Hello,

I am Canadian, my husband is American working in BC on a three-year work permit. We are attempting to be proactive as his company here may shut-down or issue layoffs. We are interested in the best approach to receive a new work permit for change in employer.

Is it best to find a willing employer to apply for a whole new work permit? or
Is there a way of transferring the existing work permit to a new company?

Many thanks,
Lex

Whether you seek a new work permit or a change-of-terms of the existing work permit, the process will be the same. A job offer from the new company must be obtained, at which time a determination could be made as to whether or not a Service Canada Confirmation is required or if an exemption is applicable. The only difference in the two approaches is that a change-of-terms application, which is processed inland, would typically take longer.