You can legally hold two different employer-specific (closed) work permits simultaneously in Canada. However, the second employer must apply for and secure their own approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and you must carefully manage your working hours and payroll taxes to remain compliant with both IRCC and the CRA.
Many foreign nationals working in Canada arrive on an employer-specific work permit, commonly known as a closed work permit. This document strictly binds you to one specific company, in a specific location, for a set wage. But what happens if you want to take on a lucrative part-time job on the weekends, or a second company wants to hire you for your highly specialized skills? A common misconception is that you are banned from holding two jobs.
Under Canadian immigration law, it is entirely legal to hold multiple closed work permits concurrently. 📍 Whether you are an engineer in Calgary, a tech worker in Toronto, or an agricultural supervisor in Edmonton, you can work for Employer A and Employer B at the same time. The catch is the heavy administrative burden: Employer B must undergo the exact same rigorous federal LMIA process as your first employer, and you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a second distinct work permit.
Step-by-Step Process for Holding Multiple Closed Permits
Working two jobs on closed permits requires seamless coordination between you, your employers, and your immigration law firm. Follow these steps to ensure you do not accidentally violate your visa conditions.
Step 1: Check for Non-Compete Clauses
Before seeking a second job, review the employment contract with your primary employer. Ensure there are no strict non-compete clauses or conflict-of-interest policies that prohibit you from working elsewhere. While IRCC allows you to hold two permits, getting fired from your primary job for a contract breach could jeopardize your residency status.
Step 2: Employer B Applies for an LMIA
Your prospective second employer must apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. 👤 They must advertise the position to Canadians for at least four weeks and prove that hiring you for this part-time or second role will not negatively impact the domestic labour market.
Step 3: Apply for the Second Work Permit
Once the LMIA is approved, you must apply to IRCC for your second closed work permit. In your application, include a Letter of Explanation clarifying that this is a concurrent work permit application, not a replacement. You intend to keep your first permit active and work both jobs legally.
Step 4: Manage Your Taxes with the CRA
Working two jobs simultaneously pushes you into a higher income tax bracket. 💰 When you start with Employer B, you must fill out a new TD1 form. You should instruct Employer B not to claim the basic personal tax exemption on your payroll, as Employer A is already claiming it. Failing to do this will result in a massive tax bill from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at the end of the year.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Obtaining a second closed work permit carries significant financial costs, mostly borne by the new employer. As of June 2026, the fees in CAD are:
- Employer LMIA Fee: Employer B must pay the federal government exactly $1,000 CAD to process the LMIA application.
- Employer Compliance Fee: In some LMIA-exempt scenarios, the employer pays a $230 CAD compliance fee instead.
- Worker Permit Fee: You, the employee, must pay the standard $155 CAD application fee to IRCC for the new work permit.
- Lawyer Fees: Corporate immigration law firms generally charge the employer between $3,500 and $6,000 CAD to handle the complex LMIA advertising and permit process.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Securing a second job legally takes substantial time. ⏳ Employer B must conduct mandatory advertising for 4 weeks. The LMIA processing by Service Canada takes another 4 to 10 weeks depending on the specific employment stream. After the LMIA is secured, applying for the work permit through IRCC inland processing takes an additional 3 to 5 months. You absolutely cannot start working for Employer B until you hold the physical second permit in your hands.
Comparing Work Permit Job Flexibility
| Single Closed Work Permit | Can only work for the single employer named on the permit. |
| Multiple Closed Work Permits | Can work for Employer A and Employer B under the strict conditions of both permits. |
| Open Work Permit | Can work for almost any employer in Canada simultaneously without needing an LMIA. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I start working for Employer B while the permit is processing?
Absolutely not. Unlike applying for an extension with the same employer (which grants maintained status), applying for a new employer requires you to wait for the physical permit before you begin working.
Do I need a second Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
No. You only have one Social Insurance Number in Canada. You simply provide your existing SIN to Employer B so they can set up your payroll and deduct CRA taxes properly.
Does holding two jobs help my Express Entry score?
No, it does not speed up your timeline. Under IRCC rules for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), work experience is capped at 30 hours per week, regardless of how many parallel jobs you hold. You cannot accumulate the required 1,560 hours of work experience faster than 12 months (52 weeks), and concurrent periods of employment cannot be combined to double your points. However, holding a second skilled job can help you meet the 1-year requirement if your primary job is part-time, or allow you to gain experience in a different National Occupational Classification (NOC) category.
What happens to the second permit if I quit my first job?
Because the permits are independent of each other, quitting Employer A does not cancel the permit for Employer B. You can legally continue working for Employer B under the conditions of that specific permit.
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