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.