Jobs You Can Get in Canada While Waiting for PR (Bridging Work Permits 2026)

The "Waiting Game" is the most stressful part of immigration.

You have submitted your Permanent Residence (PR) application. Your current work permit is about to expire. You are terrified that if you stop working, you will lose your income, but if you keep working illegally, you will jeopardize your PR.

In 2026, you do not have to stop working.

Canada has specific mechanisms—like the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and Maintained Status (formerly Implied Status)—designed exactly for this situation. These allow you to seamlessly transition from "Temporary Worker" to "Permanent Resident" without a gap in employment.

Here is how to navigate this legal grey zone and the best jobs to hold while you wait.

Part 1: The Legal Safety Net (How to Keep Working)

Before you apply for a job, you must ensure you have the legal right to work.

1. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

This is your lifeline.

• Who is it for? People who have already applied for PR (Express Entry, PNP, etc.) and have less than 4 months left on their current work permit.
• What it does: It gives you an Open Work Permit. You can work for any employer in Canada while IRCC processes your PR.
• Crucial Step: You must apply for the BOWP before your current permit expires.

2. Maintained Status (Implied Status)

• The Rule: If you apply to extend your work permit (or for a BOWP) before the expiry date, you can legally keep working under the exact same conditions as your old permit until a decision is made.
• The Proof: Your employer might be scared your SIN is expiring. You must show them the "Acknowledgement of Receipt" (AOR) letter from IRCC to prove you are legal.

Part 2: Best "Interim" Jobs (While Waiting)

These jobs are flexible, high-turnover, and perfect for filling a 6-12 month gap.

1. Gig Economy (Uber / DoorDash / Skip)

• Legal Note: You can do this on an Open Work Permit. You generally cannot do this if you are on a "Closed" (Employer-Specific) work permit.
• Why it fits: It is instant cash. If your PR gets approved next month and you want to quit, you just stop logging in. No awkward resignation letter.
• Related: See our full Gig Economy Guide.

2. Temp Agency Contracts

• The Job: Covering maternity leaves, sick leaves, or seasonal spikes in offices/warehouses.
• Why it fits: Agencies (like Randstad, Adecco, Robert Half) specialize in short-term contracts. They don't care if you might leave in 6 months; that’s the nature of their business.
• The Pay: $20 – $30 per hour (often higher than permanent roles to compensate for lack of benefits).

3. Call Center / Customer Support

• The Job: Answering phones for banks, telecoms, or tech support.
• Why it fits: High turnover. These companies are always hiring. They are used to people staying for only 1 year.
• The Pay: $18 – $24 per hour.
• Bonus: Many are remote, allowing you to save money on commuting while you save for your PR landing fees.

4. Construction General Labour

• The Job: Site cleanup, moving materials.
• Why it fits: It is often project-based. You work for the duration of a condo build (4-8 months) and then move on. It fits perfectly with the PR processing timeline.
• The Pay: $22 – $30 per hour.
• Related: Check out Traffic Control for a less physically demanding option.

Part 3: What Employers Need to Know

Employers get nervous about expiring Social Insurance Numbers (SINs). You need to educate them.

The Script for Your Boss:

"My current work permit expires on [Date], but I have already applied for my Permanent Residence and a Bridging Open Work Permit. Under Canadian law (Maintained Status), I am legally allowed to continue working while IRCC processes the application. Here is the official link from the Government of Canada website explaining this rule."

Pro Tip: Print the IRCC page on "Maintained Status" and bring it to HR. Most HR departments are risk-averse; showing them the government website calms them down.

Comparison Table: Work Permit Status vs. Job Options

Practical Questions Answered

"Can I leave Canada while on Maintained Status?"

NO. DO NOT LEAVE.

• The Risk: If you leave the country, you lose your Maintained Status. When you try to re-enter, you may enter as a "Visitor" and lose your right to work until your new permit arrives. Stay inside Canada until you have the physical paper in hand.

"What if my PR is rejected?"

Your Maintained Status ends.

• The Reality: If you get a refusal letter, you must stop working immediately. You usually have 90 days to apply for "Restoration of Status" or leave. Have a "Plan B" savings fund for this nightmare scenario.

"Can I apply for EI (Employment Insurance) if I lose my job?"

Yes.

• The Rule: If you have valid status (including Maintained Status) and have paid into EI, you are eligible for benefits while looking for a new job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my SIN expire?

Yes.

Your SIN usually has the same expiry date as your old work permit. When you are on Maintained Status, your SIN is technically "expired" in the system, but you can legally continue using it for payroll. You must update it with Service Canada after you get your new permit or PR card.

Can I get a mortgage while waiting for PR?

It is difficult.

Banks usually want to see a valid work permit with at least 1 year remaining. Maintained Status is a "grey area" that makes lenders nervous. You might need to wait for the actual PR card.

Should I tell a new employer I am waiting for PR?

Yes.

It is a positive thing! It means you are planning to stay in Canada long-term. Employers prefer PRs over temporary workers because there is less paperwork risk. Frame it as: "I am in the final stages of my PR processing."

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• IRCC (Bridging Open Work Permit): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html
• Government of Canada (Maintained Status): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/implied-status-extending-stay.html
• Job Bank (Temp Jobs): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.