What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special open work permit that allows eligible temporary residents in Canada to continue working legally while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence (PR) application.
It helps “bridge the gap” between the expiry of your current work permit and the final decision on your PR — ensuring you do not lose legal status or income during this transition period.
Who Can Apply for a BOWP?
You may be eligible for a BOWP if you:
- Are currently in Canada
- Have a valid temporary resident status
- Hold a valid work permit (or are on maintained status)
- Have submitted an eligible PR application under one of the following streams:
- Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with job offer-based stream
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Home Child Care Provider / Home Support Worker Pilot (after you receive the Acknowledgment of Receipt)
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- Have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC confirming your PR application is in process
Key Features of the BOWP
● It is an open work permit: You do not need a job offer or LMIA
● It allows you to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada
● It can be issued for up to 12 months at a time and is renewable if needed
● Your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children may also be eligible for open work permits
When to Apply ?
You must apply for the BOWP:
- Before your current work permit expires
- After receiving the AOR for your PR application (not just submission confirmation)
- While you are physically present in Canada
📌 If your work permit has already expired and you did not apply for BOWP on time, you may still apply within 90 days under restoration of status — but you cannot work until the BOWP is approved.
Required Documents
To apply for a BOWP, you will need:
- Copy of your current work permit
- Proof of PR application: AOR or similar document from IRCC
- IMM5710 form for a work permit from inside Canada
- Passport copy (all pages showing identity, stamps, and expiry)
- Digital photo
- Fees: $255 CAD (open work permit holder fee + processing fee)
- Additional documents depending on your PR stream (e.g., nomination certificate, GCMS notes)
Application Process
- Create or log in to your IRCC online account
- Select “Apply for a work permit from inside Canada”
- Complete the forms and upload your documents
- Pay your fees online
- Submit and monitor your application status through your account
📌 Biometrics may be required if not provided in the last 10 years.
What If You Switch Jobs or Provinces?
Because a BOWP is an open work permit, you may:
- Work for any employer
- Move between provinces
- Change roles without employer-specific conditions
However, you must still comply with the PR program requirements (e.g., some PNP streams require you to live and work in the nominating province).
How Sapra Immigration Can Help?
At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., our RCIC-led team provides personalized BOWP support including:
- PR application review and eligibility assessment
- Timely BOWP filing before your permit expires
- Restoration support if you lost status
- Spouse and dependent open work permit filing
Guidance for continued compliance under Express Entry or PNP
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document
Keep Working While You Wait
Let us help you bridge your status in Canada with a strong, accurate, and timely BOWP application.