Lost Job on a Closed Work Permit? Canadian Immigration Tips
Lost Your Job on a Closed Work Permit in Canada? Here’s What to Do Next
Losing your job is stressful enough—but if you’re a temporary foreign worker in Canada on a closed (employer-specific) work permit, it can be downright overwhelming. You might be wondering: Can I stay in Canada? Can I work somewhere else? What are my options?
First off, take a deep breath. There are pathways to help you move forward, whether you want to continue working in Canada or work remotely for a foreign employer. In this post, we’ll walk you through your options and what steps you need to take.
Key Highlights
- You can apply for a new employer-specific work permit from within Canada if your current status is still valid.
- IRCC may allow you to start working for a new employer while your new work permit application is being processed.
- You may work remotely for a foreign employer without a Canadian work permit, under certain conditions.
- You must act before your current status expires to maintain your legal stay in Canada.
- IRCC offers priority processing for work permit applicants in essential sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
Option 1: Apply for a New Employer-Specific Work Permit
If your closed work permit is still valid but you’ve lost your job, you’re not allowed to keep working in Canada—at least not without securing a new permit. The good news? You may be eligible to apply for a new employer-specific work permit from within Canada, as long as your immigration status hasn’t expired.
How to Get a New Work Permit
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Find a new employer who’s willing to offer you a job.
- Secure a formal job offer and, if required, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Gather key documents including your signed employment contract and the LMIA (or job offer number if you’re LMIA-exempt).
- Submit your application online (unless you qualify to apply on paper).
The current fee for a work permit application is $155. You may also need to provide biometrics again, depending on your situation.
Can I Start Working Right Away?
Under a temporary public policy, you may be allowed to begin working for your new employer before your new work permit is officially issued. To do so, you’ll need to:
- Submit your new work permit application online.
- Request interim work authorization through IRCC’s web form by including a special message and the code PPCHANGEWORK2020.
IRCC typically responds within 10–15 days if you’ve applied online. Once approved, you can start working with your new employer based on the decision letter—no need to wait for the physical permit in the mail.
Need Priority Processing?
If you’re applying for a role in an essential sector—such as agriculture or healthcare—you might be eligible for priority processing. You’ll need the NOC code for your job, which you can find on your job offer or LMIA. When filling out your application, enter this code in the “Job title” section to flag your application for faster handling.
Some of the eligible occupations include:
- Registered nurses and practical nurses
- Meat cutters and fishmongers
- Harvesting labourers
- Pharmacists and general practitioners
Check out our full guide to NOC codes and eligible occupations.
Option 2: Work Remotely for a Foreign Employer
Another option—if you’re not ready to leave Canada—is to work remotely for a company that’s based entirely outside of Canada. This means they must have:
- No physical presence in Canada
- No business operations in Canada
- No financial ties to Canada
In this scenario, you can work as a freelancer, contractor, or employee for that foreign company without needing a Canadian work permit. Just be sure you’re not entering the Canadian labour market or servicing Canadian clients.
What If My Status Is Expiring Soon?
If your work permit is about to expire, you have three options:
- Leave Canada
- Apply to extend your stay
- Change your status—such as from worker to visitor
If you’d like to stay and continue working remotely, you can apply for a Visitor Record. This allows you to remain in Canada legally and costs $100. Submit your application at least 30 days before your current status expires to avoid complications. You can stay in Canada while your application is being processed.
Other Important Considerations
Maintained Status
If you’ve applied for a new work permit before your current one expires, you may be under what’s called “maintained status”—formerly known as implied status. This lets you stay in Canada legally while you await a decision, but it comes with some limitations:
- You won’t be able to renew your driver’s licence or health card.
- You can’t get a new SIN or update your current one.
Learn more about maintained status and how it affects you.
Restoring Status
If your status has already expired, don’t panic. You might still be able to restore it within 90 days—as long as you didn’t violate other conditions. This might apply if:
- You overstayed your permit (by no more than 90 days)
- You changed employers or job roles before getting a new work permit
Make sure to explain your situation clearly when submitting your restoration application.
What About Taxes?
If you’re working remotely from Canada—even for an international company—you may still be considered a resident for tax purposes. This means you might need to file a Canadian tax return. If you’re unsure, give the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) a call at 1-800-959-8281 or check out this guide to filing taxes as a foreign worker.
Final Thoughts
Facing job loss on a closed work permit can feel like you’re stuck at a crossroads. But with the right information and quick action, you still have options—whether it’s applying for a new job in Canada or working remotely for a foreign employer.
Need help planning your next steps? We’ve got your back.
Schedule a free consultation with an immigration expert or explore our resource on the Manitoba PNP if you’re considering permanent residency in the future.
Whatever your path, remember: you’re not alone, and there’s a way forward.
