Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets temporary foreign workers in Canada keep their legal work authorization while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence (PR) application.
This guide covers who qualifies, how to apply, current processing times, and how to protect your status while you wait.
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is designed for foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada and have an active permanent residence application in progress. It bridges the gap between an expiring work permit and a final PR decision — so you never have to choose between your job and your immigration status.
Because the BOWP is an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada. You are not tied to a specific company, occupation, or province.
The BOWP is only available to applicants from within Canada who already hold a valid work permit and have submitted a PR application under an eligible program.
Key Benefits of a Bridging Open Work Permit (BYOP)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Work for any employer | No LMIA or job offer required |
| Maintain legal status | Stay in Canada while your PR is processed |
| Continue earning income | No interruption to your employment |
| Travel in and out of Canada | With a valid eTA or temporary resident visa |
| Valid until PR decision | No fixed end date tied to a job or employer |
Who is Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
To apply for a BOWP, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You currently reside in Canada
- You hold a valid work permit, or you are eligible to restore your temporary resident status
- You have submitted a permanent residence application under an eligible program (see list below) as the principal applicant
- You have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming your PR application has passed the R10 completeness check
- You are not inadmissible to Canada on any grounds
BOWP Eligible PR Programs
You must have applied for Canadian permanent residence as the principal applicant under one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
- Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC)
Bridging Closed Work Permits for Some PNP Applicants
If your PNP nomination is employer-restricted, you are not eligible for a BOWP. You would need to apply for a Bridging Closed Work Permit (BCWP) instead, which ties you to the specific employer named in your nomination. If your nomination is unrestricted, the BOWP applies.
Not sure which applies to you? Contact Canadim
Immigration Tip 💡
Important: Submitting an Express Entry profile to the pool is not the same as applying for permanent residence. You cannot apply for a BOWP until you have received an ITA, submitted your full PR application, and received your AOR.
BOWP Fees and Validity
Application Fee
- Work permit processing fee: $155
- Open work permit holder fee: $100
- Total: $255 (+$85 if you require biometrics)
Validity
IRCC typically issues BOWPs for 24 months. If your PR application is still pending when your BOWP expires, IRCC may issue a 12-month extension.
Immigration Tip 💡
IRCC will not issue a BOWP beyond the expiry date. If your passport expires within 12 months, renew it before applying. A short passport validity means a short BOWP, which may not cover the full PR processing period.
BOWP Processing Times in 2026
Processing times for BOWPs have increased. As of late 2025 and into 2026, the average processing time for a BOWP submitted from inside Canada is 6–8.5 months. Plan accordingly.
The single most effective way to speed up your application is to submit a complete, accurate package the first time. Missing documents, untranslated records, or inconsistencies with your PR application are the most common causes of delays and refusals.
For all IRCC processing times, click here.
When Should You Apply?
Apply for your BOWP when your current work permit has four months or less remaining. Do not apply too early — and do not wait until your permit expires. Applying at the right time ensures you enter maintained status (implied status) if needed, without unnecessary gaps in your authorization.
Understanding Maintained Status (Implied Status)
If you submit your BOWP application before your current work permit expires, you automatically enter maintained status (also called implied status). This allows you to remain in Canada and continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit while IRCC processes your BOWP.
Maintained status is not the same as holding a valid work permit. It comes with important restrictions.
What you can do under maintained status:
- Remain in Canada legally
- Continue working for your current employer under the conditions of your previous permit
What you cannot do under maintained status:
- Travel outside Canada (you may not be able to re-enter)
- Switch employers (unless your previous permit allowed it)
- Change your work conditions
Immigration Tip 💡
Avoid spending extended periods on maintained status if possible. Apply for your BOWP early enough to be approved before — or shortly after — your current permit expires. The longer you remain on maintained status, the more restrictions you face on travel and flexibility.
Adding Your Spouse and Children to Your BOWP
Spouse’s Open Work Permit
If you hold a BOWP and work in a skilled occupation, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for their own open work permit. To qualify, your occupation must fall under:
- NOC TEER 0 — management roles
- NOC TEER 1 — professional roles
- Selected TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations
Learn more about Spousal Open Work Permits for Foreign Workers →
Dependent Children
Dependent children of BOWP holders are not eligible for an open work permit based on the BOWP alone. Children can accompany the family in Canada under a valid visitor status.
Learn more about visitor status for dependent children →
How to Apply for a BOWP: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Receive Your AOR
Wait for IRCC to send your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming that they have received your complete PR application and that it has passed the completeness check. Keep this letter — you will need it for your BOWP application. The AOR includes your application number.
Step 2: Check Your Work Permit Expiry
Apply for your BOWP when your current work permit has four months or less remaining (recommended). Do not wait until the last minute — gaps in your work authorization are difficult to recover from and can jeopardize your PR application.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Collect the following before starting your application:
- Passport (all pages, valid beyond the period you need work authorization)
- Current work permit
- AOR letter from IRCC
- PR application number
- Passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of payment
Step 4: Complete The Forms
Fill out the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker” form. Apply online through your IRCC Secure Account for faster processing. Ensure all information is accurate and consistent with your PR application — any discrepancies can cause delays or refusals.
Step 5: Pay Your Application Fees
Pay the required fees ($255 CAD total) through the IRCC portal before submitting. If biometrics are required, an additional $85 fee applies.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Upload all documents through your IRCC online account. Ensure all files are clear, complete, properly labelled, and in the correct format (PDF for most documents). Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 7: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
If you have not provided biometrics in the past 10 years for a Canadian immigration application, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter after submitting. Visit a designated Service Canada location within 30 days of receiving it.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application
Track your application status through your IRCC Secure Account. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information — delays in responding extend your processing time.
Step 9: Receive Your BOWP
Once approved, IRCC will issue your BOWP electronically through your IRCC account or by mail. You can start working for any Canadian employer immediately upon receiving it.
BOWP Document Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your application:
- Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC
- Completed application form (IMM 5710)
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Current work permit
- Proof of status in Canada
- Passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Provincial nomination certificate (if applying under PNP)
- Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) (if applying from Quebec)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable — for spousal permit applications)
- Medical exam results and biometrics (if requested by IRCC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Canada on a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Yes — but with conditions. You can travel outside Canada while holding a valid BOWP, but you must also hold a valid eTA or temporary resident visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada. If your work permit has expired and you are on maintained status, do not leave Canada — you may not be able to return.
Can I apply for a BOWP from outside Canada?
Can I work while waiting for my BOWP to be processed?
Yes, if you applied before your current work permit expired. Once you submit your BOWP application, you enter maintained status and can continue working under the conditions of your previous permit until the immigration authorities make a decision. If they refuse your BOWP, you must stop working immediately.
What happens if my work permit expires before I apply for a BOWP?
If your work permit expires and you have not yet submitted a BOWP application, you will be out of status and will need to apply to restore your status as a worker in Canada. Do not let this happen. Ideally, you should apply at the four-month mark.
Why would a BOWP be refused?
The most common reasons for refusal are an incomplete PR application, an incomplete BOWP application, or inadmissibility. Working with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
Can a BOWP be extended?
Yes. If your PR application is not finalized by the time your BOWP expires, IRCC may issue a 12-month extension.
What happens to my BOWP if my PR application is refused?
If your PR application is refused while you hold a valid BOWP, you may continue working on that BOWP until it expires — as long as it has not been revoked. You should speak with an immigration lawyer immediately if this happens to understand your options.
When can I apply for a BOWP?
Express Entry applicants can apply as soon as they receive their AOR through their IRCC MyPortal account.
Quebec Skilled Worker Class applicants must wait until their application has passed the completeness check stage.
Can I apply for a BOWP from Quebec?
Yes. Since August 2021, temporary foreign workers residing in Quebec who hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) may apply for a BOWP, provided they have applied for PR as the principal applicant under the Quebec Skilled Worker Class and have received an AOR confirming the completeness of their PR application.
What is the difference between a Bridging Open Work Permit and a Bridging Closed Work Permit?
A BOWP is an open permit, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada. A Bridging Closed Work Permit (BCWP) is employer-specific and is required when a PNP nomination includes employment restrictions. Applying for the wrong type can result in a refusal of a work permit and loss of status. If you are unsure which applies to you, speak with a Canadim immigration lawyer before applying.
Ready to start?
Ready to Apply for a BOWP?
Timing and accuracy are everything when it comes to a Bridging Open Work Permit. A refused or delayed application can disrupt your income, legal status, and path to permanent residence.
Canadim’s licensed immigration lawyers review your full situation — your current permit, PR application status, and timeline — and help you submit the strongest possible application.
Contact Canadim for assistance
Related Links
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!