BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMIT (BOWP)
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit, commonly called a BOWP, may allow an eligible permanent residence applicant to continue working in Canada while IRCC processes their permanent residence application.
Because it is an open work permit, the holder can generally work for most employers in Canada. Certain restrictions may still apply based on the applicant’s permanent residence program, nomination conditions or medical examination.
Who can apply for a BOWP?
Eligibility depends on the permanent residence program. In general, you must:
- be living in Canada when you apply;
- be the principal applicant in an eligible permanent residence application;
- have submitted a complete permanent residence application;
- have reached the required processing stage, such as receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt or approval in principle;
- have a valid work permit, have maintained status as a worker, or be eligible to restore your status as a worker; and
- meet the specific requirements of your permanent residence program.
Submitting an Express Entry profile is not the same as applying for permanent residence. Express Entry applicants normally need to submit their complete PR application and receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt before applying for a BOWP.
Which permanent residence programs may qualify for a BOWP?
Eligible applicants may include those who applied through:
- Canadian Experience Class;
- Federal Skilled Worker Program;
- Federal Skilled Trades Program;
- Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry;
- Provincial Nominee Program outside Express Entry;
- Quebec Skilled Worker Class;
- Quebec Investor Program;
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot opened from 2019 to 2024;
- Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class; or
- Agri-Food Pilot.
NOTE: Some of these programs are now closed to new applicants, but qualifying applicants with applications already in processing may still be eligible for a BOWP.
How long is the processing time and what are the application fees?
Processing times vary depending on how you submit your application (online or paper) and how long the queue is. It usually takes a few months.
You can view the complete and updated list of IRCC fees here.
What are the key considerations in submitting an application?
The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for a bridging open work permit in Canada:
- How do you determine that you meet all the requirements to qualify for a BOWP?
- What if you are out of status?
- What if you stopped meeting the requirements of your PR program?
LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN.
A Bridging Open Work Permit can help protect your ability to work in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed—but timing and eligibility matter.
SPIVAS Immigration Consulting Inc. can assess your eligibility, review your permanent residence stage and temporary status, and prepare a complete BOWP application with the appropriate supporting documents.
We can also help you understand maintained status, travel risks and the effect of changing employers while your permanent residence application is in process.
