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
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.
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:
- Log in to your IRCC account
- Start a new application and select “Apply for a work permit from inside Canada”
- When asked, choose “Open Work Permit”
- Complete the eligibility questionnaire carefully (your answers determine the correct application type)
- Upload all required documents, including your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
- Pay the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee
- 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
The processing time for a Bridging Open Work Permit can vary depending on whether you apply online or by paper, as well as your current location within Canada. On average, processing can take a few weeks to several months.
Online applications tend to be processed faster, and they allow you to track your application’s progress more easily. You can also submit additional documents online if needed, which helps speed up the 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).
How Long Is a Bridging Open Work Permit Valid?
A Bridging Open Work Permit is typically valid for one year or until a decision is made on your PR application. If your PR application takes longer to process than expected, you may apply for an extension to continue working in Canada under the same conditions.
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.
Can I Add My Spouse and Dependents on My Bridging Open Work Permit Application?
Yes, spouses or common-law partners of Bridging Open Work Permit holders may be eligible for an open work permit of their own. For this to happen, certain conditions must be met.
The BOWP holder must have a valid work permit for at least six months and be employed in an occupation that falls under National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Levels 0, A, or B.
It’s important to note that dependent children of BOWP holders are not eligible for open work permits. Instead, they must apply for a work permit through an LMIA or an LMIA exemption, depending on their specific situation.
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.
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.
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
FAQs
Yes, you can travel outside Canada, but you will need a valid visa or eTA to return.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can change from a closed permit to a BOWP.
Yes, if your PR application takes longer than expected, you can extend your BOWP, provided you meet the conditions.
If your PR application is refused, your BOWP becomes invalid, and you must stop working unless you obtain another valid permit.
