If a person’s work permit expires while they are waiting for their permanent residence (PR) application to be processed, their legal status in Canada depends on whether they have applied for an extension or a bridging work permit before expiry. Maintaining legal status during this period is crucial, as working or staying in Canada without authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
If the individual applies to extend their work permit or for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) before their current permit expires, they benefit from “maintained status.” This means they can continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made on the new application. The BOWP is specifically designed for applicants who have received confirmation that their PR application is in process under programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, or certain other economic classes.
If the work permit has already expired and no extension application was submitted, the person must stop working immediately. They may, however, be able to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of the expiry date. During this time, they must remain in Canada without working until restoration is approved. If more than 90 days have passed, they may have to leave Canada.
In cases where an individual’s PR application is close to completion but their work authorization has lapsed, it may be advisable to contact IRCC through a webform to explain the situation or to apply for a visitor record to maintain legal status. Some provincial nominee or family sponsorship applicants may also be eligible for employer‑specific or open work permits under special programs.
The key takeaway is that maintaining valid temporary status while awaiting PR is essential. Applicants should monitor their permit expiry dates closely and submit extensions or bridging work permit applications on time to avoid gaps in status.