Can I work as an independent worker with a closed work-permit?

[Chris_C]

Hello, I'm living in Ontario, Canada with a closed Work Permit, the contract with my former employer (the one that gave me my current Work Permit) has concluded but my Work Permit expires in about a year.

Now I got a job offer from a different employer, but in this case it would be an independent contract position, with income taxes not deducted and they even asked me to get an HST number, this didn't happen before as I have previously been contracted as an employee with EI Benefits and all, and this new employer knows about my status here in Canada unless they forgot about it or just somehow missed it in my application.

So just to be sure I wanted to ask here if someone with a closed Work Permit could work as an independent worker and get an HST number.


Thank you.

 

[scylla]

No - you can't. Your work permit only allows you to work for your former employer.

 

[Chris_C]

No - you can't. Your work permit only allows you to work for your former employer.

Thank you, I thought this new employer was going to give me a new Work Permit but they told me today they couldn't do so; after some back and forth it seems they were not sure what they were doing, they're now asking me to apply for an Open Work Permit in order for me to work for them as Independent contractor though it seems I can't since I work in film / television productions, I'm still investigating this matter, I just wanted to clarify the situation.

For the time being any input into this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scylla]

Based on the information you've provided, you don't qualify for an open work permit. Open work permits are only available to a very limited number of individuals. You can find those details here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=177&top=17

Based on the information you've provided, your only option at this time is a new closed work permit. A close work permit requires you to have a full time job offer from your new employer and also an approved LMIA. If your new employer isn't willing to go through the LMIA process, then you'll unfortunately have to look for a different employer who will.

 

[Chris_C]

Based on the information you've provided, you don't qualify for an open work permit. Open work permits are only available to a very limited number of individuals. You can find those details here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=177&top=17

Based on the information you've provided, your only option at this time is a new closed work permit. A close work permit requires you to have a full time job offer from your new employer and also an approved LMIA. If your new employer isn't willing to go through the LMIA process, then you'll unfortunately have to look for a different employer who will.

Thank you very much! This has been of great help.