IEC Work Permit Holders: Can You Change Jobs Once in Canada?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through when and how you can change jobs, depending on your IEC category – and what to watch out for if you’re planning to stay in Canada long-term. 

Key Takeaways: Changing Jobs on an IEC Work Permit 

• Working Holiday participants can change jobs anytime, IRCC only need to be informed if you’re entering a field that requires a medical exam (like healthcare or childcare). 
• Young Professionals & International Co-op participants must stick with their approved employer unless they have a valid reason to switch, and they’ll need IRCC’s approval first. 
• If a change is approved, you’ll need to apply for a new permit, and can request interim authorization to work while it’s being processed. 

Working Holiday Permit Holders: You Can Change Jobs Anytime 

If you’re in Canada on a Working Holiday permit, you’re on an open work permit. This means you can work for almost any employer in Canada and change jobs whenever you want. 

You don’t need to apply for a new permit or notify IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) when switching jobs, unless your new role is in healthcare, childcare, or another position that requires a medical exam. In those cases, your permit may include a condition saying you can’t work in those fields unless you’ve passed a medical. You’ll need to complete the exam and ask IRCC to remove that condition before starting the job. 

There are a few additional restrictions to keep in mind. You’re not allowed to work for an employer involved in a business where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation of some workers. This specifically includes: 

• Strip clubs 
• Massage parlours 
• Escort agencies 

Even though you have the freedom to switch jobs, your new role still needs to follow Canadian labour laws. That means it must pay at least the minimum wage in the province or territory where you’re working, and the work environment must be safe and legal. 

Before making a move, it’s a good idea to think about your long-term plans. If you’re hoping to stay in Canada permanently, switching jobs too often—or into roles that don’t support your immigration goals—might affect your chances. Some immigration programs look at the type of work you’ve done and how much experience you’ve built in a particular role. So, make sure your next step fits into your bigger picture. 

Young Professionals and International Co-op: Rules You Need to Follow 

If you’re in Canada through the Young Professionals or International Co-op (Internship) categories, your work permit is employer-specific. That means you’re only allowed to work for the employer listed on your permit. 

You can’t change jobs just because you found a better offer or want to try something new But you can ask to switch employers if you have a valid reason, such as: 

• Your company has shut down 
• You’ve been fired or laid off 
• You’re not being paid as agreed 
• Your job is unsafe or not what was promised. 

Examples of reasons that are not considered valid include: 

You’ve been offered better wages by a different employer 

You would like to work in a different location, or 

You do not like your current job or employer 

If you’re approved, your new job must still fit the program rules. For Young Professionals, your new position needs to help with your career development. For International Co-op, your new job must be related to your field of study. 

If you don’t meet the criteria to change employers within IEC, you’ll need to explore other options. This could mean applying for a different type of work permit, or, if you’re eligible, submitting a new application to the IEC program through repeat participation.

How to Ask IRCC to Change Employers. 

If you qualify to change employers under the Young Professionals or Co-op categories, here’s how to ask IRCC for permission. 

Submit a request through the IRCC Web Form 

Once you have opened an IRCC web form:

• Select “Temporary Residence” in the “What did you apply for” drop-down menu. 
• Choose “International Experience Canada” as the application you submitted. 
• In your message, explain why you’re leaving your current job and how the new position fits the requirements of your IEC category (Young Professionals or International Co-op). 
• Upload supporting documents, including: 
• A job offer from your new employer (Note: your employer must also submit the offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal). 
• Proof of why you’re leaving your current job — for example, a layoff notice, documentation of unsafe conditions, or evidence that you’re not being paid as agreed. 

IRCC will then review your request. If you have a valid reason and are still eligible for IEC, you will receive instructions on how to submit a new work permit application. 

Just remember, your new permit will only last for the time left on your current IEC permit. For example, if you make the switch halfway through a 12-month permit, your new permit will be valid for 6 months. Both permits still count as one participation in the IEC program. 

Can you Work While Your New Permit is Being Processed? 

If you’ve already applied for your new work permit (following the approval of your request) and want to start your new job while it’s processing, you can ask IRCC for interim authorization to work. 

Step 1: Use the IRCC Web Form 

• Choose “See Details” under the “Other” category and select Continue to the form 
• In the “Your Enquiry” section, paste the official message template from IRCC (See below- and be sure to include dates, name of employer and title of your job) 
• Include the code PPCHANGEWORK2020 — this helps IRCC prioritize your request 

If you applied by paper and don’t have an application number, include your courier tracking number instead. 

Message to include in your webform: 

This is the message to include in your web form, according to IRCC 

Priority Code PPCHANGEWORK2020: I am requesting consideration under the Temporary public policy to exempt foreign nationals in Canada from certain requirements when changing employment and ask that the applicable exemptions be granted until a decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn. 

I attest that I hold/held a work permit valid until [DATE] for employer [name] / in occupation [NOC code] and I have received a new job offer for [new employer name] / [new occupation NOC code]. 

I have submitted my application for a work permit online OR I submitted my paper application and the postal/courier tracking number is [number]. 

I intend to work for the [new employer name] / [new occupation NOC code] as specified in the aforementioned work permit. 

I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me. 

Be sure update the bracketed sections with information specific to your new employer/ job. 

Step 2: Wait for a reply 

IRCC will usually respond within 10 to 15 days, though it might take longer for paper applications. If you’re approved, they’ll send you an email authorizing you to start working in your new job while your new permit is still being processed. 

Just remember: this email is not your new work permit, it’s just temporary permission to work during processing. 

Changing jobs in Canada while on an IEC permit is totally possible, but how you do it depends on the type of permit you have. Working Holiday participants have the most flexibility. Young Professionals and Co-op participants need a valid reason and must follow a formal process. 

Whether you’re making a move to protect your safety, grow your career, or just find a better fit, the key is to follow the rules and stay informed. And if your long-term goal is to stay in Canada permanently, make sure your next job supports that path.