What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work authorization that allows you to continue working in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed. It "bridges" the gap between your current work permit expiring and your PR being approved — ensuring you never have to stop working legally.
The BOWP is an open work permit, meaning it is not tied to any specific employer. You can work for any eligible Canadian employer, in any province, in any occupation — giving you the full flexibility of an open work permit while waiting for your PR to be finalized.
Who Qualifies for a BOWP?
To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be physically present in Canada at the time of application
- Hold a valid work permit — or be within the implied status period (the 90-day window after your permit expires if you applied for renewal before it expired)
- Have already applied for permanent residence through a qualifying program
- Be the principal applicant — dependents do not independently qualify for a BOWP
- Have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for your PR application confirming it is in process
Qualifying PR Programs
Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)
Must have submitted a complete PR application and received your AOR from IRCC. Must not be intending to reside in Quebec. This is the most common route to a BOWP.
Provincial Nominee Program
Must hold a valid work permit. Your provincial nomination must not restrict your employment to a specific employer or region. Must be outside Quebec (Quebec has a separate process).
Quebec Skilled Worker
Must hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and have submitted a PR application to IRCC. Must intend to live and work in Quebec. Quebec operates its own immigration selection process.
Home Child-Care Provider Pilot
Must have received an approval in principle from IRCC. Must have completed at least 6 months of qualifying work experience in Canada under the pilot program.
Agri-Food Pilot
Must have received an approval in principle for permanent residence. Valid work permit required. Must be working or intending to work outside Quebec in an eligible agri-food industry occupation.
Spouse/Partner of PR Applicant
Must hold a valid work permit with at least 6 months remaining. Work in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Hold a Provincial Nomination (PNP) or Quebec CSQ. Dependent on specific program conditions.
BOWP Application Process
1
Confirm your PR application has been submitted — Your PR application must be complete and submitted to IRCC. You must have your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) in hand before applying for a BOWP.
2
Confirm your current work permit is valid — Apply while your permit is still valid. If it has expired, you can still apply if you are within the implied status period (applied to renew before expiry).
3
Apply online through IRCC's secure portal — Log into your IRCC My Account or GCKey account. Complete the work permit application forms. Select "Bridging Open Work Permit" as your permit type.
4
Pay the $100 CAD application fee — The BOWP fee is $100 CAD (lower than the standard $155 work permit fee). Payment is made by credit card online at time of submission.
5
Await decision — apply early — Processing times vary by country and workload. Apply as soon as you receive your PR AOR. Do not wait until your current permit is about to expire.
Apply Early — Do Not Wait Until Your Permit Expires
The most common mistake BOWP applicants make is waiting too long to apply. BOWP processing times can range from a few weeks to several months depending on your country and IRCC workload. Apply for your BOWP as soon as you receive your PR Acknowledgement of Receipt — this ensures continuous work authorization with no gaps in your status.
Key Benefits of a BOWP
- Open permit flexibility — Work for any Canadian employer in any province without restrictions
- No LMIA required — Your employer does not need to go through the LMIA process
- Renewable — If PR processing continues past your BOWP expiry, you can apply to renew
- Prevents illegal working — Keeps your status legal and uninterrupted during the PR wait
- Portable — Change employers freely — no new permit needed when switching jobs
- Lower fee — $100 CAD vs $155 for a standard work permit
Important: A BOWP is not the same as permanent residence. It is a temporary authorization only. If your PR application is refused, your BOWP authorization will also cease. Do not allow your BOWP to expire without either obtaining PR or applying for a renewal or extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — that is one of the primary advantages of a Bridging Open Work Permit. Because it is an open permit, you can work for any eligible Canadian employer without needing to apply for a new permit. You can also change provinces or job types freely.
Apply for a BOWP renewal before it expires. As long as your PR application is still in process and you applied for renewal before your BOWP expired, you maintain implied status. Do not let your status lapse — working without authorization is a serious immigration violation that can jeopardize your PR application.
Possibly. Spouses of PR applicants under certain programs may qualify for their own BOWP if they currently hold a valid Canadian work permit with at least 6 months remaining, are working in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, and the principal applicant holds a Provincial Nomination or Quebec CSQ. Spousal eligibility is program-specific — consult an RCIC to confirm your situation.
Yes — you can travel internationally with a valid BOWP. However, ensure you have a valid travel document and, if required, a valid visitor visa or eTA to re-enter Canada. Traveling while your PR application is in process does not affect eligibility, but ensure your re-entry documents are in order.