Bridging Open Work Permit Canada (BOWP)
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may allow eligible permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their PR application.
Understand BOWP eligibility, required documents, application timing and the steps involved before submitting your application.
What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a type of open work permit for certain foreign nationals in Canada who have applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a decision.
The purpose of a BOWP is to help eligible applicants maintain their ability to work in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Being in the Express Entry pool or receiving an invitation to apply does not by itself make you eligible for a BOWP. You generally need to have submitted a complete permanent residence application and meet the specific BOWP requirements for your immigration program.
BOWP at a Glance
Who Can Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
BOWP eligibility depends on the permanent residence program you applied under. IRCC currently provides BOWP eligibility instructions for several PR categories.
For applicants under eligible Express Entry programs, key requirements generally include:
- You live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec.
- You have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit, maintained status as a worker, or may be eligible for restoration and a work permit.
- You are the principal applicant on the permanent residence application.
- You submitted a complete permanent residence application and it passed the completeness check.
- You have received your permanent residence Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
Receiving an Acknowledgment of Receipt confirms that IRCC received your PR application, but BOWP eligibility still depends on the requirements applicable to your PR stream and circumstances.
Which PR Programs May Qualify for a BOWP?
IRCC eligibility depends on the permanent residence program through which you applied.
| PR Pathway | BOWP Considerations |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants may qualify if they meet the applicable BOWP requirements. |
| PNP Through Express Entry | Applicants must meet additional requirements, including applicable nomination conditions. |
| PNP Not Through Express Entry | Applicants may qualify if they meet the specific requirements, including the applicable nomination and PR application requirements. |
| Other Eligible PR Categories | Certain other permanent residence categories have specific BOWP rules. Eligibility must be checked against the current IRCC instructions. |
BOWP After Express Entry
If you applied for permanent residence through Express Entry under an eligible federal program, you may qualify for a BOWP after your complete PR application has been submitted and you have received your Acknowledgment of Receipt.
This is different from simply having an Express Entry profile.
Being in the Express Entry pool or receiving an Invitation to Apply does not automatically give you a BOWP. The PR application must reach the required stage and you must satisfy the applicable work-permit requirements.
BOWP After Provincial Nomination
Provincial nominees may also be eligible for a BOWP, but the requirements depend on whether the PNP permanent residence application was submitted through Express Entry or outside Express Entry.
For some PNP applicants, the nomination letter and Acknowledgment of Receipt are important supporting documents.
Some nomination conditions can also affect eligibility. For example, IRCC specifies additional requirements for certain PNP applicants whose nomination contains employment restrictions.
Documents Required for a BOWP Application
The exact documents depend on your PR pathway and personal circumstances. Common supporting documents may include:
- Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
- Current or previous work permit documentation
- Passport or travel document
- Permanent residence application information
- Provincial nomination documentation, if applicable
- Documents listed in the applicable IRCC document checklist
- Other documents requested based on your circumstances
Your required documents can vary depending on your immigration pathway and application circumstances. Always use the applicable IRCC instructions and document checklist.
How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit
Most BOWP applications are submitted online through IRCC, although specific situations may have different application instructions.
Check Eligibility
Confirm that your PR pathway and current status meet the applicable BOWP requirements.
Gather Documents
Prepare your AOR, work permit documents and other supporting documents required for your situation.
Submit Application
Complete the work permit application and select the applicable open work permit option.
Wait for Processing
IRCC reviews the application and determines whether the applicant meets the applicable requirements.
BOWP Application Fees
Applicants generally need to pay the applicable work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee unless an exemption applies.
Fees can change. Always verify the current fees on the official IRCC website before submitting an application.
What Happens If Your Work Permit Is Expiring?
Timing is one of the most important parts of a BOWP strategy.
If you are not yet eligible for a BOWP, do not simply allow your existing work permit to expire while waiting for an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Depending on your circumstances, another work permit extension or authorization may need to be considered.
If your permit is approaching expiry, review your options early. Waiting until the last moment can create unnecessary complications.
Can You Keep Working While Your BOWP Is Being Processed?
Whether you can continue working while your application is being processed depends on your specific situation, including whether you applied before your previous permit expired and whether you maintained the required status and work authorization.
Do not assume that submitting any work permit application automatically gives you the right to continue working.
Your status and work authorization should be assessed based on the applicable IRCC rules.
Can You Leave Canada While Your BOWP Is Being Processed?
In some situations, you may be able to leave Canada while your application is being processed. However, leaving Canada can affect your ability to work and your temporary resident status depending on the timing and circumstances.
For example, IRCC states that if your work permit expires while you are outside Canada, you may not be able to work until your new work permit is approved.
If you have an upcoming trip and your work permit is expiring, review the potential consequences before travelling.
Common BOWP Application Mistakes
- Assuming an Express Entry profile automatically qualifies you for a BOWP.
- Applying before the PR application reaches the required stage.
- Using the wrong work permit category or application information.
- Missing required supporting documents.
- Ignoring the expiry date of the current work permit.
- Assuming that an AOR by itself guarantees BOWP eligibility.
- Failing to consider the specific requirements of a PNP nomination.
- Travelling without understanding how it may affect work authorization or temporary resident status.
BOWP vs. Regular Work Permit Extension
| BOWP | Regular Work Permit Extension |
|---|---|
| Designed for eligible PR applicants waiting for PR processing. | Used when an applicant qualifies to extend or change another type of work authorization. |
| Generally an open work permit. | May be employer-specific or open, depending on the program. |
| Requires specific PR application and BOWP eligibility. | Eligibility depends on the particular work permit program. |
When Should You Get Professional BOWP Help?
A BOWP application may appear straightforward, but eligibility can depend on several connected immigration factors.
Professional review may be particularly useful if:
- Your current work permit is expiring soon.
- You recently submitted your PR application.
- You received an AOR and are unsure whether you qualify.
- You are a provincial nominee.
- Your nomination contains employment conditions.
- You have maintained status or previously had an expired permit.
- You are planning to travel while your application is processing.
- You are unsure which work permit option applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOWP Canada
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada?
A Bridging Open Work Permit, or BOWP, is an open work permit available to certain eligible permanent residence applicants who are waiting for a decision on their PR application.
Who is eligible for a BOWP?
Eligibility depends on the permanent residence program and the applicant's status in Canada. Eligible applicants generally need to meet specific PR application, status and work permit requirements.
Can I get a BOWP after receiving an Express Entry AOR?
An AOR is an important requirement for eligible Express Entry applicants, but receiving an AOR alone does not guarantee BOWP eligibility. The applicant must also meet the other applicable requirements.
Can I apply for a BOWP before submitting my PR application?
Generally, no. Being in the Express Entry pool or waiting for an invitation to apply does not by itself qualify you for a BOWP. The PR application must reach the required stage under the applicable program.
Can PNP applicants apply for a BOWP?
Certain provincial nominees may qualify for a BOWP. The requirements differ depending on whether the PNP permanent residence application was submitted through Express Entry or outside Express Entry.
Is a BOWP an open work permit?
Yes. A BOWP is an open work permit for eligible applicants. However, applicants must still meet the specific requirements for this type of work permit.
Can I change employers with a BOWP?
Because a BOWP is an open work permit, eligible holders generally have the flexibility to work for employers without the employer restriction found on an employer-specific work permit, subject to the conditions of their permit.
Can I keep working while my BOWP application is processing?
This depends on your individual circumstances, including your previous permit, when you applied and whether you maintained the required status and work authorization. Submitting an application does not automatically mean that everyone can continue working.
Can I leave Canada while my BOWP is processing?
You may be able to leave Canada in some circumstances, but travelling can affect your ability to work and your temporary resident status. The consequences depend on your individual circumstances and timing.
How much does a BOWP cost?
Applicants generally pay the applicable work permit processing fee and open work permit holder fee unless an exemption applies. Current fees should always be verified with IRCC before applying.
Does a BOWP guarantee permanent residence?
No. A BOWP is a temporary work authorization. It does not guarantee approval of your permanent residence application.
What documents do I need for a BOWP?
Documents depend on your PR pathway and circumstances. They may include your AOR, current work permit, passport, PR application information, nomination documents where applicable and other documents listed in the applicable IRCC checklist.
Not Sure If You Qualify for a BOWP?
Your work permit expiry date, PR pathway, AOR, nomination status and current immigration status can all matter.
Get your situation reviewed before submitting your application.
Dhunna Immigration Consulting Inc.
📞 +1 (778) 957-5656
✉ info@dhunnaimmigration.ca
📍 Surrey, British Columbia
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Bridging Open Work Permit eligibility depends on the applicant's permanent residence program, immigration status, work permit history and other applicable requirements. Immigration policies, eligibility criteria, fees, forms and processing procedures may change. Always verify the latest requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before submitting an application.
Official BOWP Resources
For the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions, fees and supporting-document requirements, applicants should consult the official Government of Canada resources.