Overview
The Bridging Open Work Permit lets certain permanent-residence applicants who are already in Canada keep working while IRCC processes their PR application. It is an open permit — you can work for almost any employer.
Check if you're eligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Free · no signup · about a minute
Answer a few questions and we check you against the eligibility rules we hold for this route — before you spend anything on it.
What's the highest qualification you've finished?
Finished — not in progress.
Who qualifies
You must live in Canada (and, for the Express Entry streams, intend to live outside Quebec) when you apply. You need either valid temporary resident status with a valid work permit, or an expired work permit with maintained worker status, or to be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit. You must be the principal applicant on the PR application, have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check, and have your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter. Submitting an Express Entry profile to the pool is not the same as applying for PR. Verify your specific class on the IRCC page.
Required documents
- Current or most recent work permit and passport
- Your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter for the PR application (upload in the "Client information" field online)
- The supporting documents from the worker (in-Canada applicant) document checklist
- Digital photo and fee payment receipt
- Evidence of maintained status if your work permit has already expired
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
The BOWP is a bridge, not a destination — it only buys working time until the permanent-residence decision that is already in progress. Keep the underlying PR application moving.
Family options
A spouse or common-law partner may qualify for their own open work permit depending on the PR class and your situation. Dependent children generally need study permits for school. Check current family provisions on IRCC.
Language notes
No separate language test for the BOWP itself — language requirements were met in the underlying PR application.
After arrival
Already in Canada. After the BOWP is granted, set ImmigraPath status to WORK_OPEN and keep gathering any documents IRCC still needs for the PR file.
Common pitfalls
- Treating an Express Entry pool profile as a PR application — you need a complete application past the completeness check and an AOR letter
- Letting the current work permit expire before applying, so maintained status is lost
- Leaving Canada after the work permit expires — you then cannot work until the new permit is approved
- Express Entry applicants intending to live in Quebec (the EE BOWP instructions require intent to live outside Quebec — Quebec has its own route)
- Assuming family-sponsorship PR applicants get a BOWP — that is the separate spousal/partner open work permit
FAQs about Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Who is the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) for?+
People in Canada — with valid status and a work permit, on maintained status, or eligible to restore status — who are the principal applicant on a complete, acknowledged PR application under Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP), a Provincial Nominee Program, the Quebec skilled worker class, the Agri-Food Pilot, the Home Child Care Provider / Home Support Worker Pilot, the caring-for-children or caring-for-people-with-high-medical-needs class, or the Quebec investor class.
What are the eligibility requirements for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?+
You must live in Canada (and, for the Express Entry streams, intend to live outside Quebec) when you apply. You need either valid temporary resident status with a valid work permit, or an expired work permit with maintained worker status, or to be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit. You must be the principal applicant on the PR application, have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check, and have your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter. Submit
How much does the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) cost?+
Typical fees listed for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Work permit processing fee CAD $155 + open work permit holder fee CAD $100 (CAD $255 total). Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Varies — check current IRCC processing times for a work permit from inside Canada.
How long can I stay on the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?+
Set by the officer — commonly around 2 years, or shorter if your passport or a medical result expires sooner; renewable while the PR application is still pending
Can I work on the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?+
Open permit — work for almost any employer in Canada. Not valid for employers on the ineligible-employers list or those regularly offering certain services (e.g. striptease, erotic massage).
Does Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lead to permanent residence in Canada?+
The BOWP is a bridge, not a destination — it only buys working time until the permanent-residence decision that is already in progress. Keep the underlying PR application moving.
What are common mistakes with Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?+
Treating an Express Entry pool profile as a PR application — you need a complete application past the completeness check and an AOR letter Letting the current work permit expire before applying, so maintained status is lost Leaving Canada after the work permit expires — you then cannot work until the new permit is approved
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