Switching Employers on LMIA-Exempt Closed Work Permit (ICT) – Faster Options

[riddick1982]

I’m currently in Canada on an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit, which is LMIA-exempt and valid until December 2026. My work permit is tied to my current employer (closed work permit).
Another Canadian employer is interested in hiring me. They are ready to go through the LMIA process, and I understand that after a positive LMIA, I can apply for a new work permit with them.
However, I'm exploring whether there is any faster or alternative pathway that would allow me to join the new employer sooner, rather than waiting several months for the LMIA + work permit process.

 

[scylla]

I’m currently in Canada on an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit, which is LMIA-exempt and valid until December 2026. My work permit is tied to my current employer (closed work permit).
Another Canadian employer is interested in hiring me. They are ready to go through the LMIA process, and I understand that after a positive LMIA, I can apply for a new work permit with them.
However, I'm exploring whether there is any faster or alternative pathway that would allow me to join the new employer sooner, rather than waiting several months for the LMIA + work permit process.

Generally the only real way is if you held an open work permit. Since you are on a closed work permit, there's not much choice but to wait.

I'm assuming you don't fit the criteria for an IEC / Working Holiday Visa?

 

[riddick1982]

Generally the only real way is if you held an open work permit. Since you are on a closed work permit, there's not much choice but to wait.

I'm assuming you don't fit the criteria for an IEC / Working Holiday Visa?

Thank you for your response.
Yes, you're right. I am currently on an LMIA-exempt closed work permit under the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) category, valid until Dec 2026. Unfortunately, I am not eligible for the IEC/Working Holiday Visa since I am an Indian citizen.
Another employer is ready to hire me, but they’ll need to apply for an LMIA first, and I understand that process can take several months. So I am exploring whether there are any faster alternatives.

 

[canuck78]

Thank you for your response.
Yes, you're right. I am currently on an LMIA-exempt closed work permit under the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) category, valid until Dec 2026. Unfortunately, I am not eligible for the IEC/Working Holiday Visa since I am an Indian citizen.
Another employer is ready to hire me, but they’ll need to apply for an LMIA first, and I understand that process can take several months. So I am exploring whether there are any faster alternatives.

No. Processing is going to be much more than a few months on top of that.

 

[scylla]

Thank you for your response.
Yes, you're right. I am currently on an LMIA-exempt closed work permit under the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) category, valid until Dec 2026. Unfortunately, I am not eligible for the IEC/Working Holiday Visa since I am an Indian citizen.
Another employer is ready to hire me, but they’ll need to apply for an LMIA first, and I understand that process can take several months. So I am exploring whether there are any faster alternatives.

No faster alternatives. Employer needs to go through the LMIA process.

 

[forevermore76]

Thank you for your response.
Yes, you're right. I am currently on an LMIA-exempt closed work permit under the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) category, valid until Dec 2026. Unfortunately, I am not eligible for the IEC/Working Holiday Visa since I am an Indian citizen.
Another employer is ready to hire me, but they’ll need to apply for an LMIA first, and I understand that process can take several months. So I am exploring whether there are any faster alternatives.

You can start working with new employer if both employers agree to keep you on payroll of first. Alternatively, you can quit and start new job after applying for work permit.

 

[canuck78]

You can start working with new employer if both employers agree to keep you on payroll of first. Alternatively, you can quit and start new job after applying for work permit.

That would be many types of fraud so wouldn’t recommend that if you would like to remain in Canada longterm. Any law abiding employer would also not agree to this because that would also mean they are committing fraud.