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Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): A Lifeline While Awaiting PR in Canada

BOWP lets you work for any employer in any occupation, offering flexibility

 

For many temporary residents in Canada, the path to permanent residency (PR) is filled with excitement, hope, uncertainty, and quite often, long wait times. The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a vital tool offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help certain PR applicants maintain legal status and continue working while their permanent residency applications are being processed. In this post, we’ll break down:

  • What a BOWP is
  • Eligibility pathways (Express Entry, PNP, Caregiver)
  • Common scenarios and use cases
  • Challenges and expert perspectives

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

 

A BOWP is a type of open work permit that allows you to continue working in Canada while awaiting the decision on your permanent residence application. Unlike employer-specific permits, a BOWP lets you work for any employer in any occupation, offering more flexibility.


Common Pathways That Qualify for BOWP


Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST)

Best fit for: Skilled workers already in Canada with valid work permits.

Eligibility: If you applied under Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST), you’re eligible for BOWP once you receive your AOR.

Scenario Example: Rohit, an IT professional on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), applies for PR under CEC. His PGWP expires in 3 months. As soon as he gets his AOR, he applies for BOWP, allowing him to continue working seamlessly.

Opinion: Express Entry applicants are the most common BOWP users. It provides peace of mind and ensures continuity of employment, a crucial factor for both individuals and employers.

Let’s look at another pathway


Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Best fit for: Skilled workers nominated by a province for their occupation and intent to stay in that province.

Eligibility: You must apply for PR under a PNP stream and have received authorization of receipt of your application.

  • If your PNP is Express Entry-aligned, apply for BOWP as soon as you receive your AOR.

Scenario Example: Anna, a food service supervisor in Alberta, receives a nomination through Alberta’s base PNP. She submitted a paper PR application. Once she gets her acknowledgement of receipt, she applies for a BOWP and is allowed to keep working.

Opinion: Provincial Nomination Program candidates often face longer processing times, making BOWP critical. However, confusion about direct program applicants vs EE-aligned PNPs often delays applications. It’s best to look through your options critically or consult a professional if unsure.


What If You’re Ineligible?


If you’re not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), for example, if your permanent residence file is incomplete, you applied from outside Canada, or your application falls under an ineligible stream, you’ll need to explore other options to maintain your legal status. This may include applying to extend your current work permit through another eligible category, if available. If that’s not possible, you should consider switching to visitor status to remain in Canada lawfully. It’s crucial to avoid working without authorization, as doing so could negatively impact your permanent residence application.


Common Challenges

Challenge

Advice

Uncertainty over AOR

AOR must be official from IRCC, not just submission confirmation.

Misunderstanding eligibility (esp. for PNP and Caregivers)

Consult the IRCC website or a licensed RCIC to confirm specifics.

LMIA confusion

BOWP does not require an LMIA, unlike many employer-tied permits.

Bridge permit rejection

Often due to incomplete PR application. Triple-check the document checklist.

Our Insight: Why BOWP Matters More Than Ever


In today’s environment of longer PR processing times and evolving policies, the BOWP offers a critical safety net to talented professionals and essential workers. Without it, Canada risks losing valuable talent due to lapses in work authorization or forced returns. Employers benefit, too, by retaining experienced workers and avoiding the time and cost of hiring replacements. The key takeaway is that the Bridging Open Work Permit supports continuity, dignity, and fairness in Canada’s immigration system. If you’re nearing the end of your work permit and have already applied for PR under an eligible stream, don’t wait but review your BOWP eligibility and apply. It could make the difference between staying on track or facing an unnecessary disruption. And always remember: immigration pathways can be complex. Seeking professional advice ensures your application is accurate, complete, and timely.

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Key Updates to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) -3,625 Nominations Available for 2025

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – Recent Highlights

After a brief pause, the SINP program intake has reopened. On March 27, 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that it would end the temporary pause on the intake of Job Approval Forms (JAFs). This decision comes in response to a federal government mandate that has reduced the provincial nominee program allocations for all provinces by 50%. With this cut, Saskatchewan now has just 3,625 nominations for the year, marking the lowest allocation since 2009. To further complicate matters, the federal government has imposed a new rule requiring that 75% of nominees must already be living in Canada as temporary residents.

The federal government’s decision to reduce nominations has been met with disappointment by aspiring permanent residents seeking to settle down in the province. Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter expressed his concerns, emphasizing the vital role the SINP plays in addressing Saskatchewan’s workforce needs. He noted, “The SINP has been essential for Saskatchewan employers seeking to hire international workers when qualified Canadians are unavailable. The changes announced today will ensure that our reduced number of nominations is used effectively and in a way that prioritizes building our economy.”

The Changes that were implied to the SINP program

Given the constraints imposed by the federal government’s reduction in nominations, the Saskatchewan government has implemented several immediate changes to the SINP. These changes are designed to ensure fair access across sectors while maintaining the integrity of the program and aligning with the province’s long-term labor market needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

1. Prioritization of Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades

  • Going forward, candidates overseas will be prioritized for positions in the Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades sectors.
  • Recruitment for all other sectors will only be supported for candidates who are already temporary residents in Canada on a valid temporary visa.

This strategic shift focuses Saskatchewan’s immigration efforts on sectors that are currently facing labor shortages and are essential to the province’s growth.

2. Caps on Certain Sectors

  • Accommodation, food services, retail trade, and trucking sectors will be capped at 25% of the total annual nominations. This cap will help ensure that the available nominations are distributed fairly across sectors while prioritizing those areas where there is the greatest need for workers.

3. Eligibility Restrictions for Certain Occupations

  • Spas, salons, and pet care services (excluding veterinarians) will no longer be eligible to recruit through the SINP. This marks a narrowing of the focus for the program, removing certain occupations that may not align with Saskatchewan’s most pressing labor market needs.

4. Closure of Entrepreneur and Farm Owner Categories

  • The Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator categories will be permanently closed. This change will impact those seeking to establish or invest in businesses in Saskatchewan under the SINP. As a result, the province will no longer accept applications for these specific categories.



 But Why Were These Changes Imposed?

The recent changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) were primarily imposed due to the reduction in federal nominee allocations. These changes aim to balance the province’s labor market needs with federal immigration guidelines and budget constraints. The caps placed on certain sectors, such as accommodation, food services, and retail trade, help ensure that the limited nominations are allocated in a way that benefits the most critical sectors first. This is done to maintain fairness in the program and prioritize long-term economic growth over short-term sectoral needs.

The SINP changes also reflect a heightened concern about immigration fraud. Saskatchewan has been increasingly vigilant in ensuring the integrity of its immigration programs. Fraudulent applications, misrepresentation, and the exploitation of immigration pathways by individuals or entities are serious issues. In response, the SINP has strengthened its processes to prevent fraudulent activity, such as misuse of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator categories and hiring low-skilled and unskilled foreign workers. Closing these categories reflects an effort to protect the program from being abused and ensures that only legitimate candidates are selected. Furthermore, strict verification of applicants’ credentials and experience has been emphasized to prevent fraudsters from entering the province through misrepresented applications.

How will these changes impact new aspiring immigrants who want to become permanent residents in Saskatchewan?

These changes, primarily driven by the federal allocation cut and new requirements, will significantly impact aspiring immigrants seeking permanent residency in Saskatchewan.

Firstly, the province will implement a more stringent selection process to ensure that the most qualified applicants are chosen. This could lead to longer wait times for those applying. Applicants in sectors outside of high-demand fields may find it more difficult to qualify for the SINP. For example, individuals seeking to work in retail, accommodation, or food services may face fewer opportunities.

Secondly, there will be an increased focus on Temporary Residents Already in Canada.

Finally, aspiring immigrants who are currently abroad and seeking to immigrate to Saskatchewan will face more barriers. The provincial government is now less focused on overseas applications, particularly for sectors that are not prioritized, such as healthcare, agriculture, and trades.

The changes to the SINP will create both challenges and opportunities for aspiring immigrants. To improve your chances of success, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and ensure that your application aligns with the updated criteria. Strengthening your qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency will make your application stand out while ensuring that your intentions to settle in Saskatchewan are clear and genuine. 

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Canada's New Express Entry Changes: A Strategic Shift Towards Canada's Labour Market Aligned Need

On February 27th, the IRCC announced new changes to the Express Entry system. This appeared like a conscious move taking into account the needs of certain industries facing talent shortage. The introduction of a new education category and category-based invitation rounds aims to streamline the selection process, aligning federal economic immigrants with Canada’s long-term labour shortages, particularly in the healthcare, trades, and education sectors. 

The Strategic Approach by IRCC

By targeting specific skill sets and professions that are in high demand, the ministry aims to ensure that new immigrants can contribute meaningfully to sectors vital for Canada’s continued economic success. This move not only addresses the frustration of overqualified newcomers struggling to find suitable employment but also supports businesses by providing access to the skilled talent needed to thrive.


The positive aspects 


  • This decision prioritization of sectors like healthcare, construction, and education not only fills immediate gaps but also supports Canada’s long-term economic growth. It’s a strategic move that prevents revenue loss for businesses due to talent shortages while enabling immigrants to integrate more smoothly into the workforce. E.g., it’s a move toward addressing the chronic shortage of long-term and senior care professionals.

  • Continued emphasis on cultural diversity outside of Quebec: The emphasis on selecting Francophone candidates outside of Quebec contributes to Canada’s cultural diversity. It encourages settlement throughout the country, setting roots, creating multi-ethnic communities, and promoting a balanced demographic growth that enriches both Francophone and Anglophone communities.

  • Prioritizing Canadian Work Experience: Giving preference to candidates with Canadian work experience facilitates smoother transitions to permanent residency. It acknowledges the value of immigrants who have already adapted to Canadian society and gained valuable professional experience, ensuring they can contribute permanently.

However, despite these positive changes, there are legitimate concerns that need addressing


However, despite these positive changes, there are legitimate concerns that need addressing:

  1. While healthcare, trades, and education are undoubtedly crucial, focusing solely on these sectors could unintentionally overlook skilled immigrants in other industries experiencing shortages, such as technology or advanced manufacturing. To avoid missing out on these essential talents, a more balanced approach is needed. Specifically, there should be a dedicated category for highly skilled tech workers and international students who have completed their education in Canada while simultaneously gaining work experience. These individuals are in their prime, well-integrated into Canadian culture, and ready to contribute to the country’s future growth, innovation, and research. They are truly labour market-ready and represent a valuable asset to Canada’s evolving economy.

  2. While promoting strong French language skills is admirable, it could inadvertently disadvantage skilled workers from non-Francophone backgrounds, especially in regions where French proficiency is less prevalent. This is evident from the frequency of draws in Express Entry, which highlights the focus on French language skills. In light of the ongoing geopolitical turmoil, now more than ever, Canada needs individuals who bring stability and the ability to navigate such disruptions. A stronger emphasis on meritocracy is crucial. Otherwise, we risk underrepresenting skilled immigrants who are vital to provinces outside of Quebec.

  3. There is a noticeable gap in the current immigration pathways for self-employed individuals and business immigrants despite the significant potential they hold. These individuals, often entrepreneurs or skilled professionals with years of experience, rarely find suitable pathways to immigrate as entrepreneurs.  The lack of accessible pathways overlooks the fact that vetted, experienced immigrants can inject valuable capital into the economy, create jobs, and foster innovation.

    Self-employed individuals and business immigrants bring more than just financial investment—they contribute a wealth of knowledge, global business connections, and a keen understanding of market demands. These traits can help stimulate local economies, especially in regions that are underdeveloped or facing economic challenges. Furthermore, their businesses can provide stable, long-term employment opportunities for Canadian workers, helping to diversify and strengthen various industries.

Takeaway


The newly introduced categories are good for addressing labour shortages and strengthening the economy, but it’s essential to mitigate potential drawbacks such as sectoral limitations and underrepresentation of non-Francophone immigrants. A balanced immigration strategy that considers diverse contributions and societal values will ensure Canada’s continued success as a welcoming and prosperous nation.

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