Bridging Open Work Permit Canada: Who Can Apply

Bridging Open Work Permit Canada, commonly called a BOWP, may allow certain permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada processes their PR application.

A BOWP is an open work permit. It is generally not tied to one employer, which can provide more employment flexibility than an employer-specific work permit.

Submitting an Express Entry profile, receiving an Invitation to Apply or submitting an incomplete permanent residence application is not enough by itself. Applicants must meet the requirements for their specific PR program and temporary status situation.

The rules are different for Express Entry applicants, provincial nominees and Quebec-selected applicants, so it is important to follow the instructions for the program under which permanent residence was submitted.

Bridging Open Work Permit Canada: Quick Overview

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A bridging open work permit is intended to bridge the period between the expiry of a temporary work permit and the final decision on an eligible permanent residence application.

Without another work permit, a PR applicant whose current permit expires may lose the ability to work while waiting for permanent residence.

A BOWP can provide open work authorization, meaning the holder can generally work for most eligible employers without obtaining a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or Employer Portal offer.

However, an open permit can still contain conditions involving:

• Employment location
• Medical examinations
• Health-care or child-care occupations
• Ineligible employers
• The permit expiry date

A BOWP is temporary status. It is not a Confirmation of Permanent Residence and does not guarantee that permanent residence will be approved.

Which Permanent Residence Programs May Qualify?

IRCC provides BOWP instructions for several permanent residence categories.

Not every permanent residence program provides access to a BOWP.

Some regional and employer-supported programs offer a different employer-specific work permit rather than a bridging open work permit.

General BOWP Eligibility Requirements

Although program-specific rules differ, common eligibility requirements include:

• You are living in Canada when you apply
• You are the principal applicant on the PR application
• You submitted a permanent residence application under an eligible program
• Your PR application reached the required completeness, eligibility or approval-in-principle stage
• You hold a valid work permit and temporary resident status; or
• You maintained your status as a worker after applying before expiry; or
• You are eligible to restore your worker status
• You meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit

Most non-Quebec applicants must intend to live outside Quebec.

Applicants under an eligible Quebec category generally need to live in Quebec and intend to remain there.

BOWP for Express Entry Applicants

Express Entry BOWP instructions apply to permanent residence applications under:

• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

To qualify, an Express Entry applicant generally must:

• Live in Canada
• Intend to live outside Quebec
• Be the principal PR applicant
• Submit a complete permanent residence application
• Pass the R10 completeness check
• Receive the official Acknowledgement of Receipt
• Hold valid worker status, maintained status or meet restoration requirements

Creating an Express Entry profile does not count as submitting a PR application.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply also does not immediately create BOWP eligibility. You must submit the full permanent residence application and receive the required AOR.

Read Invitation to Apply Canada: What Happens After an ITA.

Which Acknowledgement of Receipt Can Be Used?

Not every automated receipt message is sufficient for a BOWP.

IRCC distinguishes between:

Electronic Receipt of the PR Application

This may be issued automatically when an electronic permanent residence application is received.

IRCC states that this electronic receipt cannot be used to support a BOWP.

Official AOR After the R10 Completeness Check

The official acknowledgement is issued after the PR application passes the required completeness check.

This is the AOR that may support a BOWP application when all other eligibility requirements are met.

Read AOR Canada: Acknowledgement of Receipt Explained.

BOWP for Provincial Nominee Applicants

Both Express Entry-linked and non-Express Entry provincial nominees may qualify, but the required processing stage is different.

PNP applicants generally need:

• A nomination letter or certificate
• A permanent residence AOR
• A nomination without an employment restriction
• Proof that the required PR processing stage has been reached
• Valid temporary status, maintained status or restoration eligibility

A nomination that restricts the applicant to a specific employer may prevent BOWP eligibility.

A PNP BOWP can also be restricted to the province or territory that nominated the applicant.

Read Provincial Nominee Program Canada Explained.

BOWP for Quebec Applicants

Some Quebec-selected permanent residence applicants may qualify for a BOWP under separate instructions.

A Quebec skilled worker applicant generally needs to:

• Live in Canada and intend to live in Quebec
• Hold a CSQ or have held a valid CSQ when the PR application was submitted
• Be the principal PR applicant
• Pass the required PR completeness check
• Provide the permanent residence application number beginning with E

Quebec BOWPs may contain employment-location restrictions connected to Quebec.

Documents You May Need

Your personalized checklist controls. Common documents may include:

• Valid passport pages
• Current or expired work permit
• Proof of maintained status where applicable
• Official permanent residence AOR
• Proof that the PR application passed the required completeness stage
• Provincial nomination letter where applicable
• CSQ where applicable
• PR application number letter
• Digital photograph
• Medical examination information where required
• Letter of explanation
• Fee payment receipts

Express Entry applicants generally upload the official AOR in the Client Information field.

PNP applicants may need to combine the AOR and nomination letter into one organized file if the checklist provides only one upload field.

How to Apply for a BOWP

Most BOWP applications are submitted online from inside Canada.

1. Confirm that your PR program is eligible.
2. Confirm that you reached the required PR processing stage.
3. Obtain the official AOR or program-specific approval letter.
4. Check the expiry date of your current work permit.
5. Check your passport validity.
6. Sign in to your IRCC secure account.
7. Start an application to extend or change your work permit.
8. Select Open Work Permit as the requested permit type.
9. Complete the application forms.
10. Upload the official AOR and supporting documents.
11. Pay the work permit and open permit fees.
12. Electronically sign and submit the application.
13. Save the confirmation and payment receipt.

For account assistance, read IRCC Secure Account: Login Tips for Applicants.

Bridging Open Work Permit Fees

A standard BOWP application generally requires:

Biometrics or restoration fees may apply in some cases.

Check the official fee list before paying because government fees can change.

BOWP and Maintained Status

If you submit a complete BOWP application before your current work permit expires, you may have maintained status while IRCC processes the application.

Maintained status can allow you to stay in Canada and continue working, but you must follow the conditions of your previous work permit.

Your Previous Permit Was Employer-Specific

You generally must continue working for the same employer, in the same occupation and at the same authorized location until the BOWP is approved.

The fact that the pending application requests an open permit does not immediately create open work authorization.

Your Previous Permit Was Open

You may generally continue working under the conditions of the previous open work permit, including changing employers where the old permit allowed it.

Read Maintained Status in Canada Explained.

Can You Work for Any Employer?

A BOWP generally provides open work authorization, but it is not completely unrestricted.

The holder generally cannot work for:

• An employer listed as ineligible for non-compliance
• An employer that regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages

Medical restrictions may prevent work in health care, child care, primary or secondary education and certain agricultural jobs until the required medical examination is completed and the permit conditions are changed.

Provincial nominees and Quebec-selected applicants may receive an open permit that restricts employment to the nominating province or Quebec.

Can You Travel While the BOWP Is Processing?

You can leave Canada, but travel can affect your temporary status and ability to work.

If your existing work permit expires while you are outside Canada, or you leave after it expires, you may lose the ability to work until the new BOWP is approved.

If you return as a visitor while the application is still processing, you generally cannot resume work until IRCC approves the BOWP.

A work permit is not a travel document. Depending on your nationality and passport, you may also require a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization to return.

Some PNP applicants must also be physically in Canada with valid temporary resident status when IRCC makes the BOWP decision.

Can Your Spouse or Family Member Get an Open Work Permit?

A spouse or dependent does not automatically receive a BOWP because the principal applicant qualifies.

An eligible family member may submit a separate open work permit application under the rules for family members of permanent residence applicants.

The family member may need to provide:

• Proof of the relationship
• A copy of the principal applicant’s work permit or approval letter
• Proof that the principal applicant can work for at least six more months
• The PR acknowledgement of receipt
• Proof that the family member was included in the PR application

Each family member must complete and pay for their own application unless a specific fee exemption applies.

What Happens If the PR Application Is Refused or Returned?

A BOWP is connected to an eligible permanent residence application.

If the PR application is returned as incomplete, withdrawn or refused before IRCC decides the BOWP, the work permit application may also be refused.

If the PR application is refused after the BOWP has already been issued, the work permit does not automatically become permanent status.

The worker should review:

• The work permit expiry date
• The refusal or return letter
• Whether another work permit category is available
• Whether restoration is required
• Whether the person must leave Canada

Read Restoration of Status Canada.

Common BOWP Application Mistakes

• Applying after creating only an Express Entry profile
• Assuming an ITA immediately creates BOWP eligibility
• Using an automatic electronic receipt instead of the official AOR
• Applying as a dependent family member rather than the principal PR applicant
• Applying under a PR program that does not qualify
• Ignoring an employment restriction in a PNP nomination
• Failing to upload the nomination letter or CSQ
• Paying only the $155 work permit fee
• Applying with a passport that expires soon
• Changing employers before open work authorization begins
• Assuming a BOWP has no provincial restrictions
• Travelling without considering maintained-status work rights

Bridging Open Work Permit Canada Checklist

• □ I am the principal applicant on an eligible PR application.
• □ I am living in Canada.
• □ I confirmed the location and intention rules for my program.
• □ I submitted the full permanent residence application.
• □ My PR application reached the required processing stage.
• □ I received the correct official AOR.
• □ I did not rely only on the automatic electronic receipt.
• □ I have a valid permit, maintained status or restoration eligibility.
• □ My passport is valid for the requested work permit period.
• □ I included my nomination letter or CSQ where required.
• □ My PNP nomination does not contain an employment restriction.
• □ I selected Open Work Permit in the application.
• □ I paid the $155 and $100 fees.
• □ I submitted before my current work permit expired where possible.
• □ I understand the conditions that apply while on maintained status.
• □ I checked the travel risks before leaving Canada.

Related Immigration Guides

• Express Entry Canada Explained: How It Works
• Invitation to Apply Canada: What Happens After an ITA
• AOR Canada: Acknowledgement of Receipt Explained
• Provincial Nominee Program Canada Explained
• Work Permit Extension Canada
• Maintained Status in Canada Explained
• Restoration of Status Canada

Helpful Official Resources

• IRCC: Bridging Open Work Permit
• IRCC: Work Permits for Permanent Residence Applicants
• IRCC: Extend or Change Your Work Permit
• IRCC: Permanent Residence Terms and AOR Definitions
• IRCC: Open Work Permits for Eligible Family Members
• IRCC: Current Application Fees

FAQ About Bridging Open Work Permit Canada

What is a bridging open work permit?

A BOWP is an open work permit that may allow an eligible permanent residence applicant to continue working while IRCC processes the PR application.

Is an Express Entry profile enough to apply?

No. You must submit the permanent residence application and meet the required completeness and AOR conditions.

Can I apply immediately after receiving an ITA?

No. An ITA allows you to submit the PR application but does not itself establish BOWP eligibility.

Which AOR do I need?

You generally need the official acknowledgement issued after the PR application passes the required completeness check, not only the automatic electronic submission receipt.

Do I need a job offer?

Generally no. A BOWP is an open work permit and normally does not require an LMIA or Employer Portal offer.

How much does a BOWP cost?

The standard total is generally $255, consisting of the $155 work permit fee and $100 open work permit holder fee.

Can a PNP applicant apply?

Possibly. The applicant generally needs an eligible nomination without an employment restriction and must meet the applicable PR processing-stage requirements.

Can a BOWP be restricted to one province?

Yes. BOWPs connected to a provincial nomination or CSQ may contain an employment-location restriction.

Can I continue working after my current permit expires?

Possibly, if you submitted the BOWP application before expiry and meet maintained-status conditions.

Can I change employers immediately after applying?

Not necessarily. While on maintained status, you must follow the conditions of your previous permit until the BOWP is approved.

Can I travel while waiting?

You can leave Canada, but travel may interrupt your ability to work if your current permit expires while you are outside Canada or before you return.

Does my spouse automatically receive an open work permit?

No. An eligible spouse or family member must submit a separate application and meet the family open work permit requirements.

Does a BOWP guarantee permanent residence?

No. The BOWP and permanent residence applications are assessed separately.

Final Thoughts

Bridging Open Work Permit Canada can help eligible permanent residence applicants maintain their ability to work while waiting for a final PR decision.

Eligibility requires more than an Express Entry profile or Invitation to Apply. Applicants must submit an eligible permanent residence application and reach the required completeness, eligibility or approval stage.

Use the correct official AOR, include program-specific documents and apply before your current work permit expires whenever possible.

While waiting under maintained status, continue following the conditions of your previous permit. Also check for provincial or Quebec location restrictions after the BOWP is issued.

Last updated: July 2026