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Work permits

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Keep working in Canada while an eligible permanent residence application is in process.

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is an open work permit designed to prevent gaps in work authorization for temporary residents in Canada who have submitted an eligible application for permanent residence. It "bridges" the period between the expiry of your current work permit and the final decision on your PR application, allowing you to continue working for any employer in Canada.

The BOWP is issued under section R205(c)(ii) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations as part of the International Mobility Program, and is LMIA-exempt.

Who is eligible for a BOWP

To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • You are in Canada with valid temporary resident status (or on implied status).
  • You hold a valid work permit that is expiring within four months, or has already expired (and you are on implied status having applied before expiry).
  • You have an eligible PR application in progress under one of the qualifying programs (see below).

Qualifying PR programs

The BOWP is available to applicants under the following permanent residence programs:

  • Express Entry programs — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). You must have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submitted a complete PR application.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — if you applied through a PNP Express Entry stream and have submitted a complete PR application at the federal level.
  • Federal Skilled Worker (Quebec) — applicants with a valid Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) who have submitted a PR application.
  • Agri-Food Immigration Pilot — eligible applicants who have submitted their PR application.

BOWP vs. implied status

Many applicants confuse BOWP with implied status. Here is the distinction:

  • Implied status allows you to continue working under the same conditions as your expiring permit while IRCC processes your extension or BOWP application. It requires that you applied before your current permit expired.
  • BOWP gives you a new, separate open work permit — you can work for any employer, not just your current one. This is especially valuable if your current permit is employer-specific.

Common reasons BOWP files are refused

  • PR application is not at an eligible stage (e.g., Express Entry profile created but ITA not received, or PR application not yet submitted).
  • Current work permit expired and applicant did not apply before expiry, so no valid status exists.
  • Wrong work permit category selected in the online application form.
  • PR application details (program, streams) do not match what is stated in the BOWP application.
  • Missing proof of the PR application submission (acknowledgement of receipt, UCI number, application number).

Documents required

  • Copy of your current work permit (or most recent expired permit if on implied status).
  • Proof of PR application submission — IRCC acknowledgement of receipt (AOR), application number, and UCI.
  • Express Entry ITA confirmation (if applicable).
  • Passport and valid immigration documents.
  • IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker).
  • Supporting letter explaining your BOWP eligibility and the connection to your PR application.
Plan your BOWP before your permit expires

The ideal strategy is to apply for a BOWP well before your current work permit expires — typically when it has four months or less of validity remaining. Waiting too long creates unnecessary risk and could result in gaps in your work authorization.

How we help

We verify your BOWP eligibility against your specific PR program stage, ensure all documents are consistent between your PR and BOWP files, time your submission strategically to avoid work gaps, and prepare a complete application package. We also monitor your PR file progress to anticipate any issues that could affect your BOWP status.