Can I change employers while my extension is being processed?
In the United States? This answer is Québec and Canadian law. The US side of this site answers different questions, state by state: different law, and different coverage. Go to the US side
Short answer
Ordinary maintained status does not turn an employer-specific work permit into an open permit. However, eligible workers in Canada who apply for a new employer-specific permit may request separate IRCC authorization to start the new job while that application is processed. The request alone does not authorize the change.
In detail
Under the ordinary extension rule, work continues on the original conditions, apart from expiry. IRCC also provides a distinct employer-change process: after applying for the new employer-specific permit, an eligible worker requests interim authorization through the IRCC web form.
Wait for IRCC's email confirming authorization before relying on that process to start with the new employer. The email is not the new permit. Check eligibility and any program-specific restrictions, including International Experience Canada rules. A valid open work permit follows different employer-change rules.
What to document
Keep both permit applications, the current permit conditions, the new job offer, your web-form request, IRCC's authorization email and the dates worked for each employer. An application receipt is not the authorization email.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
Open the application Up to 3 files, no card · see the plans
And to put it in order: our free tools · number your exhibits, set your facts in date order, request a copy of your file. No account, and nothing leaves your browser.
Official sources
Related questions
- Can I leave Canada while my extension application is being processed?
- My permit expired and I did nothing what can I do?
- How long do I have to apply to restore my status?
- Can I work while my restoration application is being processed?
- What do I have to show to have my status restored?
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.