BOWP vs PGWP — Bridging Open Work Permit vs Post-Graduation Work Permit
Both BOWP and PGWP are open work permits — letting you work for any Canadian employer without an LMIA. But they serve different applicants and different stages of the immigration journey. Most often you'll transition from PGWP to BOWP when your PGWP is expiring and you have a PR application in process.
Quick comparison
| Factor | PGWP | BOWP |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Graduates of eligible Canadian DLI programs | PR applicants whose current work permit is expiring + PR application is acknowledged |
| Open or closed | OPEN — any Canadian employer | OPEN — any Canadian employer |
| Issued for | Length of program (8 months to 3 years) | Up to 24 months OR until PR decision |
| One-time or renewable | ONE-TIME ONLY | Can be renewed if PR still pending |
| PR application required | No | YES — must have PR application acknowledged |
| Eligible PR programs | N/A | EE (FSW/CEC/FSTC), PNP base + EE, AIP, Quebec PEQ/QSWP, RCIP, others |
| Application timing | Within 180 days of graduation | Apply when PR is acknowledged + current permit is expiring within 4 months |
| Spouse SOWP | Spouse can apply for SOWP if you're TEER 0/1/2/3 | Spouse can apply for SOWP if you're TEER 0/1/2/3 |
PGWP — your first open work permit after Canadian study
PGWP is a one-time open work permit available to graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions. Duration matches the program length:
- 8 months to less than 2 years program → PGWP for same length
- 2+ years program → PGWP for 3 years
- Some master's programs (1-2 years) qualify for 3-year PGWP
Apply within 180 days of program completion. After PGWP expires, you cannot get another PGWP. You'll need to transition to LMIA, BOWP (if PR in process), or another work-permit category.
BOWP — bridge to PR while waiting
BOWP exists to keep PR applicants working in Canada while their PR application is processed. Eligibility requirements:
- Currently in Canada with valid status
- Current work permit expires within 4 months (some streams allow longer)
- PR application acknowledged by IRCC (AOR — acknowledgement of receipt)
- Eligible PR program — Express Entry (post-ITA stage), PNP (with nomination), AIP (with confirmation of acceptance), QSWP/PEQ, RCIP, Health Care Worker pilot, etc.
BOWP is processed by IRCC in 4-8 weeks. Apply via the IRCC secure portal.
The PGWP → BOWP transition (most common scenario)
Standard timeline for an international student → PGWP → BOWP → PR pathway:
- Year 0: Graduate from Canadian DLI program → apply for PGWP within 180 days
- Year 1-2: Work under PGWP (any Canadian employer) — accumulate 12+ months of TEER 0/1/2/3 work for CEC eligibility
- Year 1-2: Submit Express Entry profile, receive ITA, file PR application → get AOR
- 4 months before PGWP expiry: Apply for BOWP
- Year 2-3: BOWP keeps you working while PR application processes
- Year 2-3: PR decision → if approved, you become a PR
When you can't use BOWP
- You have a PR application in process but no AOR yet (e.g., still in Express Entry pool — no ITA)
- Your current work permit isn't expiring soon (and you don't need BOWP)
- You're outside Canada when your PGWP expired
- You're under a removal order or have other inadmissibility flags
What to do if you don't qualify for BOWP
- LMIA-based work permit — get an employer to sponsor an LMIA + apply for closed work permit. Slower (3-6 months LMIA + 4-12 weeks WP) but viable
- LMIA-exempt categories — ICT (C12), GTS, CUSMA Professional, Mobilité Francophone, Significant Benefit (C10) — case-by-case eligibility
- Visitor record — extends status as a visitor (no work authorization) while you sort out other options
- Leave + re-apply — leave Canada before status expires, re-apply from outside with new authorization
FAQ
Can I get a BOWP if my PGWP is expiring and I've applied for PR?
Yes — that's the textbook BOWP use case. If you've submitted a complete PR application (Express Entry, PNP, AIP, etc.) AND IRCC has acknowledged receipt AND your current work permit is expiring within 4 months, you can apply for BOWP. BOWP is an open work permit valid until PR decision (or 2 years, whichever is sooner).
Can I have both PGWP and BOWP active?
Sequentially, yes — your PGWP expires, then BOWP takes over. Concurrently, no — you only hold one work permit at a time. The transition is seamless if BOWP is approved before PGWP expires.
What if my PGWP expired and I didn't apply for BOWP in time?
If you didn't maintain status, you lose authorization to work and study. You can apply for Restoration of Status within 90 days of status loss — but you cannot work during this 90-day period (it's recovery, not bridging). Apply for BOWP simultaneously with restoration if PR application is in process.
Does BOWP add to my Canadian work experience for CEC?
Yes — work under BOWP (TEER 0/1/2/3) counts as Canadian work experience for CEC. This is useful for applicants who need more experience to maximize CRS or qualify for other PNP streams.
How long can I keep my BOWP renewed?
BOWP is generally issued for 2 years OR until PR decision, whichever is sooner. If your PR application is still pending at expiry, you can apply for a BOWP renewal.
PGWP expiring? Plan your BOWP — or LMIA fallback
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) maps the right work permit transition based on your PR application stage. Free 15-min review.
Free BOWP/PGWP Review →Related: PGWP · BOWP · PGWP vs LMIA · Open vs closed WP