Leaving or Changing Your Job

At anytime, you may leave your Employer, for any reason. It is your decision, and you don’t need your Employer’s permission to leave. Your Employer cannot withhold your pay or your possessions if you leave, and your Employer cannot have you deported if you decide to look for work with another Employer. If you do decide to leave your Employer, you must find another Employer as soon as possible if you wish to stay in Canada and continue working.

Giving Notice If You Quit
Once you have decided you want to quit, you must give your Employer adequate notice. The standard amount of notice required in Canada is 2 weeks, although your contract may specify something different. When you make your contract with your Employer, it is a good idea to include requirements on giving notice if you want to quit.

Record of Employment
When you leave a job, your Employer is required to give you a Record of Employment (ROE). The ROE shows will state the number of weeks you worked for that Employer, and how much you earned. The ROE will help you in 2 ways: first, it will help you received Employment Insurance benefits if you are not working while you look for a new Employer; and, second, you can use your ROE to prove you have worked the required number of hours to make you eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. 

What You Need to Work for a New Employer
Once you have found a new Employer, you must obtain a new Work Permit from HRDC before you start working for your new Employer. It is illegal to work for your new Employer without a valid Work Permit that specifically names your new Employer. You cannot work for your new Employer for even a “trial” period without a new Work Permit. Just like the process you went through with your first Employer, this new Employer must have the job offer validated by HRDC before you can accept the position. Remember to make a contract with your new Employer. We can help your Employer validate the job offer, and we can help you obtain a new Work Permit.