Closed (employer-specific) work permits
Closed work permit: rules, risks and how to switch jobs
A closed (employer-specific) work permit names one employer. Working for anyone else is unauthorized work. Changing jobs requires a new permit — usually a new LMIA — and the transition has to be sequenced carefully.
Closed work permits — also called employer-specific work permits — are the most common outcome of an LMIA-supported job offer. They tie you to one employer, one occupation, and often one location. Knowing what you can and cannot do under one is the difference between a clean PR path and unauthorized work.
Which Canadian work permit fits your situation? Find out in 2 minutes.
Answer a few short questions to get an informational overview. This is not legal advice and does not confirm eligibility — it's a starting point for a consultation with a licensed RCIC.
Informational tool only. Not legal advice and not a determination of eligibility. For a professional review, book a consultation with a licensed RCIC.
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Pathways you may qualify for
Workers using their closed-permit time toward Express Entry CEC, PNP, or AIP.
Requires a new positive LMIA (or LMIA-exempt offer) before starting.
Intra-company transfers, CUSMA professionals, IMP categories — sometimes faster than a new LMIA.
If you're experiencing or at risk of workplace abuse, you can apply for an open work permit while preserving status.
Once a PR application is in queue under an eligible program.
Mistakes that close doors
- Starting work for a new employer before the new permit is issued is unauthorized work — even one day can make most Express Entry profiles ineligible.
- Implied status only applies if you apply to extend or vary your current permit before it expires.
- If your employer loses LMIA compliance or the business closes, your closed permit generally can no longer be used with that employer and you may need to apply for a new permit.
- Working in a different occupation than the one listed on your permit (even at the same employer) is unauthorized work.
Alternative routes worth reviewing
- Negotiate with your employer for a transition period while the new permit is processed.
- Apply for a Vulnerable Workers OWP if the workplace is the problem.
- Use accumulated CEC-qualifying time to push directly to PR rather than chasing a new closed permit.
When to talk to a licensed RCIC
- You want to change employers and need the right sequence (offer → LMIA → permit application → start date).
- Your employer's LMIA was refused, withdrawn, or they've had compliance findings.
- You're experiencing abuse and need to leave the employer immediately.
- Your permit conditions don't match what you're actually doing (occupation, location, hours).
Not sure what to do next? Let's review your options.
Free 15-minute consultation with our licensed RCIC team. No obligation. We'll tell you what's actually possible — not just what's marketable.
Common questions
What is the difference between an open and a closed work permit?+
A closed (employer-specific) work permit names one employer, one occupation and often one location. An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer, with limited exceptions.
Can I work for a second employer on a closed permit?+
No — not for any employer except the one listed on your permit, unless you obtain a separate authorization.
What if my employer cancels the LMIA after I arrive?+
Your permit doesn't immediately become invalid, but practically you cannot work elsewhere without a new permit. Time-sensitive — speak to an RCIC right away.
Can I apply for a Vulnerable Workers OWP from a closed permit?+
Yes. IRCC offers an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (OWP-V) to workers experiencing or at risk of abuse. The application is free and processed on an expedited basis.
Does time on a closed permit count for Canadian Experience Class?+
Yes, provided the work is at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 and meets the 12-month / 1,560-hour threshold.
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Disclaimer: Information only, not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Paid Canadian immigration advice or representation is provided only by authorized representatives (CICC-licensed RCIC or a member in good standing of a Canadian provincial law society).