Change of employer / occupation — new work permit

Employer-specific work permits (LMIA-tied + most IMP categories) restrict the worker to a single employer + occupation. Changing requires applying for a new work permit BEFORE starting the new role.

A work permit holder who changes employers without a new permit violates work-permit conditions and may face:
  • Removal proceedings
  • R40 misrepresentation if not disclosed
  • Future inadmissibility

Open work permits (BOWP, SOWP, PGWP) DO permit employer changes without a new permit.

Draft a 400-500 word change-of-employer / occupation new-permit cover letter for [CLIENT_NAME] transitioning from [CURRENT_EMPLOYER] to [NEW_EMPLOYER] for [NEW_POSITION].

§1 — OPENING (40-60 words)
"I respectfully apply for a new work permit pursuant to IRPR R200 to enable me to take up employment with [NEW_EMPLOYER] as [NEW_POSITION]. My current work permit (tied to [CURRENT_EMPLOYER]) expires [CURRENT_PERMIT_EXPIRY]; I have not commenced employment with [NEW_EMPLOYER] and will not do so until a new permit is issued."

§2 — TRANSITION COMPLIANCE (80-100 words)
Critical confirmation:
  • Continue working for [CURRENT_EMPLOYER] until new permit issued (if remaining in current role)
  • OR resign and remain in Canada in status but not working pending new permit
  • Do NOT start at [NEW_EMPLOYER] until permit issued
  • Notify [CURRENT_EMPLOYER] of departure timing
  • Notify [NEW_EMPLOYER] that start date is permit-issuance-dependent

§3 — NEW EMPLOYMENT BASIS (100-130 words)
  • New LMIA: [NEW_LMIA_NUMBER], valid until [DATE], issued [DATE]
    OR
  • IMP exemption code: [CODE] under R204/R205 — specify the exemption (e.g. C12 ICT, A75 BOWP transition, C10 significant benefit)
  • Employer: [NEW_EMPLOYER] (CRA BN: [BN])
  • Position: [NEW_POSITION] (NOC: [CODE], TEER: [TIER])
  • Wage: CAD [WAGE]/hour (per LMIA wage analysis or IMP-exemption rules)
  • Start date: contingent on permit issuance

§4 — STATUS PROTECTION (60-80 words)
Apply BEFORE current permit expiry:
  • R183 implied status: worker can remain in Canada in status; if NEW LMIA + cover letter filed before expiry, worker may also continue under existing terms (current employer, current role) until decision
  • Cannot work for [NEW_EMPLOYER] under implied status — that would be unauthorised work
  • If gap between permit issuance and new role start, worker remains in Canada in legal status but not working

§5 — STATUS CONTINUITY EVIDENCE (40-60 words)
  • Current permit (Annex A)
  • Pay stubs from current employer (proof of continued legal work) (Annex C)
  • New employment offer (Annex B)
  • New LMIA (Annex D)

§6 — DURATION REQUESTED (40-60 words)
  • Up to LMIA validity (typically 1-2 years)
  • Or LMIA-exempt category maximum (varies)
  • Wage and conditions tied to new LMIA / IMP-exemption parameters

§7 — DISCLOSURE OF TRANSITION (40-60 words)
On the new application, accurately reflect:
  • Current employer: [CURRENT_EMPLOYER]
  • Current role: [CURRENT_POSITION]
  • Reason for change: voluntary / contract expiry / better role / etc.
  • Both employers properly notified

ANNEXES
  • Annex A: Current work permit
  • Annex B: Letter of offer from [NEW_EMPLOYER]
  • Annex C: Recent pay stubs from [CURRENT_EMPLOYER]
  • Annex D: New LMIA OR IMP exemption documentation
  • Annex E: Passport
  • Annex F: Application form IMM 5710
  • Annex G: Fee receipt (CAD 155 or 255 if OWP holder fee applies)

End with: "DRAFT CHANGE-OF-EMPLOYER COVER LETTER — for RCIC review. CRITICAL: do NOT start [NEW_POSITION] at [NEW_EMPLOYER] until permit issued. Unauthorised work is a basis for R40 misrepresentation finding + 5-year ban."