A closed work permit in Canada, also called an employer-specific work permit, ties you to one employer, position and (sometimes) location. This guide explains who qualifies, how employers and workers apply, what happens if you lose your job, how to change employers or move to an open work permit, and practical ways to avoid status problems.

Closed Work Permit in Canada: What It Is and Who It Is For

A closed work permit in Canada is an employer-specific work permit. It allows you to work only for the employer named on the permit, in the position and location listed, and only for the authorized period. You cannot freely switch employers or occupations without first getting a new work permit.

Closed work permits are widely used in LMIA-based hiring, intra-company transfers, and many international agreement categories. They are designed to meet real labour needs while allowing the government to monitor employer compliance and protect workers.

If you are still comparing different permit types, start with a big-picture overview in GUIDE 1 — Work Permits in Canada before going deeper into closed work permits.

How a Closed Work Permit in Canada Works

Key Conditions on an Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit

Every closed work permit will normally list three core conditions:

• Employer name: the Canadian business you are authorized to work for.
• Duration: the dates between which you can legally work.
• Location (if applicable): the province or city where you are allowed to work.

Additional conditions may include restrictions related to medical exams, occupation, or the type of work you are allowed to perform.

For current, official definitions of employer-specific work permits, always review the latest instructions on the Government of Canada website: IRCC employer-specific work permit information.

Closed Work Permit vs. Open Work Permit

Closed and open work permits give very different levels of flexibility. Here is a simplified comparison:

Feature	Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit	Open Work Permit
Employer	Named on the permit; you cannot change without a new permit.	Any eligible employer in Canada (with limited exceptions).
Job offer required	Yes, always.	Often no (depends on the program).
LMIA required	Frequently, unless LMIA-exempt.	Not required.
Mobility	Low – tied to one employer/role.	High – you may switch employers without a new permit.

To understand open work permit options, you may also want to review an internal guide to open work permits in Canada.

Who Can Apply for a Closed Work Permit?

LMIA-Based Closed Work Permits

Many closed work permits are based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In LMIA-based cases:

• The employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for an LMIA.
• ESDC assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, neutral, or negative effect on the Canadian labour market.
• If approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA and provides it, along with a job offer and contract, to the worker.
• The worker then applies for a work permit using the LMIA details.

An LMIA-based closed work permit is common for many skilled, intermediate, and low-wage positions when no suitable Canadian or permanent resident is available.

LMIA-Exempt Closed Work Permits

Some closed work permits do not require an LMIA but are still employer-specific. Examples can include:

• Certain international agreements (such as professional categories under trade agreements).
• Intra-company transferees moving from a foreign branch to a Canadian branch.
• Some provincial nominee work permit categories.

In these cases, employers usually submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee. IRCC then issues a closed work permit that is tied to that employer and position.

For up-to-date lists of LMIA-exempt categories, consult the official IRCC work permits with special instructions.

Inside vs. Outside Canada Applicants

You may be able to apply for a closed work permit:

• From outside Canada before travelling, often using form IMM 1295 and online submission.
• From inside Canada if you meet specific eligibility criteria (for example, certain students, visitors with public policies, or people already working in Canada).
• At a port of entry in limited situations, usually for visa-exempt applicants who meet strict conditions.

The exact place where you must apply can change based on your status and nationality. Always verify the latest rules directly with the official IRCC “Who can apply for a work permit” page.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Closed Work Permit

Step 1: Employer Obligations

1. Decide whether an LMIA is required or whether the job is LMIA-exempt.
2. If an LMIA is required, apply to ESDC, advertise the position as required, and wait for a decision.
3. If LMIA-exempt, create or use an Employer Portal account, submit the offer of employment and pay the employer compliance fee.
4. Provide the foreign worker with the LMIA (if applicable) or the offer of employment number, plus a signed job offer and contract.

Employers who regularly hire foreign workers may benefit from an internal LMIA application guide for Canadian employers.

Step 2: Worker Documents

As the worker, you usually need to prepare:

• A valid passport (covering the full period requested).
• LMIA number or offer of employment number, plus job offer and contract.
• Proof of qualifications (education, training, licenses, language tests if required by the employer).
• Proof of previous work experience, such as reference letters and pay stubs.
• Police certificates and medical exam results if requested.
• Proof of relationship for accompanying family members.

Step 3: Submitting Your Work Permit Application

Most applicants apply online through an IRCC account. The online system creates a personalized document checklist based on your answers. In general, you will:

1. Create or sign in to your online IRCC account.
2. Answer the eligibility questions (for example, your nationality, your job, and where you will apply from).
3. Upload all required forms and supporting documents.
4. Pay the work permit processing fee and, if applicable, the open work permit holder fee for eligible family members.
5. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required.

Step 4: After You Apply

IRCC will process your application, which can include security checks, reviewing your employer’s compliance history, and confirming your credentials. If approved:

• If you are outside Canada, you usually receive a letter of introduction and, where required, a temporary resident visa or eTA. The actual work permit is printed and issued when you enter Canada.
• If you are inside Canada, your work permit is mailed to your Canadian address or made available through your online account.

Processing times vary and can change frequently. For the most recent estimates, consult the official IRCC processing time tool.

What Happens If You Lose Your Job on a Closed Work Permit?

If You Are Inside Canada When Your Job Ends

Because a closed work permit is tied to one employer, your authorization to work ends when you stop working for that employer, even if the permit has not yet expired. However, you usually keep temporary resident status until the expiry date printed on the permit.

If you lose your job while in Canada, consider these options as quickly as possible:

• Find a new employer willing to support a new LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer and apply for a new closed work permit.
• Apply to change your status to visitor before your current status expires, so that you stay in Canada legally while exploring options.
• Check whether you qualify for an open work permit through your spouse, permanent residence application, or another program.

If you cannot secure a new permit or change your status, you may have to leave Canada when your current status expires.

If Your Job Ends Before You Travel to Canada

If your employment ends before you use your work permit to enter Canada (for example, the employer withdraws the offer after approval), you should not attempt to work for that employer in Canada. In many cases, you will need a new job offer and new authorization before travelling or working.

How to Change Employers or Move to an Open Work Permit

Changing Employers with a New Closed Work Permit

If you hold a valid closed work permit and want to change employers, you generally must:

1. Obtain a new job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. Have the new employer secure an LMIA or submit an LMIA-exempt offer through the Employer Portal.
3. Apply online for a new employer-specific work permit before your current status expires.
4. Wait for IRCC authorization before starting to work for the new employer, unless a specific public policy allows earlier work.

Changing employers without proper authorization is a serious violation and can affect future applications.

Common Pathways from Closed to Open Work Permits

Depending on your situation, you may be able to move from a closed work permit to an open work permit. Typical scenarios include:

• You are being sponsored for permanent residence by your Canadian spouse or common-law partner and qualify for a spousal open work permit.
• You have applied for permanent residence under an eligible economic program and qualify for a bridging open work permit.
• Your spouse or partner is a skilled worker or international student in Canada, and you qualify as their accompanying spouse.

Each pathway has its own eligibility rules, forms and fees. Because switching to an open work permit changes your long-term strategy, many applicants choose to obtain professional advice before applying.

Compliance, Risks, and Refusal-Proofing Your Closed Work Permit

Common Reasons Closed Work Permits Are Refused

Some frequent reasons for refusal include:

• Insufficient evidence that you will leave Canada when your status expires.
• Doubts about the genuineness of the job offer or employer.
• Inconsistent or incomplete documents (for example, missing reference letters or unclear job duties).
• Medical or security concerns.
• LMIA or employer compliance issues identified by IRCC.

Reviewing your application from the officer’s perspective and ensuring that your documents are consistent and complete can significantly reduce the risk of refusal.

How to Maintain Status and Avoid Gaps

To avoid losing status or work authorization:

• Track your work permit expiry date and set reminders several months in advance.
• Apply to extend or change your status before your current permit expires.
• Do not work for any employer other than the one named on your closed work permit unless IRCC has approved a change.
• Keep copies of your LMIA, job offer, contracts and pay records in case IRCC audits your employer or reviews your file.

For a broader discussion of maintaining temporary status in Canada, see our overview of temporary resident status and extensions.

When to Get Professional Help for a Closed Work Permit

Because a closed work permit is tied so closely to a specific employer and job, errors can have serious consequences: loss of status, loss of income and complications for future permanent residence applications. It can be especially useful to get advice if:

• You have lost or expect to lose the job listed on your permit.
• Your employer is unsure about LMIA requirements or Employer Portal steps.
• You have previous refusals, status gaps or complex family circumstances.
• You are planning a long-term pathway to permanent residence and want to use your work permit strategically.

If you need tailored guidance, document review or a full file strategy, you can speak with a regulated Canadian immigration professional. Book a consultation to review your options based on your specific facts and timelines.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), official government publications