Vancouver Work Permit Lawyers

A substantial change to your job duties, occupation, or work location may affect the validity of an employer-specific work permit. Depending on the terms listed on your permit, you may need to apply for revised authorization before the changes take effect. Employers also have compliance responsibilities under Canada’s temporary foreign worker rules. The government provides guidance on changing work permit conditions, which can help employers and workers understand their obligations.

Whether you can change employers depends on the type of Canadian work permit you hold. An open work permit generally allows you to work for different eligible employers, while an employer-specific work permit restricts you to the employer named on your permit. If you want to change employers, you may need to apply for a new work permit before starting your new position. In certain circumstances, IRCC allows eligible workers to request authorization to begin their new employment while their application is being processed.

If you apply to extend your work permit before it expires, you may benefit from maintained status, which generally allows you to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your application. Depending on your circumstances, you may also continue working under the conditions of your original permit. However, travelling outside Canada or changing employment conditions can affect your authorization. Understanding the rules for maintained status is important when planning a work permit extension.

Losing your job does not necessarily mean your Canadian work permit immediately becomes invalid. However, if you hold an employer-specific work permit, you generally cannot begin working for another employer without appropriate authorization. You may need to obtain a new job offer and apply to change your work permit conditions. IRCC provides specific instructions for workers changing jobs or employers, including circumstances where early work authorization may be available.

Yes. Certain foreign nationals may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit through Canada’s International Mobility Program or another applicable exemption. Eligibility depends on factors such as citizenship, occupation, employment circumstances, and international agreements. For example, some professionals may qualify through the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Our Vancouver free trade work permit lawyers can help assess whether an LMIA exemption applies to your situation.

Working remotely for an employer outside Canada may not require a Canadian work permit if the activity does not constitute entering the Canadian labour market. However, the circumstances matter, particularly if the employer has Canadian operations or your work involves Canadian clients. You must also maintain valid immigration status while staying in Canada. Foreign nationals considering remote employment should review the rules governing work authorization in Canada before beginning work.

Your passport’s expiry date can affect how long your Canadian work permit remains valid. Immigration officers generally cannot issue a work permit beyond the validity of your passport, even when you otherwise qualify for a longer period of employment. Renewing your passport before applying may help you avoid receiving a shorter permit than expected. If your passport expires soon, review the work permit extension requirements before submitting your application.

You may be eligible to apply for restoration of temporary resident status if your work permit has expired and you meet IRCC’s restoration requirements. Generally, restoration applications must be submitted within 90 days of losing status. Unlike individuals who applied for an extension before expiry, applicants seeking restoration usually cannot continue working while awaiting a decision. A Canadian immigration lawyer can assess your circumstances and help determine whether restoration or another immigration option may be available.

Travelling outside Canada while a work permit extension is being processed can complicate your ability to return and resume employment. Maintained status generally applies while you remain in Canada, and leaving the country may affect your authorization to work when you return. A work permit also does not replace a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization where one is required. Review IRCC’s maintained status guidance before making travel arrangements.

Yes, in some cases. Depending on your medical examination history and intended occupation, your work permit may contain restrictions on employment in certain fields, including healthcare, childcare, or education. If you want to work in a restricted occupation, you may need to complete an immigration medical examination and apply to change your permit conditions. Our Vancouver work permit lawyers can assist with understanding employment restrictions and the steps that may be required to address them.