In Canada, there are two types of work permits that are issued – open work permits and employer-specific work permits.
The first type of work permit, an open work permit, essentially allows a foreign national to work for any employer in Canada, subject to some exceptions. Open work permits impose little to no restrictions on foreign nationals, and foreign nationals seeking to switch roles and/or employers are generally eligible to do so under their open work permit if it remains valid.
The second type of work permit issued in Canada, an employer-specific work permit, permits a foreign national to carry out a specific mandate for a specific employer. Foreign nationals holding this type of permit are generally severely restricted with respect to their employment in Canada, including with respect to occupational classification, location, and the employer and generally must obtain a new work permit to commence employment for a different employer in Canada.
If you have any questions with respect to the type of work permit you may be eligible for, including in relation to viable strategies to secure a work permit in Canada, please contact Toronto employment and immigration lawyers, Sultan Lawyers, at (416) 214-5111 or via email to mlahert@sultanlawyers.com.