When you arrive in Canada on a CUAET or any other temporary permit and apply for permanent residence, you are faced with an important practical question: can I work while IRCC processes my application? This question is very important because processing times can be very long, ranging from several months to several years. If you are unable to work, it means you need to have enough money saved up to simply wait without income. For most people, this is unrealistic. Therefore, understanding your options for working during the PR process is critical to your financial survival and mental health.
At first glance, the answer may seem simple: if you have applied for PR, then of course you can work. But in reality, this is not the case. Canada has very specific rules about who can work while waiting for a PR decision, and these rules depend on many factors. What immigration program did you use? What was your work permit before you applied? Has your work permit expired? In which province did you apply? Each of these questions affects your ability to work.
This is a big, in-depth study that will give you clear answers to all of these questions and show you exactly how you can continue working while you wait. Because in reality, most people have ways to do this — you just need to know what they are.
The basic rule: A work permit is not the same thing as a PR application
Before we explore the various options, it is important to understand a fundamental principle of the Canadian immigration system. Having a permanent residence application with IRCC is not the same as having a work permit. These are two completely different documents issued by two different parts of the government for two different purposes.
When you are issued a PR application, it means only one thing: IRCC is reviewing your application and considering whether you meet the criteria for permanent residence. It does not mean that you have permission to stay in Canada. It does not mean that you have the right to work. It simply means that your application has been received and entered into the IRCC system.
So if you go to an employer and say, “I have applied for PR, so I can work,” the employer will rightly ask, “Where is your work permit?” If you do not have a valid work permit on the date you start working, you will be working illegally, even though you have applied for PR.
Working illegally in Canada can have serious consequences. It can disqualify you from PR. It can mean fines and even deportation. Therefore, this is not something to experiment with or play “what if” games with. You need to have a clear work permit for every day that you work.
Scenario One: You still have a valid work permit
Let's start with the simplest scenario. If you have applied for PR but your current work permit is still valid for several months or years, then you can simply continue to work under your current permit. It's that simple.
For example, let's say you arrived on a CUAET with a work permit valid until December 2026. You applied for PR in 2025. Your work permit is valid until December 2026. Processing your PR application will take perhaps 14-20 months. During that time, you can simply work under your CUAET permit. The permit is valid until December 2026, and your PR application will be processed by then. No problem.
But when your permit is nearing its end, you need to start thinking about your next steps. And that brings us to the next scenario.
Scenario Two: Your work permit is expiring, but your PR application is still being processed
This is the most complex and most common situation. Let's say you had a work permit that is valid until June 2026, but you applied for PR in March 2025. Processing the application will take about 14-20 months, so it is predicted that you will receive a decision around May 2026. But your work permit expires in June 2026, which means it will expire just one month after you may receive your PR.
However, what if the processing takes longer? What if it takes 24 months instead of 14? Then your permit will expire while your PR is still being processed. In this case, you will need to obtain a new work permit, otherwise you will not be able to work.
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) system was developed specifically for this situation.
Bridging Open Work Permit: Your key to continuing to work while your PR is being processed
A Bridging Open Work Permit, or BOWP, is a work permit issued specifically to people who have a PR application in progress and whose current work permits are expiring. It acts as a “bridge” — it allows you to transition from your current work permit to your PR without a break in employment.
Key features of BOWP
The BOWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer in Canada, without being tied to a specific employer. This is very different from employer-specific work, where you can only work for one specific employer. With the BOWP, you have the freedom to change employers if you want to. If you are laid off from one job, you can immediately find another.
A BOWP is issued for a period of up to two years. This means that IRCC is saying, "I know your PR application is being processed, and it may take time. Therefore, we are giving you a work permit that will last up to two years. If you get your PR earlier, the BOWP will simply expire because you no longer need it—you will have PR. If you are still waiting for your PR, you will have the BOWP so you can continue working."
The BOWP allows you to stay in Canada and work even if your original work permit has expired. This provides you with a legal basis while you wait.
Who is eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
The conditions for obtaining a BOWP are quite specific, and they depend on which immigration program you applied for PR under. BOWP is not available to everyone everywhere. So, before you start counting on the BOWP, you need to check whether you are even eligible to obtain it.
First, the immigration program. The BOWP is available to people who have applied for PR under specific economic programs. These include:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry streams)
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (in limited cases)
However, BOWP is not available for family sponsorship. If you have applied for PR through family sponsorship (i.e., your spouse is sponsoring you through your Canadian spouse), you cannot obtain a BOWP. Instead, you can obtain a Spousal Open Work Permit, which we will discuss later.
Second, Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). This is critically important. You cannot apply for a BOWP until you have received an AOR from IRCC. An AOR is a letter that IRCC will send you by email or regular mail, stating that your PR application has been received and entered into the system. The letter will include your application number. Without an AOR, you cannot apply for a BOWP.
It usually takes a few days to a few weeks after you submit your PR application to receive your AOR. IRCC first checks to see if your application is complete—if all the forms are filled out, all the documents are included, and the fee has been paid. If the application is complete, an AOR is issued. If the application is incomplete, IRCC returns it to you for correction.
Third, valid status in Canada. At the time of applying for the BOWP, you must have valid temporary status in Canada. This means you must have a work permit, study permit, or visitor permit that is still valid. If your work permit has already expired and you do not have any valid status, you cannot apply for the BOWP.
However, there is a way out. If your work permit has expired but you applied for its renewal before it expired, you have maintained status. This means that you still have valid status, even though your permit has formally expired, because you have a renewal application in process. This is also called implied status. Under these conditions, you can apply for BOWP.
Fourth, working status. At the time of applying for PR, you must have had a valid work permit or authorization to work without a permit. If you applied for PR as a minor student or as a visitor, rather than as a worker, you cannot obtain a BOWP.
How to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit
The BOWP application process is online through the IRCC portal. Here are the steps:
Step one: Gather the necessary documents. IRCC requires specific documents depending on your situation. This usually includes:
- A copy of your passport (all pages)
- A copy of your current work permit (if you have one)
- A copy of your AOR letter from IRCC regarding your PR application
- Proof that you were authorized to work at the time of your PR application
- A digital photo (meeting IRCC size and quality requirements)
- Sometimes you also need proof of language proficiency if you applied under a program that required it
Step Two: Log in to your IRCC account. You must create an account on the IRCC portal or log in to an existing one. If you have already applied for PR, you should have an account.
Step Three: Complete the application form. The form you need to complete is called IMM 5710 (for working within Canada). When you complete it, you select “Open Work Permit” as the type of permit you are seeking. IRCC will also ask you to indicate that you are applying on the basis of a Bridging Open Work Permit for PR applicants.
Step Four: Pay the fees. BOWP has two fees: one for applying for a work permit (this is the standard fee for all jobs — $155) and one for obtaining an Open Work Permit ($100). Together, this is $255. You pay online through the portal.
Step Five: Upload your documents. The portal will provide you with a list of documents that need to be uploaded. Each document must be in PDF or JPG format. Upload each document to the correct folder.
Step Six: Submit your application. When everything is ready, click the “Submit” button. IRCC will receive your application.
Processing times and what to expect
Once you submit your BOWP application, IRCC will need time to process it. The typical processing time for BOWP is three to four months. However, this varies. Some applications are processed faster, some slower, depending on IRCC's current workload.
During processing, IRCC may ask you to provide additional documents. For example, you may be asked to provide an updated criminal record check or updated bank statements showing that you can support yourself. If IRCC asks for something, respond as quickly as possible—this will speed up the processing of your application.
Once IRCC approves your BOWP application, it will issue you a new work permit. This permit will be a document called IMM 1442. This document will state that you can work for any employer in Canada (without restrictions) until a specific date. This date is usually up to two years from the date the permit was issued.
It is important to understand that this is a new work permit that replaces your previous one. If your old permit has expired, this is not a problem because you will have a new BOWP. If your old permit is still valid, you can choose to use it or the BOWP — but it is usually better to use the BOWP because it gives you more freedom.
Scenario Three: Special Situation for People on CUAET and TR to PR Pathway
If you came to Canada under the Ukraine-specific Temporary Resident Permit (CUAET) program, you have a slightly different situation. CUAET is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer. This is very good.
In addition, IRCC recently extended a special policy for people on CUAET. As of December 2024, IRCC announced that work permits for people on the TR to PR pathway, including CUAET, have been extended to December 2026. This means that if you are a Ukrainian citizen and came on CUAET, you can apply to extend your work permit until December 2026, without needing a BOWP (although you can also get a BOWP if you want).
This is very important for people on CUAET because it gives them the assurance that they can work until December 2026, regardless of when IRCC approves their PR. If you applied for PR in early 2025, even if it is processed until 2027, you will still be able to work under your CUAET permit until December 2026. Then, when you receive your PR (which is expected to be before December 2026), you won't have to worry.
However, if you are not a Ukrainian citizen, or if you are unable to take advantage of this extension for some reason, the BOWP remains your best option.
Scenario Four: Working while sponsoring your partner (Spousal Open Work Permit)
If you are sponsoring your partner (spouse or common-law partner) for PR through family sponsorship, the situation is slightly different. Your partner cannot obtain a BOWP because the BOWP is only available for economic programs (Express Entry, PNP). Instead, your partner can obtain a Spousal Open Work Permit.
The Spousal Open Work Permit is very similar to the BOWP, with a few key differences. First, it is only available when you are sponsoring your spouse. Second, your spouse can apply for it as soon as you receive an AOR for your PR application. There is no need to wait for the work permit to expire.
This is very good for partners because they can continue to work without interruption. If your partner's work permit expires in three months but you have received an AOR, your partner can immediately apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit. Once this permit is issued, your partner will be able to continue working without interruption.
To obtain a Spousal Open Work Permit, your partner must:
- Be physically present in Canada
- Have valid temporary status in Canada (work permit, study permit, visitor permit)
- Be the partner (spouse or common-law partner) of the person sponsoring them for PR
- Have a copy of the AOR letter for the sponsorship application
Scenario Five: Working for an employer outside of Canada
This is often overlooked, but it is important to know. If you do not have a work permit in Canada but want to work, you are not prohibited from doing so — if you work for an employer outside of Canada.
This means that if, for example, your work permit has expired and you are not ready to apply for BOWP, you can continue to work remotely for an American company, a European company, or any other company outside Canada that pays you from abroad. This does not violate Canadian labor laws because you are not occupying a job in Canada.
However, there are a few important caveats. First, you must remain in valid temporary status in Canada — this means you need to have a visitor permit or something similar. You cannot simply have an expired work permit; you must apply for some other status.
Second, when it comes to taxes, it gets a little more complicated. If you work for a foreign company and receive your salary in another country's currency, you need to consider the current tax scenario. In Canada, if you are a Canadian resident (including temporary residents like you), you need to pay Canadian taxes on your worldwide income. This means that income from work outside Canada is also taxable in Canada. Therefore, you need to make sure you understand your tax obligations.
Choosing between a BOWP and other options: Which one should you choose?
If you have several options, which one should you choose? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Bridging Open Work Permit
Pros:
- Allows you to work for any employer
- Allows you to change employers
- Clear legal status
- Issued for up to two years
Cons:
- Requires an AOR
- Processing takes 3-4 months
- Requires a $255 application fee
Spousal Open Work Permit (for partners sponsored for PR)
Pros:
- Can be applied for immediately after AOR
- Partner can work while waiting
- Complete freedom to choose an employer
Cons:
- Only available to partners
- Processing can take time
CUAET extension (for Ukrainians)
Pros:
- Simpler than BOWP
- Allows you to work until December 2026
- No need to wait for AOR
Cons:
- Only available to Ukrainians
- Only valid until December 2026
Working for an employer outside Canada
Pros:
- No work permit required
- Can be done right now
Cons:
- Requires valid visitor status
- More complicated with taxes
For most people in Edmonton who have applied for PR under Express Entry or PNP, BOWP is the best option because it is easier on their paperwork and offers the most flexibility.
Critical mistakes people make when working while applying for PR
Some people make mistakes that can seriously harm their PR applications and their status in Canada. Let's take a look at the most common ones.
Mistake #1: Working without any authorization
This is the most serious mistake. If your work permit has expired and you simply continue to work, hoping that IRCC will not find out, you will not get away with it. Employers in Canada are required to verify the work permits of their employees. If they find that you do not have a valid permit, they can fire you. In addition, if IRCC finds out about your illegal work, it can negatively affect your PR application. IRCC may ask you, “Why were you working without a permit? Were you trying to circumvent the law?” This question could cost you dearly.
Mistake #2: Waiting too long to apply for BOWP
Some people think, “My permit expires in three months, I'll wait until closer to the end and then apply for BOWP.” This is a mistake. If you apply for BOWP only a week before your permit expires, and processing takes 3-4 months, your permit will expire before BOWP is approved. You need to apply now, even if your permit expires in three months. The sooner you apply, the more time there will be for processing.
Mistake #3: Not understanding the difference between a PR application and a work permit
Many people think that having an AOR automatically means they can work. This is not true. An AOR only means that your PR application has been received. To work, you need a separate work permit. Even if you have an AOR, if you do not have a valid work permit, you cannot work.
Mistake #4: Filling out the BOWP application incorrectly
The BOWP application must be filled out very carefully. If you write the wrong AOR number, the wrong permit expiry date, or anything else that is incorrect, your application may be rejected. You need to read everything two or three times before submitting it.
Recommendations: How to get started
If you are in Edmonton and have applied for PR, here is what you need to do regarding work:
Step one: Make sure you have a valid work permit right now. Check the expiry date of your work permit. If it is valid for many months, you can work under this permit without any problems.
Step Two: Calculate when your permit expires. If it is less than the estimated PR processing time (20 months for spousal sponsorship, 12 months for children, longer for parents), you need to start thinking about BOWP.
Step Three: Get an AOR. If you have already filed your PR application, you need to make sure you have received an AOR. If you have not received one, it means that your application may be incomplete. Contact IRCC for clarification.
Step Four: Apply for BOWP or Spousal OWP. Once you have an AOR, you need to apply. Don't wait until your permit expires. Apply now.
Step Five: Continue working under your current permit while your BOWP is being processed. While IRCC is processing your BOWP application, you are allowed to work under your current work permit (if it is valid). Don't worry.
Step Six: Respond to IRCC requests. If IRCC asks you to provide additional documents, respond as quickly as possible.
Conclusion: You can work, but you need to plan
In short, yes, you can work while waiting for your PR decision in Edmonton. You won't be stuck without a job and without income for 20 months. You have several options, depending on your situation. For most people, the best option is the BOWP, which allows you to continue working without any restrictions.
However, you need to plan ahead. Don't wait until your permit expires. Don't work without a permit. Don't assume that applying for PR automatically allows you to work. Understand the rules, check your situation, and proceed methodically. If you do everything right, you will be able to work without worries while waiting for PR, earn money, gain more Canadian work experience, and simply live a normal life. It is possible — you just need to know how to do it.