September 27, 2025
Don’t Risk Your Future: Why Maintaining Valid Work Status in Canada Is Non-Negotiable
When it comes to Canadian immigration, one golden rule stands above all: never let your legal status expire.
Whether you’re an international student graduate in Canada, a temporary foreign worker, or applying for permanent residency (PR) with a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), keeping your work permit valid isn’t just about employment—it’s about securing your future in Canada.
At MyWorld Immigration, we’ve helped countless clients avoid unnecessary setbacks. A simple lapse—like letting your Canada work permit expire—can cost you months, or even your eligibility for Canadian PR programs. Here’s why keeping your immigration status active is absolutely essential.
Why Work Status Matters in Canada
Think of your Canadian work permit as the foundation of your immigration journey. If it lapses, you risk losing your right to work, your eligibility for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and even the ability to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Expired Work Permit = Out of Status
If your Canada work permit expires, you’re immediately considered out of status. That means:
- You must stop working in Canada right away.
- You may lose eligibility for new work permits or Canadian PR.
- You’ll need to apply for restoration of status—which comes with extra fees, delays, and no guarantee of approval.
While restoration in Canada is possible within 90 days, officers may reject applications if they believe your status lapse was avoidable.
2. Canadian PR Pathways Depend on Legal Status
Most economic immigration programs in Canada require continuous and valid work experience.
- Under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), gaps in status may disqualify months of your work history.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), require candidates to hold valid work status and actively work in Canada at the time of application.
Without valid status, your PR application in Canada could be refused—even if you otherwise qualify.
3. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Requires Valid Status
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working while your permanent residence application is being processed. However:
👉 You can only apply if your current work permit is still valid.
If your permit expires before you apply for a BOWP, you lose the chance to keep working in Canada legally.
4. Implied Status: Useful, but Not Foolproof
If you apply to extend your work permit before the expiry date, you gain implied status in Canada, which allows you to keep working legally while waiting for a decision. But beware:
- If your application is refused, your implied status ends immediately.
- You must stop working in Canada the same day.
This makes it critical to apply early, apply correctly, and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your future.
5. Working Without Authorization in Canada Is Risky
Even if it feels tempting to “just keep working,” unauthorized work in Canada can lead to:
- A removal order
- Re-entry bans to Canada
- Long-term impacts on future applications, including Express Entry and PNP streams
Even working a few unauthorized days can damage your immigration record and delay your dream of becoming a permanent resident in Canada.
How to Keep Your Status Safe in Canada
The best way to protect your Canadian immigration pathway is to stay proactive:
✔ Track your work permit expiry date.
✔ Apply for extensions of work permits well in advance.
✔ Double-check your IRCC application forms for accuracy.
✔ Get professional help from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Being proactive ensures that your Canadian immigration journey stays on track—without last-minute stress.
Final Word: Valid Status = Strong Immigration Future
In Canadian immigration, status is everything. Letting your work permit expire in Canada can cost you valuable time, opportunities, and even your eligibility for PR programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
At MyWorld Immigration, we specialize in helping international students, foreign workers, and PR applicants maintain their status and move forward with confidence. From work permit extensions to Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) and permanent residency applications, we’re here to secure your future.
How MyWorld Immigration Can Help
At MyWorld Immigration, we help job seekers and professionals:
- Verify if their job offers qualify for Canadian immigration programs
- Understand program-specific requirements for PNPs and federal immigration streams
- Protect themselves against fraudulent job offers in Canada
- Build a complete pathway from job offer to permanent residency in Canada
📲 Get in Touch Today:
WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
Instagram: @myworldimmigration