Bridging Open Work Permit Eligibility Guide.
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows a PR applicant to keep working legally in Canada after receiving an AOR, while waiting for IRCC’s final decision.
Option 1: Permanent residence using Express Entry
Option 2: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
For PNP (not through Express Entry):
- You are living in Canada and plan to live outside Quebec at the time of the BOWP application.
- You may leave Canada while your application is being processed.
- However, if you leave Canada after your work permit expires, you will not be able to work until your new application is approved.
- You have a valid work permit, maintained status as a worker, or are eligible to restore your status.
- You are the principal applicant in the permanent residence application (accompanying spouse and child are not eligible for BOWP).
- Your provincial nomination has no employment restrictions.
For PNP (Through Express Entry):
- You are living in Canada and plan to live outside Quebec at the time of the BOWP application.
- You can leave Canada while your application is being processed.
- However, if you leave Canada after your work permit expires, you cannot work until your new application is approved.
- You have a valid work permit, maintained status as a worker, or are eligible to restore your status.
- You are the principal applicant in the permanent residence application (Accompanying spouse and child are not eligible for BOWP).
- Your provincial nomination has no employment restrictions.
- You submitted a complete PR application and passed the completeness check.
- Submitting an Express Entry profile is not the same as applying for permanent residence.
- Make sure you understand how Express Entry works.
- You have an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter.
- IRCC sends this letter to your account after it receives your PR application.
Option 3: Quebec skilled workers
Option 4: Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
Option 5: Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
Option 6: Agri-Food Pilot
Supporting documents:
- The supporting documents are listed in the document checklist.
- Copy of Current Work Permit: Must be valid, and the application must be submitted before it expires.
- Passport and Digital Photo,
- A copy of your nomination letter.
- Proof of PR application: AOR letter (or confirmation email) confirming your PR application has been submitted.
How to apply
When you apply, make sure you:
- select “Open work permit” as the type of work permit
- pay the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee
In most cases, you must apply online. If you are having problems applying online, you can apply on paper.
Questions & Answers
Eligible vs Ineligible PR Programs for a BOWP Application
Eligible vs Ineligible PR Programs for a BOWP Application:
| PR Program Category | Eligible for BOWP? | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP) | Yes | You must be the principal applicant and have received your AOR. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Yes (with conditions) | Your nomination letter must state that there are no employment restrictions. |
| Quebec Skilled Worker | Yes | You must hold a valid Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ). |
| Agri-Food Pilot | Yes | Eligibility is confirmed after receiving a positive eligibility assessment. |
| Spousal Sponsorship | No | Spouses have a separate, dedicated open work permit application process. |
| Refugee Claims | No | Refugee claimants follow a different system for obtaining work permits. |