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.
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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).
Quick answer
What is a closed work permit?
A closed work permit, formally an employer-specific work permit, authorises work only for the employer, occupation and location named on the permit. It is normally supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment or an exemption. Changing employer requires a new work permit application, and the worker may not start the new job until that permit is approved.
Quick summary
An employer-specific work permit names one employer, one occupation and often one work location. Most require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, though international agreements and intra-company transfers provide exemptions. It suits workers with a confirmed Canadian job offer. Processing depends on whether the application is filed inside or outside Canada. Changing employers requires a new application, and working outside the permit conditions breaches status. Canadian experience gained on the permit can support later permanent residence applications.
Key takeaways
- An employer-specific work permit is commonly called a closed work permit.
- The permit names the employer, occupation and often the work location.
- Most employer-specific permits require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- Intra-company transfers and international agreements can exempt the assessment requirement.
- Changing employer requires a new work permit application.
- Working outside the stated conditions breaches the permit and status.
- Experience gained can support the Canadian Experience Class or a provincial nomination.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I change employers on a closed work permit?
- Only by applying for a new work permit. Employment with the new employer may begin once that permit is approved, or earlier where an authorised interim measure applies.
- What is the difference between closed and open work permits?
- A closed work permit authorises work for one named employer. An open work permit authorises work for almost any eligible employer without a job offer.
- Does a closed work permit lead to permanent residence?
- Not automatically. It provides skilled Canadian work experience that supports the Canadian Experience Class and many provincial nominee streams.
Key terms explained
- Change of conditions
- An IRCC application to amend the employer, occupation or location on an existing work permit. Work with the new employer may only begin once approved.
Continue with Closed Work Permit
- Open work permitCategories that remove the employer restriction.
- LMIAThe assessment most closed permits depend on.
- Work permit expiryExtend before your permit lapses.
- Work permit newsEmployer-change rules and IRCC policy updates.
- Express EntryTurn Canadian work experience into permanent residence.
- Book a consultationPlan an employer change without breaking status.
Your next step
Last reviewed on August 3, 2026 by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN-MIGRATE.
Official reference: IRCC — Work permits
This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules change — confirm details with IRCC or book a consultation before you apply.
Requirements marked as official reflect published IRCC guidance. Recommendations reflect our RCIC team's professional judgement. Explanations are editorial context and are not legal advice.
We re-review this page when:
- IRCC changes program requirements
- Processing times change significantly