- If your work permit is expiring while you wait for PR, a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets you keep working for any employer.
- Sponsored spouses, provincial nominees, and startup visa applicants all have dedicated open work permit options.
- Some permits are employer-specific (AIP, RNIP, RCIP, FCIP) — you must work for the employer who sponsored you.
- Hong Kong residents and certain healthcare professionals have specialized pathways with faster processing.
If you are waiting for a decision on your permanent residence application, you do not have to stop working. Canada offers several work permit options specifically for PR applicants and their family members, allowing you to remain employed and maintain your status while your application is processed. The right permit for you depends on which immigration program you applied through and your current situation.
This guide explains each work permit option available to permanent residence applicants — who qualifies, what the permit allows, how long it lasts, and what conditions apply.
Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs)
A Bridging Open Work Permit is designed for temporary foreign workers whose current work permit is about to expire, and who have already applied for permanent residence. As the name suggests, it bridges the gap between your expiring work permit and the final decision on your PR application.
To qualify, you must have a valid work permit that has not yet expired, and you must have already submitted a permanent residence application. BOWPs are available to applicants under Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). You must also meet the eligibility requirements set by IRCC at the time of application.
The key advantage of a BOWP is that it is an open work permit — you can work for any employer in Canada, not just your current one. This gives you flexibility and stability while your permanent residence application is being processed. You apply for a BOWP through your IRCC online account, and you should apply before your current permit expires.
Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permits
If you are being sponsored by your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or common-law partner, you may be eligible for an open work permit while your sponsorship application is being processed. This permit also extends to accompanying dependent children in some circumstances.
The spousal open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada while IRCC reviews your family class sponsorship application. You do not need a job offer to apply. The permit is valid until a decision is made on your permanent residence application, allowing you to integrate into the Canadian labour market, support your family financially, and build your life in Canada while you wait.
To apply, both the sponsorship application (IMM 5540) and the open work permit application are typically submitted at the same time. You must show that you are in a genuine relationship and that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship. Processing times vary by visa office, so applying early is always recommended.
TR to PR Pathway Open Work Permits
The Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway was introduced to help temporary residents already in Canada transition to permanent residence. Open work permits are available for eligible applicants and their family members under this pathway.
These open work permits allow you to work for any Canadian employer. Eligible groups under this pathway include recent international graduates, essential workers (healthcare, agriculture, trades), and other temporary residents who meet the specific criteria of whichever stream they applied through. If your family members are also in Canada as temporary residents, they may also qualify for open work permits under this pathway.
Program-Specific Work Permits
Several immigration programs issue work permits that are tied to the specific employer or community that nominated or offered you a job. Unlike open work permits, these are employer-specific — you must work for the employer named on your permit.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): If you have received a job offer through the AIP, you can get a 2-year employer-specific work permit to work for that employer while your PR application is processed. The employer must be designated under the AIP, and your job offer must be in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): A 1-year employer-specific work permit is available for candidates recommended by a participating RNIP community. You must have a valid job offer from an employer in that community, and the permit is tied to working for that employer in that specific location.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): Similar to RNIP, a 2-year employer-specific work permit is issued for RCIP nominees. You must work for the employer in the participating rural community that recommended you.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): A 2-year employer-specific work permit is available for FCIP candidates. This pilot targets Francophone workers outside of Quebec, and your permit requires you to work for the employer who offered you the job in a designated Francophone community.
Quebec-selected skilled workers: If you hold a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), you can apply for a work permit to work in Quebec while your permanent residence application is processed by IRCC. The specific permit type and conditions depend on your situation and the occupation involved.
Start-Up Visa and Agri-Food Pilot Work Permits
Start-Up Visa: If you have been accepted into the Start-Up Visa program and are waiting for a PR decision, you can apply for a 2-year open work permit. This allows you to be in Canada, set up your business, and begin operating while IRCC finalises your permanent residence application. The open work permit means you are not restricted to working only on your startup — you can take on other employment as well.
Agri-Food Pilot (AFP): The Agri-Food Pilot offers open work permits for eligible family members of the principal applicant, depending on the applicant's TEER category. The type of work permit and eligibility of family members varies by occupation level, so check the specific requirements based on your NOC code.
Specialized Pathways
Hong Kong residents: Eligible Hong Kong residents can apply for a 3-year open work permit while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence. This applies under the specific Hong Kong pathways available to citizens and British National (Overseas) passport holders from Hong Kong.
Medical doctors and certain healthcare specialists: Employer-specific work permits for this group benefit from faster processing under IRCC's priority processing commitments. If you are a physician or healthcare specialist with a valid job offer in Canada, your employer-specific work permit application can be expedited.
The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot (Gaining Experience category) are currently closed to new applications. If you are already in the process under these pilots, check your IRCC account for the status of your application and any work permit options available to you.
Which Work Permit Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Work Permit Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry / PNP applicant, work permit expiring | Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Until PR decision |
| Sponsored spouse / common-law partner | Spousal Open Work Permit | Until PR decision |
| TR to PR pathway applicant | Open Work Permit | Until PR decision |
| AIP nominee with job offer | Employer-Specific Work Permit | 2 years |
| Start-Up Visa applicant | Open Work Permit | 2 years |
| Hong Kong resident | Open Work Permit | 3 years |
| RNIP / RCIP / FCIP nominee | Employer-Specific Work Permit | 1–2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a work permit before my current one expires?
Yes — you should apply well before your current permit expires. For BOWPs, IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry, though earlier is better given processing times. Your implied status allows you to continue working while your renewal is in progress, but only if you applied before your current permit expired.
Can my family members also get work permits while I wait for PR?
It depends on your program. Some pathways (TR to PR, Start-Up Visa, Agri-Food Pilot) extend work permit eligibility to accompanying family members. Others are limited to the principal applicant. Check the specific rules for your immigration program on the IRCC work permits for PR applicants page.
What is the difference between an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit?
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada in almost any job. An employer-specific work permit restricts you to working for the named employer only. If you change employers on an employer-specific permit, you need to apply for a new permit. Most PR applicant work permits are open, but program-based nominees (AIP, RNIP, RCIP, FCIP) receive employer-specific permits tied to their sponsoring employer.
What happens to my work permit if my PR application is refused?
If your PR application is refused, your work permit will continue to be valid until its expiry date. After that, you would need to apply for a new work permit under a different category if you want to remain in Canada and continue working. You may also have the option to appeal the refusal depending on your program.
Can I check my current work permit application status online?
Yes — log into your IRCC online account to check both your work permit and permanent residence application status. You can also check IRCC's published processing times to get an estimate of how long your specific application type is taking.
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