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What to Do If You Lose Your Job on a Closed Work Permit in Canada

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > What to Do If You Lose Your Job on a Closed Work Permit in Canada

Losing your job while on a closed work permit in Canada can be incredibly stressful, especially when your legal status and ability to remain in the country are directly tied to your employment. However, if you act quickly and understand your rights, there are ways to stay in Canada and even transition toward Permanent Residency (PR).

In this article, we’ll walk you through the two main options available if you’ve lost your job under a closed work permit, and how ICC Immigration can support your next steps with expert legal guidance and tailored immigration services.

✅ Option 1: Apply for a New Employer-Specific Work Permit

If your current work permit is still valid and you find a new job offer, you can apply for a new employer-specific work permit from within Canada. This route allows you to remain in the country legally while transitioning to a new employer.

To apply, you’ll need:

  • A valid job offer from a Canadian employer

  • A copy of your signed employment contract

  • A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or an offer of employment number if you’re LMIA-exempt

Once your application is submitted online (paper applications take longer), processing times can take up to 210 days. However, under a temporary public policy, you can start working for your new employer in as little as 10–15 days—before receiving the new work permit—by requesting interim authorization from IRCC.

Make sure to use the code PPCHANGEWORK2020 when requesting this authorization through the IRCC webform.

💻 Option 2: Work Remotely for a Foreign Employer

If you can’t find a new Canadian employer right away, you may still be able to work remotely for a company based outside Canada without a work permit—as long as:

  • The employer has no physical or financial presence in Canada

  • You do not provide services to Canadian clients

  • You are not paid from a Canadian source

To continue staying in Canada legally after your work permit expires, consider applying for a Visitor Record (VR) before your status ends. This document allows you to remain in Canada (but not work locally) while continuing remote work for a foreign entity.

Current processing time for a VR is 203 days, so it’s best to apply at least 30 days before your permit expires.

🔄 Maintained Status and Restoration of Status

If your work permit expires after you apply for a new one, you may be under maintained status, meaning you can legally stay in Canada while awaiting a decision. However, you may face limitations like not being able to renew your health card or SIN.

If you miss the deadline to apply for a new permit or VR, you may still restore your status within 90 days, provided:

  • You didn’t overstay by more than 90 days

  • You didn’t violate other permit conditions

🚑 Priority Processing for Essential Workers

IRCC is currently fast-tracking work permits for individuals in select agriculture, agri-food, and healthcare occupations. If you’re applying under one of these roles, insert your NOC code into the appropriate section of your application to be eligible for expedited processing.