THE QUICK ANSWER
A recent job change does not by itself tell you whether a mortgage will be approved. The new income and employment terms need review under the chosen lender’s policy. Share the change promptly, especially if a pre-approval or property purchase is already underway.
Explain the change in plain language
Prepare a short before-and-after summary: the old position, the new position, the relevant dates and the difference in compensation. Include a gap between jobs if there is one. Describe what is guaranteed separately from any potential commission, bonus or overtime.
TD’s pre-approval checklist asks for previous employment information when current employment is under three years, alongside verifiable income records. That is an example of a documentation request, not a universal rule requiring three years in one job. TD: mortgage pre-approval documents
Look beyond the headline salary
A new offer can include a larger advertised earnings figure but a smaller guaranteed amount. Compare base pay, variable pay, hours and any stated conditions separately. Keep the offer’s wording intact when asking questions so the discussion reflects the actual agreement.
If probation is part of the move, ask specifically how that will be assessed. Sagen’s guidance leaves probation assessment to the lender’s policy. Do not assume that a move within the same industry makes every other employment question disappear. Sagen: income and employment underwriting
Update the mortgage timeline
Put the job start, first payroll date, any probation review and proposed closing date on the same page. Ask which facts need to be confirmed at application and which conditions may remain before funding. This is especially useful when you have a signed offer for a job you have not yet started.
Keep your mortgage contact informed as plans change. If a purchase is already underway, make time for your lawyer and real estate representative to understand any timing concern. Avoid relying on a casual reassurance when you need a clear answer about an outstanding financing condition.
A hypothetical change in compensation
Imagine someone moves from a $78,000 salaried job to a role advertised at $95,000. The new package consists of a $65,000 base and up to $30,000 in commission. For mortgage planning, it would be misleading to describe this as a guaranteed $17,000 pay increase.
The buyer can ask for an assessment of the base income and a separate explanation of how the commission may be considered. They can also compare a personal budget using only the base. This example explains how to frame the question; it does not determine acceptable income for any actual mortgage.
What lenders may consider
Have the new offer, current employment confirmation and available pay evidence ready when requested. Keep relevant previous-job records too, and explain any overlap between the dates. RBC’s pre-approval information lists current employment and prior employment details among items that may be needed. RBC: mortgage pre-approval information
Your file also includes the proposed home and the rest of your financial situation. For an efficient discussion, write down what changed since the last review: job, debt, available savings or purchase timing. This gives everyone a common starting point rather than several disconnected updates.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not keep using an old employer’s letter as though you still work there. Avoid treating an offer, a first pay deposit and completed probation as interchangeable evidence. They describe different facts. Ask for clarification if the lender’s document request is unclear rather than substituting something that seems similar.
Also avoid assuming that a higher income means you should immediately increase your home budget. A new commute, benefits arrangement or variable schedule may change personal costs. Give yourself room to understand the new role while the mortgage application is reviewed, and keep the final decision tied to verified information.
A FEW MORE QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Must I stay with one employer for two years?
Do not treat that as a universal rule. The job, type of income, history and lender policy matter. Ask what records are required for the employment change you are actually making.
Can I start a conversation before my first paycheque?
Yes. Bring the offer and expected dates so the documentation and timing can be discussed. That conversation does not establish that the lender will fund before employment or payroll begins.
What if I change jobs after a pre-approval?
Tell your mortgage agent promptly and ask for a review of the new facts. Do not assume that an earlier estimate still applies unchanged to the new employment situation.
Sources are linked beside the relevant explanations. Checked September 15, 2026. Examples are hypothetical and do not describe actual clients. General Canadian information; your application requires an individual lender review.
YOUR SITUATION DESERVES A CONVERSATION