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Can you switch jobs while your Express Entry (CEC) application is being processed after ITA?

Canada • Canadian Experience Class • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • New job offer letter

    Only required if you claimed CRS points for a job offer and are switching employers — submit it to update IRCC.

Step-by-Step

Whether you can switch jobs while your Express Entry application (CEC in this case) is in process after receiving your ITA depends on what your permit type is and whether you claimed job-offer points:

  1. If you claimed CRS points for a job offer, you must inform IRCC of the switch. Submit your new job offer letter so your file reflects the change — don't just switch quietly.

  2. If you're on a closed (employer-specific) work permit, you generally cannot switch employers without first obtaining a new permit or authorization tied to the new employer.

  3. If you're on an open work permit — including a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — and did not claim job-offer points, switching jobs is not restricted the same way, since your CRS score isn't dependent on that specific employer.


The key distinction is whether your CRS points relied on the job offer: if they did, keep IRCC updated; if your points came from Canadian work experience generally (not a specific offer) and you're on an open permit, switching jobs is much lower-risk.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Inform IRCC and submit a new job offer letter if you claimed job-offer CRS points and are changing employers.
  • Don't: Don't switch employers on a closed work permit without first securing the appropriate new work authorization.

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