What is a BOWP?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is an open work permit issued to permanent residence applicants whose current work permit is expiring before their PR application is decided by IRCC. The BOWP "bridges" the gap between the expiring work permit and PR approval, ensuring continuous legal work authorization for the applicant.

The BOWP is open: holders can work for any Canadian employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada (with limited program-specific restrictions). It is typically issued for 2 years or the validity of the underlying passport, whichever is shorter.

BOWP eligibility

To qualify for a BOWP, you must:

• Currently hold a valid work permit (or be in the implied-status period after applying to extend).
• Have a PR application in progress under one of these programs:
  • Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FSTC)
  • Provincial Nominee Program (Enhanced or Base — different rules apply)
  • Quebec Skilled Worker Program
  • Caregiver Class (current and successor pilots)
  • Agri-food Pilot
  • Atlantic Immigration Program
  • Rural Community Immigration Pilot
• Be in Canada at the time of application (some exceptions for specific PR programs).
• The PR application must have reached a specific stage — typically AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) for Express Entry, or nomination certificate issuance for PNP.

BOWP application timing

• Apply 4 months before your current work permit expires — IRCC's recommended window.
• You can apply when:
  • Your PR application has reached AOR (Express Entry).
  • Your provincial nomination certificate has been issued (PNP).
  • Your other PR application has reached the eligibility-confirmation stage.

BOWP validity

The BOWP is typically valid for:

• 2 years from the date of issuance, or
• The expiry of your passport, whichever is shorter.

This usually covers the PR application's processing window comfortably.

Common gotchas

• Status maintenance. If your current work permit expires before the BOWP is approved, you must be on implied status (having applied before expiry) or you become out of status — and may need restoration.
• Restoration window. If you've fallen out of status, you have 90 days from the date of expiry to apply for restoration of status. Beyond 90 days, you must leave Canada.
• Spouse and dependents. A BOWP applicant's spouse can sometimes also apply for an open work permit (subject to current SOWP eligibility rules).
• PNP nuances. Different PNPs have different BOWP-eligibility requirements. Verify your specific program's rules.

See also

• PGWP — the precursor open work permit for graduates.
• SOWP — the spousal version.
• Work Permit service.