Can I work while waiting for a decision on PR?

The legality of working while awaiting a decision on permanent resident status is critically important for all PR applicants in Canada. This is especially true for newcomers to Calgary, including Ukrainians with temporary CUAET status, who are seeking to maintain their economic stability during the lengthy permanent residency application process.

Legal grounds for working while awaiting a PR decision

The basic principle of Canadian immigration law is that a person must have a valid document allowing them to work in Canada. Simply applying for permanent residence does not automatically grant the right to work. However, there are several legal ways to continue working while awaiting a PR decision.

Valid work permit

If you have a valid work permit at the time of your PR application, you can continue to work under the terms of that permit until it expires. This applies to various types of permits:

  • Closed work permits tied to a specific employer
  • Open work permits that allow you to work for any employer
  • Post-Graduation Work Permits
  • Spousal Open Work Permits

Maintained Status

The Canadian immigration system includes the concept of maintained status (formerly known as “implied status”), which allows individuals to remain in Canada legally after their permit expires.

Conditions for obtaining maintained status:

  • An application for renewal of a work permit must be submitted before the expiry of the current permit
  • The applicant must remain in Canada while the application is being processed
  • You may continue to work under the same conditions as in your previous permit

According to the latest IRCC data, as of June 2025, the processing time for work permits from Canada is 238 days (approximately 8 months). This is the longest processing time in the last decade, creating significant challenges for applicants.

Special permits for permanent residence applicants

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The Bridging Open Work Permit is a specially designed tool for individuals who have applied for permanent residence through economic immigration programs.

Key benefits of the BOWP:

  • Allows you to work for any employer in Canada
  • Not tied to a specific job or employer
  • Typically issued for 24 months
  • Can be extended for 12 months if PR processing is delayed

Eligibility criteria for BOWP:

  • Stay in Canada with valid temporary resident status
  • Submit a complete application for permanent residence through a qualifying program
  • Receive an application acceptance confirmation (AOR) from IRCC
  • Valid work permit or eligibility to renew status

Qualifying programs for BOWP include:

  • Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades)
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Quebec Skilled Worker Program
  • Atlantic Immigration Program

Cost and processing times

The application fee for BOWP is $255 CAD, which includes $155 for processing and $100 for an open work permit. Applications are usually processed within a few weeks, but this may vary depending on IRCC's workload.

Special conditions for spouses of PR applicants

Open work permit for spouses

Spouses and partners of permanent residence applicants may be eligible for an open work permit while their application for sponsorship is being processed.

Conditions for obtaining a spousal permit:

  • Submission of a spousal/partner sponsorship application
  • Receipt of an application acceptance confirmation (AOR) from IRCC
  • Residence in Canada with the sponsor
  • Genuine relationship with the sponsor

According to the latest data, processing times for spousal sponsorship vary significantly:

  • Outside Canada (non-Quebec): 11 months
  • Inside Canada (non-Quebec): 34 months
  • Quebec: 37-38 months

Special considerations for Ukrainians with CUAET status

Extension of CUAET permits

Ukrainians who arrived in Canada through the CUAET program before March 31, 2024, have special opportunities to extend their work permits.

Key conditions for Ukrainians:

  • Application deadline extended to March 31, 2026
  • Possibility to obtain a new open work permit for up to 3 years
  • Standard application processing fees
  • Free settlement services available until March 31, 2025

Supported status for CUAET holders

Ukrainians with CUAET permits can take advantage of supported status if they apply for an extension before their current permit expires. This allows them to continue working legally while their new application is being processed.

Application processing times in 2025

Current processing times

As of July 2025, processing times for different types of applications vary significantly:

Work permits:

  • From outside Canada: 20 weeks (140 days)
  • From within Canada: 238 days (approximately 8 months)

Permanent residence applications:

  • Express Entry (CEC): 5 months
  • Federal Skilled Worker: 6 months
  • Provincial Nominee Program: 8-19 months

PR cards:

  • New cards: 49 days
  • Card renewals: 14 days

Factors affecting processing times

  • The 2023 federal strike, which disrupted IRCC work processes
  • An increase in the number of applications with a stagnant staffing level
  • Policy changes and transition to “forecast” assessments in 2024
  • No automatic approvals — every application undergoes a full review

Employment support in Calgary

Main support organizations

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) provides comprehensive services for temporary foreign workers, including employment assistance, professional development, and workplace integration.

Centre for Newcomers offers:

  • Individual career development counseling
  • Job search workshops
  • Job placement assistance
  • Support with international qualifications
  • Job search center with computers and internet access

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) — support in over 85 languages, including for immigrants with language barriers.

Specialized employment programs

Vecova — a program offering training, mentoring, and work experience.

Calgary Career Hub — online workshops, virtual resource room, individual coaching.

Legal and practical considerations

The importance of maintaining legal status

  • Working without authorization is illegal
  • May harm immigration applications
  • Employers are also responsible for verifying work eligibility

Travel restrictions

After the permit expires, leaving Canada may cancel your supported status (except for PGWP + valid visa/eTA).

Changing employers

While in supported status, you cannot change employers or working conditions without a new permit.

Recommendations for PR applicants in Calgary

Strategic planning

  • Apply early — 30+ days in advance
  • Consider BOWP
  • Keep all documentation

Use support resources

  • Free services from organizations
  • Improve English
  • Build professional contacts

Financial planning

  • Plan for fees
  • Additional training or volunteering

Challenges and opportunities in 2025

Current challenges

  • Record processing times (238 days)
  • Inability to change jobs while in supported status
  • Challenges for employers

New opportunities

  • Improvements to IRCC programs
  • Technological modernization
  • Strong Calgary economy

Conclusion: Working while awaiting a permanent residency decision in Calgary is entirely possible with compliance with Canadian immigration law and proper planning. The key to success is understanding your options, applying early, utilizing support resources, and maintaining legal status.