Prompt-style answer · CA
What's the difference between a Bridging Open Work Permit and a Visitor Record?
A Bridging Open Work Permit lets you keep working while a submitted PR application is processed. A Visitor Record only preserves legal presence in Canada — it does not include any work authorization.
Key points
- BOWP requires an active PR application already in process, applied for before your permit expires.
- Visitor Record suits people who need to stay legally but aren't eligible for a BOWP yet.
- Applying before your current status expires generally preserves maintained status.
- Using the wrong one, or applying late, is how people fall out of status.
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