2020 when you copy and paste the text below. We can’t prioritize your request without this code.

Message that work permit holders changing jobs or employers need to paste into the web form:

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and request that the applicable exemptions be granted until the decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn.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.

I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me.

Message that workers who have been exempt from holding a work permit need to paste into the web form:

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 am/was authorized to work without a work permit for employer [name] / in occupation [job title] until [DATE] and I have received a 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.

I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me.

Step 2: Wait for our email authorizing you to work while we process your application

After you submit the web form, wait for us to email you.

We should respond in about 10 to 15 days. If you applied on paper, it will take longer to get the email.

The email will let you know if you’re authorized to work while we process your application. This email is not your work permit.

Check the processing time for work permit applications processed inside Canada.

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