Canada
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Overview
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work permit that allows eligible foreign nationals in Canada to continue working while they await the final decision on their permanent residence (PR) application. It prevents gaps in legal status and employment by “bridging” the time between the expiration of a current work permit and the issuance of permanent residency.
Unlike employer-specific permits, a BOWP is open, meaning the applicant does not need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply. It grants the holder the flexibility to work for any eligible employer in Canada.
Table of Contents
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be physically present in Canada at the time of application.
- Have a valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore their status.
- Hold a valid work permit or be within the 90-day restoration period after the permit expires.
- Have submitted a complete permanent residence application and received the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
- Have applied under one of the following economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – only if not job-restricted
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Quebec Skilled Worker Class – under specific conditions
2. When and How to Apply
You can apply for a BOWP up to four months before your current work permit expires. The application must be submitted from within Canada, and you must be in Canada at the time of applying.
The process is completed online through your IRCC account. When applying:
1.Select “Open work permit” as the category.
2.Include your AOR and any required supporting documentation based on your PR stream.
3.Pay both the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee.
3. Maintained Status
If you apply for a BOWP before your current work permit expires, you may benefit from maintained status. This allows you to continue working under the conditions of your previous permit while your new BOWP application is being processed.
4. PNP-Specific Notes
If you are applying under the Provincial Nominee Program, your nomination must:
- Be non-employer-specific, or
- Explicitly state that the employment restrictions are removed
If your PNP nomination is employer-restricted, you may not qualify for a BOWP and should apply for an employer-specific permit instead.
5. Benefits of a BOWP
- Continue working legally in Canada while waiting for PR approval
- No need for a job offers or LMIA
- Flexibility to work for any employer in Canada
- Helps reduce the risk of status loss or employment interruption
6. Frequently Asked Questions
You must be in Canada both when you apply and while your application is in progress.
You may leave Canada, but re-entry is not guaranteed. You may need a valid TRV or eTA, and being outside Canada could affect the processing of your application.
If you applied before your permit expired, you can continue working under maintained status until a decision is made. If not, you may need to restore your status.
A BOWP is an open work permit and does not require a job offer or an LMIA.
If your PR application is refused, your BOWP becomes invalid. You will lose legal status and must stop working unless you apply to change or restore your status.