have you landed as a PR yet? if you haven't LANDED As a PR and you do not have a current work visa, then you absolutely can not work. You can only work once you have PR status OR if you have a valid work permit. You don't need the physical PR card to work. Once you land, you receive PR status and you can use your landing document w/passport to get a SIN# which is what you need to work in Canada. You will not be able to get a permanent SIN# until you are landed as a PR. If you have a current work visa, then you can get a temporary SIN#. If you only have sponsor approval and do not have a current work visa, then you need to wait until YOUR (the applicant's) application is approved and you actually LAND as a PR.
