Waiting for your Canadian permanent residence application can be stressful, especially when your current work permit is about to expire. A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may help eligible PR applicants continue working legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.

Unlike an employer-specific work permit, a Bridging Open Work Permit generally provides greater flexibility because it is an open work permit.

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A BOWP Canada is designed for certain permanent residence applicants who need to maintain their work authorization while their PR application is being processed.

The purpose is to “bridge” the gap between the expiry of your current work permit and the final decision on your PR application.

In simple terms:

Current Work Permit → PR Application → Bridging Open Work Permit → Continue Working → PR Decision

A BOWP is generally not tied to one specific employer, giving eligible applicants more flexibility to work in Canada.

Important: Not every PR applicant qualifies for a Bridging Open Work Permit. Eligibility depends on the immigration program, PR application status and other requirements.

Who Can Apply for a BOWP?

You may qualify for a BOWP if you meet the applicable requirements, which generally include:

• Being in Canada when applying.
• Having submitted an eligible permanent residence application.
• Receiving the required confirmation that your PR application has passed the completeness check.
• Holding a valid work permit that is expiring or otherwise meeting the applicable requirements.
• Meeting the conditions of your particular PR pathway.

Eligibility can differ depending on whether you applied through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or another eligible economic immigration program.

How Does a BOWP Help While Waiting for PR?

Suppose your current work permit expires in three months and your PR application is already being processed.

If you qualify, applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit may allow you to continue working while waiting for your PR decision.

This can help you:

• Continue working legally in Canada
• Maintain your income
• Avoid unnecessary employment interruptions
• Have greater flexibility to change employers
• Continue gaining Canadian work experience
• Maintain your temporary resident status, where applicable

What Are the BOWP Requirements?

Before submitting a BOWP application, check the requirements that apply to your specific PR program.

Your PR Application

You must have submitted a qualifying permanent residence application. Simply creating an Express Entry profile does not automatically make you eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

Application Completeness

For many applicants, the PR application must have passed the required completeness check and you must have received the appropriate confirmation from IRCC.

Your Current Work Permit

Your current work authorization and expiry date are important when determining your options.

Your Location

BOWP eligibility generally requires you to be in Canada when applying, subject to the specific rules applicable to your situation.

When Should You Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

If your work permit is expiring while waiting for PR, do not leave your application until the last minute.

If you are eligible, applying before your current work permit expires may allow you to benefit from maintained status, provided you meet the applicable requirements.

Maintained status may allow you to continue working while IRCC processes your application.

Start Preparing Early

Keep important documents ready, such as:

• Current work permit
• PR application confirmation
• IRCC correspondence
• Passport
• Employment documents
• Other supporting documents required for your application

Can You Change Jobs With a BOWP?

Generally, yes.

Because a Bridging Open Work Permit is an open work permit, eligible holders generally have more flexibility to change employers than people holding an employer-specific work permit.

For example, you may be able to change jobs without applying for a new employer-specific work permit.

However, always check the conditions printed on your work permit, as restrictions may apply in certain situations.

What If Your BOWP Application Is Still Processing?

If you submitted your application before your current work permit expired and meet the requirements for maintained status, you may be able to continue working while waiting for a decision.

However, submitting an application does not automatically provide unrestricted work authorization.

Your work rights depend on factors such as:

• The type of application submitted
• When you submitted it
• Your previous work permit conditions
• Whether you meet the maintained-status requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit Canada, avoid these common mistakes:

• Waiting until your work permit has already expired.
• Assuming every PR applicant qualifies for a BOWP.
• Applying without confirming your PR application status.
• Working outside the conditions of your existing permit.
• Providing incomplete or inconsistent information.
• Ignoring IRCC requests for additional documents.
• Assuming maintained status applies to every situation.

Keep Your Work Authorization on Track

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) can be an important option for eligible PR applicants who want to continue working in Canada while waiting for their permanent residence application to be finalized.

Because eligibility and application requirements depend on your specific situation, it is important to review your options before your current work permit expires.

Planning to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit or worried about your work permit expiring while waiting for PR? Contact Providus Immigration for professional guidance on your Canada PR and work permit options.