Losing a job can be stressful for anyone. For foreign and temporary workers in Canada, it can feel even more uncertain because employment is often tied to immigration status. Understanding your rights and the official steps you should follow can help you protect yourself, avoid immigration problems, and access available support.
This article explains, in clear and simple terms, what happens if you lose your job as a foreign or temporary worker in Canada. It is based only on official Government of Canada information and is intended for general awareness—not legal advice.
1. Your Rights If You Lose Your Job
Foreign and temporary workers in Canada are protected by federal, provincial, and territorial employment laws. Losing your job does not automatically mean you have lost your rights.
According to the Government of Canada:
- Your employer should provide reasonable notice before laying you off
- If notice is not provided, you may be entitled to termination pay
- The amount of notice or pay depends on:
- How long you worked for the employer
- The province or territory where you worked
These protections apply regardless of your immigration status. Employers are not allowed to fire, punish, or threaten you simply because you ask about your rights.
You can find official information on job loss protections for foreign workers here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/protected-rights.html#h2.7
2. Employment Insurance (EI) After Job Loss
If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits. In some cases, you may also qualify if you leave your job due to abuse or unsafe working conditions.
You may be eligible for EI if:
- You paid EI premiums through your paycheques
- You worked the required number of insurable hours
- You are legally allowed to work in Canada while receiving benefits
- You are actively looking for work
Important points for foreign and temporary workers:
- Having a work permit does not automatically disqualify you from EI
- You must still meet EI eligibility rules
- Your work permit conditions may affect whether you can accept new work
Official EI information is available here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit.html
3. Changing Employers After Losing Your Job
Many foreign workers have employer-specific (closed) work permits, which means you are only authorized to work for the employer listed on your permit.
If you lose your job:
- You may change employers
- But you may need to apply for a new work permit before starting a new job
- In most cases, your new employer must have:
- A valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless exempt
You must not start working for a new employer until you are legally authorized to do so. Working without authorization can lead to serious consequences, including loss of status or a removal order.
Special case: Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
If you are working under the SAWP:
- You may be able to change employers without applying for a new work permit
- Check your work permit for the wording:
- “Approved MEX/CCSAWP employer only”
- Your signed employment contract explains how transfers work under SAWP
4. Immigration Status After Job Loss
Losing your job does not immediately cancel your work permit. However, it can affect your situation if you do not take action.
Key points to understand:
- Your work permit remains valid until its expiry date
- You may stay in Canada while you:
- Look for a new employer
- Apply for a new work permit
- Apply to change your status (for example, to visitor status)
You are responsible for ensuring you remain legally in Canada. If your work permit expires and you have not applied for another status, you may lose your legal status.
Always rely on official immigration guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
5. Finding a New Job Safely and Legally
The Government of Canada provides tools to help foreign workers find authorized employers.
Job Bank
You can use the Government of Canada Job Bank to search for employers who want to hire temporary foreign workers.
- Job postings indicate if the employer:
- Has applied for an LMIA
- Has received a positive LMIA
- This helps you avoid unauthorized or unsafe work situations
Job Bank website:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca
Never accept work “under the table” or without proper authorization, even if you are under financial pressure. Unauthorized work can seriously affect your future in Canada.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. We are not the Government of Canada, and this is not an official government website. For official guidance, always rely on Canada.ca, provincial government, and your applicable employment standards authority.