In the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian immigration, one rule remains constant: maintaining your legal status is crucial. Whether you’re an international graduate, a temporary foreign worker, or a bridging open work permit holder, your work status isn’t just about employment—it's a key that unlocks multiple immigration opportunities, including permanent residency.

At Virani Immigration, we’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as letting your work permit expire—even for a few days—can jeopardize your future in Canada. In this post, we’ll break down why keeping your work status active is not only important, but absolutely necessary.

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1. No Status, No Application

Let’s be clear: if your work permit expires and you do not restore your status in time, you’re considered out of status. This limits your ability to apply for new permits, and in most cases, you won’t be able to work or even apply for PR until you’ve restored your status. That gap could cost you months—or worse, your eligibility altogether.

While restoration is possible within 90 days, it comes with extra fees and uncertainty. You’ll need to prove why you lost your status and show that you still meet the eligibility criteria. Immigration officers are not obligated to approve restoration, especially if they believe the lapse was avoidable.

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2. Impacts on PR Pathways

Maintaining active work status is a core requirement for many economic immigration programs. For instance, programs under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) often require recent and continuous Canadian work experience. If you have a break in status, that period might not count—leaving you short of points or eligibility.

Some provincial streams, like Ontario’s Employer Job Offer stream, explicitly require that candidates be in legal status and actively working at the time of application and nomination. A gap in your work status can invalidate an otherwise strong PR application.

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3. Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP): A Critical Tool—But With Conditions

Many applicants rely on the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed. But here’s the catch: you can only apply for a BOWP if you have a valid work permit at the time of application.

If your permit has already expired, you are no longer eligible for a BOWP. This not only stops your ability to work but could result in your losing implied status and lead to a domino effect on your PR timeline.

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4. Implied Status Isn’t a Guarantee

If you’ve applied to extend your work permit before the expiry date, you may continue to work under implied status while awaiting a decision. But implied status only covers you until a decision is made. If your extension is refused, you immediately lose the right to work—and must stop working that same day.

This is why it’s critical to apply for extensions early and accurately. Errors in your application or late submissions can cost you more than just time—they can derail your immigration journey.

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5. Consequences of Working Without Authorization

It may seem tempting to continue working while trying to sort out your paperwork—but don’t. Working without authorization is a serious violation of immigration rules and can lead to a removal order, bans on re-entry, or long-term impacts on future applications.

We’ve encountered clients who assumed they were “probably okay” and found out the hard way that even a few unauthorized workdays could set them back years in their PR plans.

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Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive, Not Reactive

Immigration rules are complex, and processing times can be unpredictable. The best strategy is a proactive one. Keep track of your permit expiry dates, apply for extensions well in advance, and seek professional guidance when needed.

At Virani Immigration, we’re here to help you stay on track. Whether you're looking to extend your work permit, apply for a BOWP, or transition to permanent residency, maintaining your work status is the first step toward long-term success in Canada.

Book a consultation today to ensure your status—and your future—are secure.

Contact Virani Immigration for personalized support and expert guidance through every step of the process.

Contact:

Neekee Virani, RCIC-IRB

Email: viraniimmigration@gmail.com

Phone: 289-489-4999

📝 Disclaimer: This is a general guide for informational purposes. Always consult IRCC’s official instructions or speak with a licensed immigration consultant to tailor your case.