Switching Organization On Closed Work Permit

[Pooja1901]

Hello,
I am currently working in Canada on a closed work permit as a Data Specialist (IT), and I have been at my job for 9 months. My husband has recently secured a new job in Canada.
I am looking to switch organizations to pursue new opportunities and want to understand the best pathway forward for seamless employment transition.
I am considering the following options:

1. Applying for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Would this be the fastest and most reliable way to gain the flexibility to switch employers? What are the requirements my husband's job needs to meet for me to qualify?
2. Seeking a new employer sponsorship (LMIA): Is this a common or efficient route given my current status, or is it overly complicated compared to the SOWP?
3. Applying for Permanent Residence (PR): I plan to do this long-term anyway (likely via Express Entry/CEC). Can I use the PR application process to bridge my work status immediately, or do I need an SOWP in the meantime?

For those with experience navigating the Canadian immigration system in similar situations, which option offers the best combination of flexibility and speed? Any advice on juggling these paths would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Naturgrl]

1. So your spouse is on an approved closed or open work permit? What is the NOC and wage? Is he in Canada now? When does his work permit expire?
2. If not eligible for SOWP then yes.
3. If invited for PR through EE then if you have a valid work permit then you may be eligible for Bridging Open Work permit. But again depends on your status.

 

[Pooja1901]

1. So your spouse is on an approved closed or open work permit? What is the NOC and wage? Is he in Canada now? When does his work permit expire?
2. If not eligible for SOWP then yes.
3. If invited for PR through EE then if you have a valid work permit then you may be eligible for Bridging Open Work permit. But again depends on your st

 

[Pooja1901]

Husband's status: Open work permit expires in dec 2026. NOC code 21231 falls under teer1. Wage is 55K

 

[Naturgrl]

Husband's status: Open work permit expires in dec 2026. NOC code 21231 falls under teer1. Wage is 55K

So not eligible as permit expires within 16 months. How did he get an open work permit - PGWP? Wage is very low for that NOC which may be scrutinized too. Doesn't make low wage salary. Also believe NOC must be high wage and over $34/hr but doesn't matter based on his work permit expiry.

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/5485

 

[Pooja1901]

So not eligible as permit expires within 16 months. How did he get an open work permit - PGWP? Wage is very low for that NOC which may be scrutinized too. Doesn't make low wage salary. Also believe NOC must be high wage and over $34/hr but doesn't matter based on his work permit expiry.

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/5485

It was a ICT for me , thus i have a closed work permit and my husband has an open working permit. He is currently on probation

 

[Naturgrl]

It was a ICT for me , thus i have a closed work permit and my husband has an open working permit. He is currently on probation

So if he got an open work permit based on your closed work permit then you cannot change to an open work permit so not eligible. He is only on an open work permit because of you. Also not eligible if his work permit expires within 16 months. Probably cannot extend open work permit if you are not still working on ICT. Probation is not relevant.

So get a new LMIA so you can change employers.