Bridging open work permit (BOWP)

For which permanent residence processes?

According to IRCC, the BOWP may concern applicants to, among others:

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades);
• the Provincial Nominee Program;
• the Québec skilled workers category and the Québec investors category;
• certain pilot programs, depending on the rules in force.

The eligible programs may change: we check them when you start.

The conditions to check

Under the rules published by IRCC, including:

• being the principal applicant on the permanent residence application;
• having received the acknowledgment of receipt for that application and, for Express Entry and provincial nominees, having passed the completeness check;
• having valid status: a valid work permit, or an expired permit with maintained worker status, or being eligible for restoration of status;
• living in Canada (with the intention of living outside Québec for Express Entry and provincial nominees; in Québec for Québec skilled workers);
• submitting the application online in most cases, with the applicable fees.

If you leave Canada after your permit expires, you cannot work before the new application is approved. Applications from outside Canada are not possible for this process.

Depending on your situation

Express Entry and provincial nominees

The conditions about living outside Québec apply. The acknowledgment of receipt and, depending on the case, the completeness check are preliminary steps.

Québec skilled workers

According to Québec.ca, with the acknowledgment of receipt of the permanent residence application, the BOWP is requested from IRCC and no CAQ is then required. Temporary measures may apply to certain Québec workers who have submitted a permanent selection application (PSTQ): they are time-limited and need to be checked.

Your spouse

Your spouse may have their own options: see our page on the spousal open work permit.

How we can help

Pro Immigration can help you:

• review your eligibility depending on your permanent residence program;
• check your status and your permit's expiry date;
• check the acknowledgment of receipt and the documents specific to your program;
• prepare the forms and supporting documents;
• file the application;
• follow the file through to a decision.

We cannot guarantee eligibility or approval: the decision rests with IRCC.

Documents to prepare

Depending on your situation:

• your identity documents and passport;
• proof of your status and your current work permit;
• the acknowledgment of receipt for your permanent residence application;
• the documents specific to your program (for example an invitation, a provincial nomination or a CSQ, depending on the case);
• the other usual documents for a work permit application.

After the application

IRCC reviews the application and processing times vary. Your right to work while you wait depends on your status when you apply: see maintained status and restoration of status.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can everyone with a permanent residence application get a BOWP?

No. Eligibility depends on the permanent residence program, your status and several conditions.

Is the acknowledgment of receipt necessary?

Yes: it is one of the required documents, together with, depending on the program, a letter specific to it.

Can the application be submitted from outside Canada?

No, for this process you must be in Canada with valid status.

What should I do if my permit expires before a decision?

If an application was submitted in time, your status may be maintained; otherwise, restoration is sometimes possible within specific deadlines. A quick review is recommended.