Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada — Deep-Dive Guide 2026

BOWP exists to keep PR applicants working in Canada while IRCC processes their PR application. It's one of the most strategically important work permit categories for those transitioning from temporary to permanent status. This page covers the full eligibility framework, application steps, and what to do at each milestone.

What BOWP is — and isn't

BOWP is an LMIA-exempt open work permit (exemption code A75 for some PR streams; varies by program). It allows PR applicants to continue working in Canada while their PR application is processed. It is NOT:

• A right (IRCC can refuse)
• Available before you have AOR for your PR application
• Indefinite (up to 2 years, renewable if PR still pending)
• An eligibility shortcut to PR (you must already have a PR application in process)

Eligibility (full requirements)

1. Currently in Canada with valid status
2. Current work permit expires within 4 months (some streams allow longer windows)
3. PR application acknowledged (AOR received) — IRCC has received + accepted your PR application; AOR letter received
4. Eligible PR program:
   • Express Entry (post-ITA stage — FSW, CEC, FSTC)
   • PNP (with provincial nomination certificate)
   • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — with confirmation of acceptance
   • Quebec QSWP / PEQ (with CSQ)
   • Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) — with community recommendation
   • Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) — with community recommendation
   • Home Care Worker Pilots (HCWP) — Child Care + Home Support
   • Caregiver pilots (legacy + transition cases)
   • Agri-Food Pilot (legacy)

Application process

1. Confirm AOR for PR application — keep your AOR letter accessible
2. Apply 30-120 days before current work permit expires — buffer time for processing
3. Submit via IRCC online portal — IMM 5710 (work permit application form, online version)
4. Pay fees: CAD $155 work permit + CAD $100 open work permit holder fee = $255 total
5. Provide supporting documents:
   • AOR letter for PR application
   • Current work permit
   • Passport
   • Letter explaining BOWP request
6. IRCC processes: 4-8 weeks typically
7. Decision: Approved (BOWP issued) or refused (status considerations apply)

What BOWP allows you to do

• Work for ANY Canadian employer (open permit)
• Work in ANY role (with exceptions like adult entertainment in some provinces)
• Work full-time or part-time
• Take multiple jobs simultaneously
• Travel internationally + return to Canada
• Accumulate Canadian work experience for future Express Entry CEC (if needed)

What BOWP does NOT allow

• Study (need a study permit; some BOWP holders can study at a DLI for short programs)
• Sponsor others (BOWP is TR status; sponsorship requires PR or citizenship)
• Vote in Canadian elections
• Receive provincial healthcare without wait period (depends on province)

BOWP duration + renewal

BOWP is issued for up to 24 months OR until PR decision, whichever is sooner. If your PR application is still pending at the BOWP expiry:

• Apply for BOWP renewal with fresh AOR confirmation
• IRCC processes renewal similar to initial application
• Renewals are routine when PR application is still actively processing

When you can't use BOWP — alternatives

If you don't meet BOWP eligibility, options:

• LMIA-based work permit — employer obtains LMIA; you apply for closed WP. 5-9 months total
• ICT, GTS, CUSMA — LMIA-exempt categories if eligible
• Visitor record — extends status without work authorization
• Leave Canada + reapply from outside

Strategic BOWP scenarios

PGWP expiring during EE wait

Common scenario: international graduate works under PGWP for 1-3 years, applies for Express Entry, gets ITA, files PR. PR processing takes 6-12 months. PGWP expires during processing. BOWP bridges this gap.

Closed WP expiring during PNP processing

Worker on closed LMIA WP has PNP nomination + filed PR application. Closed WP expires during processing. BOWP allows continued work (often for new employers since BOWP is open) during PNP-to-PR transition.

Quebec PEQ holders

Quebec PEQ applicants with CSQ + filed federal PR application can apply for BOWP — allows continued Quebec employment during federal PR processing.

Common BOWP mistakes

• Applying before receiving AOR (BOWP requires acknowledged PR application)
• Applying after current work permit expires (then on restoration, not BOWP)
• Wrong fee structure — missing the CAD $100 open work permit holder fee
• Not maintaining valid status during the gap between WP expiry + BOWP issuance — must rely on maintained status
• Trying to apply for BOWP after PR refusal — BOWP requires active PR application

FAQ

Related: BOWP glossary · BOWP vs PGWP · PGWP · Maintained status