Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is designed to allow foreign nationals who are in Canada to continue working while their permanent residence (PR) applications are being processed.

This permit is particularly helpful for those applying under economic immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or other programs such as Labour Market Impact Assessment, and Students Inside Canada.

With the BOWP, applicants can maintain their work status in Canada while waiting for their PR decision, avoiding the need for an employer to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The flexibility provided by the BOWP ensures that both workers and employers can continue contributing to the Canadian economy without unnecessary interruptions.

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A Bridging Open Work Permit is a temporary permit that allows individuals in Canada to keep working while they wait for a decision on their PR application. The BOWP serves as a bridge between the expiration of their current work permit and the final decision on their PR status.

This permit is unique because it provides open work privileges, meaning applicants can work for any employer across Canada without being tied to one specific job or employer, unlike closed work permits. This flexibility is particularly useful for applicants who may want to switch jobs or industries while awaiting their PR.

Who Can Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

To be eligible for a BOWP, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You are currently inside Canada
• You have a valid work permit (or maintained status)
• Your work permit is expiring soon
• You are the principal applicant on a permanent residence application
• You have submitted a complete PR application and received your AOR

Submitting an Express Entry profile alone is not enough — you must have already applied for permanent residence.

Who Is Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

To be eligible for a BOWP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be physically present in Canada.
• Hold valid temporary resident status (TR) or be eligible to restore their status.
• Have submitted a PR application under one of the following programs:
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program
• Agri-Food Pilot Program
• Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (if the application was submitted before June 18, 2019).
• Have passed the completeness check or received a positive eligibility assessment on their PR application.

Bridging Open Work Permit's Fee

Hands in a business suit using a sleek calculator next to official documents on a polished wooden desk, calculating fees.

The fee for applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit is $255 CAD. This includes a $155 processing fee and a $100 open work permit holder fee.

In addition, applicants may be required to pay for biometrics, which adds another $85 to the total cost. The biometrics fee covers the collection of fingerprints and a digital photograph.

The total fee is $255 CAD — made up of a $155 work permit processing fee and a $100 open work permit holder fee. Both components must be paid together. Paying only the $155 base fee is a common mistake that results in an automatic refusal, with no refund.

How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is done online through your IRCC account and requires careful selection of options to avoid delays.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Log in to your IRCC account
2. Start a new application and select “Apply for a work permit from inside Canada”
3. When asked, choose “Open Work Permit”
4. Complete the eligibility questionnaire carefully (your answers determine the correct application type)
5. Upload all required documents, including your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
6. Pay the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee
7. Submit your application online

You must apply before your current work permit expires to remain eligible and benefit from maintained status.

Even small mistakes in the application process — especially in the questionnaire or document uploads — can lead to delays or refusal, so accuracy is critical.

Bridging Open Work Permit Processing Time

BOWP processing times have increased significantly in 2026 due to high application volumes. As of early 2026, standard processing takes approximately 3 to 5 months. Some applicants have reported waiting longer. Because of this, apply as early as possible — ideally several months before your current permit expires, not just a few weeks. If you apply before your permit expires, you benefit from maintained status and can keep working while you wait. Always check the current processing time for your specific situation using the IRCC processing time tool

When Should You Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Timing is one of the most critical factors when applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

You should apply for a BOWP only after you have submitted your PR application and received your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). At the same time, your current work permit must be close to expiring — but still valid at the time of application.

Applying too early, before receiving your AOR, will lead to refusal. On the other hand, applying too late — after your work permit has already expired — can put your legal status in Canada at risk.

The ideal window is when your work permit is approaching its expiry date and your PR application is already in process. This ensures a smooth transition without gaps in your ability to work.

Planning your application timeline correctly can make a significant difference in avoiding unnecessary complications.

Benefits of a Bridging Open Work Permit

A Bridging Open Work Permit offers several important advantages for applicants who are waiting for their PR decision.

One of the main benefits is that it allows you to continue working legally in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This removes a major barrier that is typically required for employer-specific work permits.

As an open work permit, a BOWP also gives you flexibility. You are not tied to a specific employer, which means you can change jobs or employers if needed.

Another key advantage is continuity. Instead of stopping work when your current permit expires, a BOWP helps you maintain your employment while your PR application is being processed.

Overall, it provides stability and flexibility during an otherwise uncertain stage of the immigration process.

Bridging Open Work Permit Document Checklist

When applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you will need to provide:

• A copy of your current work permit.
• Proof of submission of your PR application (e.g., confirmation email or a receipt).
• Completed application forms.
• Required fees, including the open work permit holder fee and work permit processing fee.
• Biometrics (if applicable).
• Additional supporting documents, such as proof of status restoration (if required).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants face delays or refusals due to simple but critical mistakes.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Applying without receiving your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
• Waiting until after your work permit has expired
• Applying from outside Canada
• Confusing an Express Entry profile with a submitted PR application
• Uploading incomplete or incorrect documents

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of approval and help you stay legally employed in Canada without interruption.

If your work permit has already expired: You may still have options. IRCC allows applicants to apply for status restoration within 90 days of their permit expiring. However, restoration costs an additional $229 CAD on top of the regular BOWP fee, and — critically — you cannot work during the restoration period until IRCC approves the new permit. This is a significant difference from maintained status (where you applied on time and can keep working while waiting). Avoid this situation by applying well before your permit expires.

How Long Is a Bridging Open Work Permit Valid?

If your PR application is refused, your BOWP remains valid until its printed expiry date — it does not become invalid immediately. However, you are no longer on a pathway to permanent residence, so you must make alternative plans before your BOWP expires: apply under a different PR program, obtain a new work permit in another category, or prepare to leave Canada. You cannot apply for a new BOWP after a refusal without first submitting a new eligible PR application.

When Can I Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

You can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit as soon as you have submitted a PR application and meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure to apply before your current work permit expires to maintain your legal status in Canada. Applying in advance ensures you can continue working while waiting for a decision on both your BOWP and PR applications.

Limitations and Risks of a Bridging Open Work Permit

While a Bridging Open Work Permit offers many benefits, it also comes with certain limitations and risks that applicants should be aware of.

First, a BOWP is directly tied to your PR application. If your permanent residence application is refused, your eligibility for the BOWP may also be affected.

Second, you must be physically present in Canada to apply for and maintain this permit. It is not designed for applicants outside the country.

Another important limitation is that eligibility depends on having a valid AOR and meeting specific program requirements. Not all PR applicants qualify, and misunderstanding these conditions can lead to refusal.

Finally, applying at the wrong time — either too early or after your status has expired — can create complications, including loss of work authorization.

Being aware of these risks allows you to plan your application more carefully and avoid unnecessary issues during the process.

Can I Add My Spouse and Dependents on My Bridging Open Work Permit Application?

If you hold a BOWP and are employed in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). You must also have at least 6 months of work authorization remaining at the time your spouse applies. Note that as of January 21, 2025, IRCC tightened the rules for spousal open work permits — TEER 2 and 3 eligibility now only covers select occupations on IRCC's approved list. Spouses of workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations no longer qualify for an open work permit. Dependent children are not eligible for a BOWP and must apply separately for a study permit or visitor record.

Can I Work Anywhere in Canada on a Bridging Open Work Permit?

With a Bridging Open Work Permit, applicants generally have the flexibility to work anywhere in Canada for any employer. However, there are certain restrictions for applicants applying under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW).

If you are applying under the PNP, your work location must be restricted to the province that nominated you. For QSW applicants, Quebec must be selected as the place of employment.

Important: IRCC will not issue a BOWP beyond your passport's expiry date. If your passport expires within 12 months, renew it before applying. A short passport validity will result in a BOWP that expires before your PR application is decided — leaving you without work authorization.

Can I Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit From Quebec?

Yes, applicants under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. However, unlike other provinces, the place of employment must be listed as Quebec, and you will be restricted to working within that province. This means you won’t have the freedom to move to other provinces under the BOWP if you are applying through Quebec.

Can I Leave Canada on a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Yes, you can leave Canada while holding a Bridging Open Work Permit. However, you need to make sure you have a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to return. While holding a BOWP, re-entry to Canada is not guaranteed, and border officers may ask for proof of your PR application and the validity of your work permit.

Can I Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit From Outside of Canada?

The Bridging Open Work Permit is generally intended for applicants who are physically present in Canada at the time of application. However, if you leave Canada after applying for your BOWP, you can still re-enter the country, provided you meet the visa or eTA requirements.

Can You Keep Working While Waiting for BOWP?

Yes — in many cases, you can continue working while waiting for a decision on your Bridging Open Work Permit.

If you apply before your current work permit expires, you may benefit from what is known as maintained status (previously called implied status). This allows you to legally stay in Canada and continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit until a decision is made on your new application.

However, this only applies if your application was submitted on time and while your status was still valid. If your permit expires before you apply, you may lose the ability to work and will need to restore your status.

Understanding this concept is important, as it helps you avoid interruptions in employment and maintain legal status during the transition period.

Why Was My Bridging Open Work Permit Rejected?

A Bridging Open Work Permit may be rejected for several reasons, including incomplete applications, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or issues with maintaining valid status in Canada. It’s important to carefully review all application instructions and documents to ensure your application is complete before submission.

Can I Apply for PR on a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Yes, the Bridging Open Work Permit is specifically designed for individuals who have already submitted their PR application. You cannot apply for a BOWP without first submitting a PR application under one of the eligible economic immigration programs.

What Happens if My Work Permit Expires While My PR Application Is Processing?

If your work permit expires while your PR application is still being processed, you can apply to restore your status or extend your work permit. If you applied for the BOWP before your work permit expired, you can continue working under implied status until a decision is made.

Can I Work While Waiting for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Yes, if you applied for a Bridging Open Work Permit before your current work permit expired, you can continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit while waiting for a decision on your BOWP application.

Wondering if a Bridging Open Work Permit is right for you? SEP Immigration is here to help! Contact us today, and we’ll guide you through the process to ensure you can keep working while awaiting your permanent residence decision

Bridging Open Work Permit North York

A Bridging Open Work Permit can help eligible applicants keep working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application. For workers in North York, this permit may be useful when a current work permit is close to expiry and a qualifying PR application has already been submitted.

SEP Immigration assists North York clients with reviewing BOWP eligibility, checking application status requirements, preparing documents, and submitting the work permit application. This support can help applicants maintain legal status and avoid unnecessary interruptions while their permanent residence file is being processed.